Articles by: Moira Byrne Garton

Why I don’t need wilderness

Although I tried to lift myself to the divine, my long walk in the wilderness was largely not the clarifying and spiritual experience of Thoreau and Walden, writes Moira Byrne...

Posted on: May 16, 2017

Diversity saves us from bland, monochrome world

Diversity saves us from bland, monochrome world

“Thank God you’re here, I’m surrounded by NLUs!” A friend related the story of being greeted this way when she had joined a tourist group of Australians visiting another country,...

Posted on: July 19, 2016

On dignity and care: a response to Andrew Denton

On dignity and care: a response to Andrew Denton

Perhaps those who believe their dignity is contingent on independence could reflect on their own judgements of others who require assistance, writes Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: March 15, 2016

Asking RU OK could make all the difference

Asking RU OK could make all the difference

Are you okay? I remember the first time a colleague asked me that question, about five years ago on RU OK day. I replied with a breezy, “Yes thanks, I’m...

Posted on: September 15, 2015

“I never thought this could happen to me”

“I never thought this could happen to me”

When I meet someone affected by the lottery of life, how do I look after them? And what is the most caring way to respond to the question, “why did...

Posted on: May 19, 2015

Moving beyond ignorance through shared stories

Moving beyond ignorance through shared stories

Are you one of the six in ten Australians who have never really encountered Aboriginal Australia?

Posted on: December 9, 2014

Having places where you are welcomed and belong

Having places where you are welcomed and belong

Recent media reports surrounding the circumstances of infant Gammy are heart-rending, writes Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: August 19, 2014

Religion, politics and the ‘consistent ethic of life’

Religion, politics and the ‘consistent ethic of life’

We should question supposed Christian organisations concerned only with bioethical or so-called moral issues related to life, death and sexuality, without reference to equality, inclusion and a decent and meaningful...

Posted on: April 15, 2014

It’s 40 years since White Australia ended

It’s 40 years since White Australia ended

The last vestiges of the White Australia policy were removed on September 17, 1973. Have we as a nation evolved much since then, asks Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: September 17, 2013

One inclusive Games for all?

One inclusive Games for all?

It is unfortunate that the Special Olympics do not coincide with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, writes Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: October 16, 2012

Asylum seekers: no simple solutions

Asylum seekers: no simple solutions

Not everyone is able to experience the world of an asylum seeker as did participants in “Go Back To Where You Came From”, writes Moira Byrne Garton.

Posted on: September 18, 2012

Prominent Australians feature in “Go Back” series 2

Prominent Australians feature in "Go Back" series 2

As one way of gaining an understanding of the complexities facing many asylum seekers, why not watch series two of SBS ONE’s “Go Back To Where You Came From”, writes...

Posted on: August 21, 2012