Meet Hunter

Hunter Johnson is Founder and CEO of The Man Cave, an emotional intelligence charity that has impacted the lives of 30,000 young men across Australia.

Hunter is also the CEO of STUFF™, a men's personal care brand that champions healthy masculinity. He works as an Advisor to The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT), a charity supporting young people throughout the Commonwealth alongside Prince Harry, the President of QCT.

Hunter's work has led him to speak around the world including presenting at the United Nations, Government House, Human Rights Commission, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Town Hall, Graduation Ceremonies and various Universities. Hunter has been recognised as an Honouree for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, Finalist for the Young Australian of the Year Awards (VIC), named a Queen's Young Leader by Her Majesty The Queen.

What does 'Racism. It Stops With Me' mean to Hunter?

From a young age, Hunter’s family encouraged him to use his time, skills and resources to work for a better world. For Hunter, Racism. It Stops With Me is about using his privilege and platform to advocate for a racial justice and equity. He hopes that the campaign can provide education about the ongoing individual, societal and systemic discrimination experienced by many in Australia, and agitate people into action. He acknowledges that education is the first step, but must be followed by action.

Meet Todd

Todd is a strong advocate for the rights and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer Victorians. He is an accomplished diversity and inclusion consultant with extensive experience working with First Nations and LGBTIQ+ communities. He has helped reform social policy and cultural safety frameworks in the public and private sectors.

Todd's background in academic research has particularly focused on the social and cultural experiences of LGBTIQ+ Indigenous Australians. In 2018, along with other members of the Aboriginal rainbow community, he co-founded Koorie Pride Victoria, an advocacy organisation that campaigns for the social inclusion and advancement of Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal community.

Victoria became the first state in Australia to have a Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities, previously known as the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, when Ro Allen was appointed to the role in 2015.

Commissioner’s role

The Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities works closely with Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ communities to provide advice to the Victorian Government on the development of policies, services and programs that are inclusive and meet the needs of our diverse communities.

The Commissioner also works with community organisations, businesses and others to ensure the needs of LGBTIQ+ Victorians are better met and improves understanding about issues affecting LGBTIQ+ Victorians across the broader community.

What does ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ mean to Todd?

Racism is not something that Todd has a choice on whether to engage with or not. It’s something he has to deal with every day – in his work and personal life. Todd acknowledges that racism is a system that was imported to Australia through colonisation and still thrives today. These systems of discrimination were built to be invasive, robust and dangerous. It’s 2022 and Todd’s question is:

                     Racism. What are you doing to make sure that is stops with you?

Todd hopes that this campaign will equip audiences to better see the effects of racial discrimination on people’s lives and the role that those without lived experience of racism need to play, as allies, in combatting it. Todd notes that the Racial Discrimination Act has been in place for 45 years, yet conversations around racism remain basic, focussed on trying to convince people that racism exists. For Todd, if you don’t think that racism exists in our world, or that it’s a problem for other people to deal with, then you are probably part of the problem. Untangling the causes and effects of racism is everybody’s business. Todd hopes that in the next 45 years we are no longer having these discussions.

Meet Mariam

In 2021, Mariam was appointed as CEO of Media Diversity Australia. She has also founded the Islamophobia Register Australia, and has held multiple board positions including formerly as Co-Chair of Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights and Our Watch. Mariam has worked as radio commentator for the ABC radio and as a columnist for Fairfax media. She was previously recognised as an anti-racism champion by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Mariam’s additional past and present roles include:

• Afghan Australian Advocacy Network #ActionForAfghanistan Executive
• Australian Human Rights Commission National Anti-Racism Framework Expert Advisory Group
• Member of Human Rights Pillar UN Association of Australia (NSW Division)
• Worldwide SHEroes Mentor
• Australian Human Rights Commission Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool Expert Advisory Group
• Welcoming Australia Advisory Committee Member
• Diversity Council Australia Membership and Advocacy Director
• Our Watch Board Director

With many accolades to her name including Fairfax Daily Life 2016 Woman of the year, Mariam is renowned for influencing positive change both in the workplace and in society more broadly. Her influence is felt in the many initiatives she promotes across her social media platforms, across which she collectively has over 50,000 + followers.

In 2017, Mariam addressed an audience of approximately 4000+ in her TEDx Sydney talk, shedding light on the issue of societal privilege and how it creates an unequal playing field for diverse minority groups. Through this presentation, Mariam successfully mounted the case for why cultural diversity targets are required to help create more of a meritocracy and stamp out racism and discrimination in the corporate sector.

She has been described as a woman who uses her “considerable wit and smarts to punch holes in the stupidity of racism, sexism and xenophobia in general” and someone who has “courage, tenacity and perseverance without the protection and resources afforded by public office.”

As a fearless advocate, Mariam is accustomed to being both an advocate against and a victim of xenophobia.  In 2015, she made global headlines as she endured months of cyber-bullying for simply speaking out against bigotry. Australians responded by rallying behind Mariam using the hashtag #IstandwithMariam.

Mariam was born in Afghanistan and came to Australia in 1990 with her family as a refugee and has long been a vocal champion of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. When Kabul fell in August last year, Mariam was at the forefront of advocating for Australia to increase its humanitarian intake.

What does Racism. It Stops With Me mean to Mariam?

For Mariam, anti-racism advocacy shouldn’t just be for those who have skin in the game. She hopes that this campaign will encourage allies and those in positions of power to get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations that need to be had about racism.

Her commitment to anti-racism advocacy came out of necessity, and she notes that so many people with lived experience of racism feel compelled to engage in anti-racism as they are heavily impacted by and invested in its elimination. This is a responsibility that should be shared by all.

Meet Ashleigh

Described by Forbes Magazine as a “youthful visionary”, Ashleigh Streeter-Jones has worked in youth advocacy and campaigns since she was a teenager. Ashleigh has been recognised by the Foundation of Young Australians as one of the Young Social Pioneers, was named the youngest ever Australian Capital Territory Woman of the Year and on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018. She is the former Vice-President of YWCA Canberra and previously co-founded Jasiri Australia’s Girls Takeover Parliament in 2017.

Ashleigh has advocated for youth and gender equality on an international level, including at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence and in 2021, she was selected as one of 50 young global leaders to attend Davos at the World Economic Forum, and by Young Australians in International Affairs as a Woman to Watch in International Affairs. She is the incoming Deputy Curator of the Melbourne Global Shapers Hub, a member of Apolitical’s New Voices Council, and a member of the Griffith University EveryWhen Steering Committee, looking at creating better intergenerational justice.

In 2020, Ashleigh launched Raise Our Voice Australia, a social enterprise to boost the presence of young female and non-binary voices in public decision making. Raise Our Voice Australia has already graduated 74 young women and gender diverse people from its programs, collected 603 speeches to the inaugural Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign, and has published research on young people and politics.

Ashleigh is recognised as an international thought leader on the importance of young people in the public sector, and has presented on the topic to both domestic and global organisations including the World Economic Forum and World YMCA.

What does Racism. It Stops With Me mean to Ashleigh?

Ashleigh recognises that racism is a systemic issue. As those who benefit from the status quo, Ashleigh acknowledges that white Australians have a responsibility to challenge colonial systems of power and ensure that a better future is created.

Ashleigh is committed to learning, action and developing skills in allyship. She notes that allyship is not something that you are, but something you need to practice everyday, and that we should never stop learning.

Keyarny grew up in a large family and strong community. She had conversations about race and racism from a young age and developed a passion for advocacy and justice. Experiences of racism at school led Keyarny to develop a strong sense of self and the importance of standing up for her beliefs. Throughout her life, experiences of racism and discrimination have strengthened Keyarny’s resolve and commitment to justice. Her identity as a First Nations person has always been a source of strength, pride and belonging.

Now a mother of three, Keyarny makes sure her own children see their heritage and identity as a source of pride.

Meet Dinesh

Dinesh was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland and the second person to graduate medical school with quadriplegia in Australia. Halfway through medical school, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a cervical spinal cord injury. As a result of his injury and experiences, Dinesh has long been an advocate for inclusivity. He is a founding member of Doctors with Disabilities Australia. 

Dinesh has completed an Advanced Clerkship in Radiology at the Harvard University and currently works in the emergency department at the Gold Coast University Hospital. He is a senior lecturer at the Griffith University and adjunct research fellow at the Menzies Health Institute of Queensland. Dinesh is a researcher in spinal cord injury and a doctor for the Gold Coast Titans physical disability rugby team. He is a senior advisor to the Disability Royal Commission and an ambassador to the Human Rights Commission’s Includeability program. In 2021, Dinesh was recognised as an International Day of People with Disability ambassador.

Throughout his career, Dinesh has been recognised through various awards and accolades, including the 2018 Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s Junior Doctor of the Year, the 2019 Medal of the Order of Australia, the 2021 Griffith University Young Alumnus of the Year and the 2021 Queensland Australian of the year. Dinesh was the third Australian to be awarded a prestigious Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. His autobiography, ’Stronger’ was released in 2022 by Pan MacMillan.

What does Racism. It Stops With Me mean to Dinesh?

Dinesh feels passionate about our shared humanity and the need to see the value in all people. The barriers he has faced throughout his life inspire Dinesh to call out bigotry and prejudice, and to advocate for the rights of all people to be realised and upheld. He feels that racism is toxic and calls on us to be courageous and take a stand against it.

Meet Allira

Allira’s practice is fully immersed around culture, cultural awareness, and education, with a focus on debunking the wellness narrative to ensure diverse representation and decolonisation of a white-dominated wellness space.

Allira’s practice advocates for cultural diversity, body positivity, and mental wellbeing, utilising her platform to create conscious content that is both engaging and educational for her followers. Her socially broadcasted messaging empowers women to embrace their bodies, curves & all, and to love themselves for who they are. Allira is beginning to make her mark on the social media landscape and has recently worked with both international and national clients including The Body Shop, Kathmandu, Instagram, Libra, Cotton On, Schwarzkopf, LuluLemon, MECCA, Bioderma, Kmart, Spell, Wella, Target, Bumble and many more.

As Allira’s practitioner client bookings continue to escalate, so have her life-coaching and presenting skills. She has secured numerous speaking roles including for the likes of Instagram, AFLW, Keep It Cleaner, TAC, AllBright, Deakin Residential, Bethany Community Support, Business Chicks, and Koorie Women Means Business. As a role model to young Indigenous women, Allira’s inspirational story has been shared by high-profile media publications including Elle Australia, Shameless, The Grace Tales, POPSUGAR, and Mamamia, along with feature interviews for Vogue Australia, The Urban List, and SBS.

In February 2022, Allira released her first book ‘Wild & Witchy’ - a handbook for millennials about life, loss, spirituality and women’s intuition

While her career is thriving, Allira will always place importance on being true to herself and her connection to the roots of her Indigenous culture. Allira's connection with her culture, and learnings from her Elders, has led her to ensure that her business model will always put First Nations people first. Allira has dedicated her time to creating a private group where she offers all of services free of charge based on donations from allies and she strives to support and showcase Indigenous brands and businesses.

Allira is available for ambassador roles, social partnerships, speaking opportunities and event appearances.

She currently lives on Wadawurrung Country (Geelong), Australia.

What does Racism. It Stops With Me mean to Allira?

Allira got involves with the campaign because she felt it was important to bring attention to the continued presence of racism in Australia. She hopes that audiences are open minded, willing to learn and become meaningful allies.

Meet Jack

Born-and-raised in regional Victoria, Jack White debuted in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans at just 18 years old. He went on to play four years of American college basketball in a world-renowned program at Duke University, developing his game alongside future NBA draft picks.  

Today, Jack plays forward for Melbourne United in the NBL where he helped them secure a championship win in 2021.

Jack was one of only a handful of players to be named as captain at Duke two years in a row. He was praised for his leadership and character by renowned coach Mike Krzyzewski who called him “the best teammate ever”.

It’s this same leadership that drives Jack to use his platform and take a stand against racism. While Jack may not have lived experience of racism, he acknowledges that challenging racism is everyone’s responsibility, and is committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with those working to promote racial equity.

“People need to understand and appreciate that they have the power do something about it.”

What does ‘Racism. It stops with me.’ mean to Jack?

From grassroots games to the NBA league, basketball has long been enriched by the diversity of its players and spectators alike.

As a professional player in the sport, Jack considers himself lucky to be surrounded by racial and cultural diversity. However, he also acknowledges that the opportunities he has enjoyed are not always available to everyone.

If there’s one thing Jack wants people to take away from his involvement in the campaign, it’s that you don’t need to directly experience racism to take a stand against it. Racism shapes the way our society operates, and we are all impacted one way or another. For Jack, creating a racially just and equitable society is the responsibility of everyone - racism can and should stop with all of us.

“Racism is something everyone should be passionate about bringing down.”

Meet Craig

After a celebrated football career as captain of the Socceroo’s, Craig Foster turned his attention to the screen where he gained recognition as a three-time Logie winning sports broadcaster.

In 2019, Craig spearheaded a global lobbying campaign to free Bahraini-Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from wrongful imprisonment abroad. Following Hakeem’s safe return home, Craig was personally thanked by the Prime Minister and became a finalist for the Human Rights Commission medal.

As an Amnesty International Human Rights Ambassador, Craig has led several high-profile campaigns including #GameOver which called for the release of over 400 refugees and people seeking asylum detained by the Australian Government.

Craig was part of a team of advocates who successfully secured the evacuation and resettlement of over 100 Afghans from Kabul in 2021, including the Afghan National Women’s Football Team, female TaeKwonDo athletes and a group of young Tajik girls who are the focus of the powerful film, ‘Die or Die Trying. Escaping the Taliban.’

Craig is an Adjunct Professor of Sport and Social Responsibility with Torrens University where he teaches sports industry figures how to utilise the sector for social justice and change. He is also a member of the Multicultural Council of Australia, an honorary appointment to the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and finalist nomination for the NSW 2021 Australian of the Year.

What does ‘Racism It Stops with Me’ mean to Craig?

As a renowned athlete, media personality and white male in Australia, Craig Foster recognises his position of privilege.   

For Craig, this comes with a responsibility to call out injustice and inequity.

“[Australians] have a responsibility to interrogate our own understanding, prejudices, and institutions in order to bring to life our cultural values of fairness and equality.”

Craig feels that this campaign is a tool to trigger important conversations and develop our collective understanding of racism, both at the individual and institutional level.

He acknowledges that anti-racism isn’t about one-off actions, but is a commitment to challenging the biases that are woven into the fabric of our society.