We are living at a critical point in history with the stubborn problems of rising inequality, rising fossil fuel production, and declining faith in democracy. This is a time for individuals, organisations, communities and our elected representatives to find the bravery we need to not just acknowledge, but address, the challenges we face.

There is bravery out there right now, in Australia and around the world. And Australian history is full of acts of individual and collective bravery ranging from the campaign to end apartheid in South Africa to the campaign for equal rights for same sex couples: from the green bans in Sydney's Rocks to South Australia's commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy. We have changed ourselves and the world before; if we are brave, we can do so again.

This book brings together advocates, politicians, campaigners, medical doctors, academics and a firefighter each with their answer to the question: what does bravery look like in Australia and how might it reshape our future for the better.