Humanists Australia welcomes new Program Administrator
Humanists Australia would like to officially welcome Ange Miller who was recently recruited as Program Administrator. In this role Ange assists with day to day operations of Humanists Australia’s programs such as the paid membership program, fielding enquiries and communications from members and the general public about the work we do, and tasks more generally contributing to the growth and development of humanism in Australia through the national organisation.
Ange has a background in social work and project work – primarily within housing, homelessness, and mental health – and is committed to working for secular organisations dedicated to diversity and social change. Ange says, “I was drawn to working for Humanists Australia through my belief that religion is not a requirement for living a meaningful life. I believe a meaningful life can instead be guided by ethics, social justice, and scientific rationale, and inspired by compassion for the human experience and its inherent diversity. I have a strong commitment to using my professional qualifications and skills to advocate for social policy and change that reflects this.”
After 14 years living in Melbourne, Ange recently relocated back to her hometown in Queensland to live closer to family and bask in the sunny, warm climate. She lives in Bundaberg with her husband, child and three cats. Alongside her most important role as parent to her beautiful nearly 9 year old son and her HA role, Ange is currently undertaking a master of Professional and Applied Ethics via The University of Melbourne. “I’m currently formulating my thesis topic, working through broad ideas around pain, suffering, dying with dignity and the ethics and values underpinning how we respond to these human experiences through various forms of media – particularly in light of social and institutional expectations.”
Ange has always been fascinated with how various forms of media, both fiction and non-fiction, depict human behaviour, social issues, and the social institutions that shape them. “I have always found it hard to pinpoint my favourite book or film, but one example important to me from both forms of media is ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest’. For me, the story remains important in contemporary times as an historical record of what we expect and accept culturally across eras. It is useful for us to confront and reflect on our past treatment of vulnerable or oppressed groups and to prompt us to reflect on where we are at today, and critically analyse if we are on the right path and wallow in the grey areas of where we can further improve.” Ange also says, “As much as I love watching a good film, I also adore watching a good documentary… so much so, you could say my son’s name, Louis, was quite substantially inspired by British documentary maker, Louis Theroux.”
