From within the Jewish Australian community voices of dissent are emerging, people who are challenging the mainstream version of the history of Israel and the current conflict the country is involved in. They speak about how they came to their understanding of history and the friends they have lost as a result. Israel´s official history has been challenged for some time now by Israel´s New Historians and one of the latest books challenging Israel´s historical narrative has come from Israeli society itself. Avraham Burg´s The Holocaust Is Over argues that Israel´s use of the holocaust has created a nation with a self image of victimhood, which allows all sorts of atrocities against The Palestinians... 'be it fences, sieges ... curfews, food and water deprivation or unexplained killings. All is permitted because we have been through the Shoah (catastrophe) and you will not tell us how to behave.' In Australia, where the largest community of holocaust survivors lives, it has been difficult to break through the grip of the belief that Israel is the solution to ending discrimination and persecution of Jews, and must always be defended. But, this emerging voice among the Australian Jewish community is questioning the dominant story and actively supports Palestinian aspirations for justice and peace in their homeland. We speak to three Australian Jews who have thoughtfully and courageously spoken out, acted in support of Palestinians and battled their own families and communities to live their lives with integrity and candour. LESS

Since early this year homeless people across Australia have been going to soccer training each week in the build-up to the International Homeless World Cup. For many of them, playing soccer is the highlight of their week; a time to socialise, get some exercise, eat some of the free food and forget about the stresses of surviving on the streets. The training program is run by the Big Issue, with support from local volunteer agencies and support services. They train and regularly play matches against local corporate teams. This December Melbourne will play host to teams of homeless players from over 50 nations at the 6th annual Homeless World Cup. The build-up to the inaugural National Championships took place in July, with teams from across the country heading to Melbourne for the games and a two-day training camp. Street Stories followed the Sydney team, including Chad, Alex, Elmo, Garry and Mahad. These are their stories. LESS

Every year, across the country, around 55,000 older Australians enter nursing homes on a permanent basis. Of these, many will have a partner who's cared for their loved one over months and sometimes years, but exhaustion sets in, their own health suffers, and they can't continue. The result is that after a lifetime together, couples find themselves separated - at the very time that companionship and shared memories are so important. Pauline, Bill, Nina and David are all experiencing this scenario. David still lives in the home he shared with his wife, Nina lives with her daughter, they both travel to the nursing home daily, a punishing schedule in itself, leaving them little time for other things. Pauline and Bill both live in the same retirement village as their partners, but in separate accommodation because of differing care needs. They all express disappointment and sadness that at this time in their lives there's no real alternative for them but to live apart. LESS

The former gold mining town of Castlemaine, just over one hour's drive from Melbourne, hasn't seen an influx of immigrants since the Chinese 150 years ago. This industrial and historically attractive arts-based town is now the home of around 80 Sudanese and Burundi refugees. On the outskirts of town is KR Castlemaine, one of the major industries in the Mount Alexander Shire. The East African newcomers were encouraged to move to Castlemaine because of employment with the smallgoods meat company. They've been gradually settling here since September 2006 with the assistance of the New Hope Foundation and the Bendigo Regional Ethnic Communities Council. The Sudanese and Burundi elders have formed the East Africa Community of Castlemaine. This group deals with problems within its community. It's also a mechanism for the long-term residents of Castlemaine to have formal access to this new community and vice versa. The program gives an insight into developing relationships between a broad range of people who are determined to make this resettlement a success. We also hear some extraordinary stories of courage and survival. LESS