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Mark Isaacs

Writer, researcher, photographer, and community worker

A story-teller who connects people with issues all over the world to encourage and facilitate action.

Read Mark's story
Published Books

by Mark Isaacs

Published Articles

Finding human stories

behind the headlines

Mark’s work investigates the human stories at the heart of local and global events.

He has published articles online and in print for various academic, literary and news publications.

He is an independent writer, but he also accepts commissions and is always keen to discuss new ideas and projects.

Photography Exhibitions

Connecting audiences

with people and cultures

Mark’s photography complements his writing, providing people with a window into the places and people he meets through his work.

His latest collection is called Imagining Peace: A Portrait of Modern Afghanistan. The exhibition includes 8 x A1-sized art mount photos and can be associated with many types of community events.

Speaking and Live events

Interviews and speeches

to move the audience

Mark has taken part in a wide-range of speaking events where he has discussed his books, his writing, his research and his experiences.

Mark’s work is people-focused. He thinks story-telling is the best way to break down complex political issues. He not only wants people to know what is happening in other parts of the world, he wants them to take action.

He brings a personal element to any live event, be it a classroom talk, a public rally or an online forum. He believes there is great educational power in storytelling.

In his past work he has explored how communities organise to cope with exceptional circumstances of war, conflict and displacement. These are a few of the topics that he can cover: 

  • The Importance of Resisting Authority: Speaking out about Nauru
  • The Power of Community: Lessons From Peace Building In Afghanistan
  • A Unique, Grassroots Community Organising Model: The Migrant Caravan
  • The ‘Evil’ People Smuggler and Australia’s Border Control Rhetoric

Speaking events

Mark can speak about his past work or tailor a speech based on a theme or topic. 

Interviews

He has conducted interviews with newspapers, television, radio and online publications, and featured in documentaries such as Chasing Asylum.

Host & Panel events

He has years of experience hosting and speaking in panel discussions at events like national writer’s festivals. 

Other Mediums

Sharing stories in every shape and form

Photography
Raw and Unplanned

Mark’s photography provides colour and vibrancy to his words, transporting people to the locations he works in. Book him for an exhibition of his photos.

Podcasts
Recording voices and sounds

Hear directly from the people at the centre of the stories. These are their words, their emotions, their experiences.

Reporting
Delivering stories on the ground

Investigative pieces and writing directly from the field on current affairs, finding the human stories behind the headlines.

Researcher
Fact-finding missions

Reports from fact-finding missions and academic work. Mark is currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy with the University of Technology Sydney focusing on people smuggling.   

Community worker
Continuing to help those in need

Mark has always had a passion for working with people. He is proud to say that his community work informs his writing and his writing informs his community work.

Consultant & Connector
Directing you to the right people

Mark is willing to share his knowledge and experiences to help others tell the important stories.

What are they saying about Mark?

The Undesirables, an account from within the asylum seeker system, is all the more powerful a record for the unpretentious voice of the author. The tale Mark Isaacs tells is angry but disarming, since Isaacs himself is a bewildered pilgrim.

Tom KeneallyAustralian novelist, playwright, and essayist

Mark Isaacs has rightly taken a stand against a policy of secrecy and lack of scrutiny that may have hidden the truth forever.

Tim CostelloCEO, World Vision Australia

Mark Isaacs speaks to the heart of this divisive issue by giving an insight into what really goes on inside Australia’s asylum seeker detention centres, unfiltered by media bias.

Wheeler Centre, Melbourne

I was fortunate to hear Mark speak when he came to Forster to address the group Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees. Highly recommended, as now more than ever it is important to understand and treat compassionately the victims of conflict, especially in areas where Australia is choosing to become engaged.

Sandra Kwa

Isaacs allows readers to get to know and understand the human beings at the centre of refugee and asylum seeker policy, proving they are more than just 'boat people.'

Jack Rabl

One of the biggest problems with the story of asylum seekers and the Pacific Solution is the lack of information, the lack of stories, and the lack of voices...This is what makes Mark Isaacs' contribution extraordinarily valuable.

Sarah FergusonABC Journalist

His writing is evocative, bringing to life the unabated physical, emotional and mental hopelessness thousands of men have been subjected to.

Sonia NairWriter and critic

An inspiring and powerful evening filled with so much hope for the future and for peace. Thank you so much Mark Isaacs and Joanne McCarthy.

Hunter Asylum Seeker Advocacy, Newcastle

Isaacs was awarded the UTS Community Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community.

University of Technology Sydney

You could hear a pin drop in here, listening to @MarkJIsaacs talk about what he witnessed on #Nauru and urging the health professionals in the room to be brave & use our influence to fight for social justice.

Charlotte DurandAudience member, Creative Careers in Medicine conference 2019

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to grow and to learn and in the smallest way to understand and be involved. The vision, the 'goodness', the courage, the 'living hope' were all there in our speaker, Mark, in his ongoing living story, in the oneness of those gathered us beyond ourselves to worship in action.

Margot H.

I was delighted to learn of your dedicated and inspiring work on behalf of refugees
around the globe. The efforts you and others make are so important for humanity.

Leonard Galit

What a wonderful and informative experience you provided for the students! I am so impressed with your skill in speaking intelligently to the students in a way that provides clarity, without “dumbing it down”. This demonstrates great respect and competence on your part and is a rare find!

Audrey WestSt Philip's Christian College Waratah

Thanks so much for a great talk last night with Bathurst Library. Your work and the light you shine on these important humanitarian issues is profound and desperately needed.

Bathurst Library

Send Mark an email