About Me 

 "Views from the Obelisk"  discusses personal perspectives on a variety of issues in forging a pathway to a passionate, compassionate and prosperous society.

 

The title 'Views from the Obelisk' stems from my fascination and the symbolism of obelisks.

 

In each culture, obelisks represent different interpretations and associations. In ancient Egypt, the obelisk symbolised a pharaoh’s right to rule and connectivity to the divine. In ancient Rome, obelisks embodied Rome's arrival as an empire to end all empires.

 

In more modern times, the obelisk in Central Park, New York represented the nation's repudiation of the trappings of the British empire, at the same time as it itself began to acquire imperial power in the nineteenth century.  

 

And in my hometown of Newcastle, an Obelisk was erected in 1850 as a guarding mark for sailors. Today, it oversees the city of Newcastle with an omnipotence presence. 

 

As also expressed in the publication 'Obelisk. A History', "[T]he history of obelisks is a story of technical achievement, imperial conquest, Christian piety and triumphalism, egotism, scholarly brilliance, political hubris, bigoted nationalism, democratic self-assurance, Modernist austerity, and Hollywood kitsch—in short, the story of Western civilization."

 

Through this online journal, I hope to initiate thought provoking discussion and personal reflections on issues, and be a better guiding light for our society.

 

For our society to evolve, we must at times challenge the status quo, and forge a direction which captures the best of who we are and what we can still be.

 

Our focus and commitment in building a passionate, compassionate and prosperous Australia can be captured under the fołlowing key areas:

 

1. Strengthening & Growing our Economy

(including within education, health, employment, workplace relations, business enterprises, housing, transport, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, welfare and taxation)

 

2. Nurturing & Protecting our Environment

(including grappling with the challenges of climate change, and implementing sustainable environmental outcomes) 

 

3. Reinvigorating our Democracy and Politics

(across local, state, and federal levels of government, and promoting democratic principles and values around the world) 

 

4. Defending our National & International Interests

(including engaging actively in international affairs with nations and non-government organisations,,ensuring strong Defence forces and protection against terrorism) 

 

5. Embracing our Cultural Diversity

(including in the arts, music and sports, and celebrating people's indigenous, Australian and continental heritage) 

 

6. Fostering a Sense of Community & Self

(including embracing our diversity and indigenous past, and protection and strengthening of our rights and liberties) 

 

My childhood years taught me the value of money, the importance of family, and the significance of community in supporting one another to fulfil our goals.

 

It also taught me about taking initiative and ownership in your working and personal life, about ‘the fair go’, about treating peoples the same regardless of cultural, social and economic background, and about ensuring people less advantaged are not left behind. 

 

In determining our path forward, and in making decisions on issues, we must always be guided by a sense of fairness and what is the right course for society as a whole - whether it's, for example:

 

• confronting tough economic times without leaving businesses, families and the vulnerable further behind;

 

• tackling global climate change with sustainable policies which doesn't destroy future generations way of life;

 

• enhancing better delivery of public services within budgetary constraints;

 

• dealing with domestic and international terrorism without compromising civil liberties; or

 

• grappling with an ageing society in which the quality and viability of life is not diminished.

 

I believe it is of importance to actively engage and consult with individuals and groups across the Australian and global community; to collaborate in trust and good faith, embrace and respect all opinions as a means of determining solutions which can make Australia and our world more prosperous and compassionate. 

   

We can all positively contribute to Australia’s and the world's hopeful tomorrows, to eliminate the politics of fear, and support one another to realise all our personal and society’s hopes and dreams with a renewed confidence and self-belief.  

 

My personal mantra is to leave this world in a better shape than when I arrived in it. Together, through this journal, I hope to fulfil this mantra, and contribute to bętter solutions on issues confronting our community, our society, our humanity. 

 

Best wishes on our united journey. 

 

Dino Cesta

Views from the Obelisk

 

 

My Background 

 

I established a career in the private Banking and Financial Services and public Defence industries in executive management ranks in roles including product development, marketing and management, project and program management, resource management, and strategic reform management.

 

I am a cofounder and organiser of the Newcastle Italian Film Festival, and engaged in community welfare services work on a voluntary basis on management committees as a way to contribute back to our community. 

 

I graduated with a Bachelor of Economics, Master of Politics and Public Policy, Diploma in Project Management, Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning), and Certificate in Superannuation Management.