NAVIGATION

PPMN | A Shared Meal | Sunday 21 June | 7-9pm

The Port Phillip Multifaith Network are hosting A Shared Meal to raise awareness of the contributions of refugees to Australia. There are still some spots available. If you – or people you know - are part of an organisation that is a member of the Multifaith Network and would like to attend, please contact your representatives and ask if you can attend with them.

The aims of the event are to:
  • celebrate the achievements of refugees so that they can be recognised as inspirational role models for other migrants; 
  • counter some recent negative portrayals and stereotypes of migrant and refugee experiences; 
  • increase awareness of the diversity of cultural and religious groups in the Port Phillip area and commonalities between them. 
Special Guests:
Our three guest speakers from three continents represent some of Australia’s intake of refugees since the 1940s to the present day and will share their personal journeys and insights and how we all have a role to play.
Condiments:
Entertainment will be provided by local community choirs and musicians and delicious vegetarian food was provided by Vegelicious

GEIFN Gatherers: "We would just like to extend our gratitude for a beautiful evening last night of connection, openness and increased understanding." | "Merci" | "Eh? How preposterous!", "Which bit, dear, that she's black, Moslim or in Brighton", "Oh don't be daft, none of that - she said her husband doesn't drink beer. What'll we bring when they invite us over for a bbq?" "Things certainly are a'changing!" | "Shanti" | "Namaste" | "Tashi Delek" | "Bonzer, mate" | "Thank you for inviting me to such a lovely evening" | "Is it too soon to ask when the next one is?"  | "Eh? How preposterous!", "Which bit, dear, that she's a political asylum seeker, ex-university-lecturer or that got sisters from different parts of the globe working together?", "Oh don't be daft, none of that - she said you don't need a stack of certificates to get no job, she said you could just learn by doing. Is that legal? And isn't that how we use to do it before were told we needed Recognition for Prior Learning to qualify for a certificate?", "Things certainly are a'changin!" 

MORE:
If you would like to be part of the GEIFN group, please contact Carey Rohrlach 0438 371 488

ASRC | Asylum Seeker Resource Centre - June 2015

[Edited extract of June public address]

For those with a surplus, 
Foodbank is in need of:
-- Honey
-- Toothpaste
-- Shampoo & conditioner
Material Aid is in need of:
-- Large pots (suitable for families)
-- Single, double & queen sheet sets
For a full list of needs, visit here http://www.asrc.org.au/home/our-services/how-we-help/aid/food-and-aid-network/

Did you know of benefits to your place from engaging socially enterprising ASRC Catering or ASRC Cleaning?

MORE:

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson St
Footscray
Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia
Web: www.asrc.org.au

AG | National Citizenship Consultations

[Edited extract of public address]

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse yet socially cohesive nations on earth. The open and inclusive society we enjoy today has not come about by chance. It is because of an adherence by Australian citizens, whether by birth or by choice, to a core set of values that underpin the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.

On 26 May 2015, Prime Minister Hon Tony Abbott MP, announcd new measures o strenghten Australian citizenship, including a National Consultation on citizenship to:
• improve the understanding of the priviloeges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship;
• examine ways to beter promote this understanding; and
• seek the public's view on further possible measures.

Invitation to provide written input

To obtain a broad range of views on these important issues, we invite you to provide written input in response to a discussion paper Australian Citizenship - Your Right, Your Responsibility with is available on the Citizenship website - www.citizenship.gov.au. The discussion paper includes background information, questions to start the conversation, and details how to submit your views.
Written input can be provided by 30 June 2015.
The Commonwealth Government wants to hear from you. We look forward to your participation in the National Consultation.

Senator the Hon. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services

The Hon Philip Ruddock MP
Special Envoy for Citizenship and Community Engagment

MORE:

www.citizenship.gov.au

GEACI | Glen Eira Annual Celebration of Interconnectedness

Report


It is a difficult climate with many demands on the individual and household. However, Annual Celebration of Interconnectedness has raised on night 15/6 from presenting diners and pledges from absent friends of $8,000.

The precise figure is unknown as efforts "in kind" are are unlimited and indefinable.

What is known, on 3/6, the $8,000 is purchasing a chest freezer and the balance is in basic grocery items including:
Oils, Rice, Legumes, Ghee, Spices, Nuts, Food Mixes and Other to fill the pledged amount up to $8,000.

16/5 Dinner costs sponsored by Caro Way.

3/6 Grocery buying discount sponsored by Needs Grocery.

3/6 Delivery costs from Elsternwick to Footscray sponsored by Man with a Van.

Throughout: Ancillary Support and moving arrangers by Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Food Bank.

Our combined efforts will assist Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in a small but meaningful way to feed, support and  overcome obstacles for over 500 people weekly.

For those wishing substantiation, a final receipt is available upon request. Unless there is a major change to plan and promises made, this constitutes concluding report.

Except to say, thank you for the role each individual plays in making this piece of the world a brighter and more equitable place for everyone, received with gratitude. Wherever and whenever this is.

On this symbolic occasion, we interconnected to lend a hand to those at a frontline and recipients who are benefitting from friends in the right time in the right place for the right reason. No need to wait until next year, usually a smile on the street is enough, patience in a queue or kindness with a telemarketer.

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Organiser: Caro Way 0438 371 488 on behalf of Glen Eira interfaith activity

SBT | Lace Up Against Social Violence | 13-14 June 2015


[Edited extract from public address]

To move forward against social violence, we must first Step Back Think.

What: Lace Up Against Social Violence is a campaign that aims to raise awareness around social violence and the consequences that a violent decision made in a split second can have on the wider community.

Why: Between 2013 and 2014, there were 19,000 reported social-based assaults in Victoria alone. Since 2000, there have been 96 deaths related to street violence. Of these deaths, 86 were male. Further, 85 were a result of a single punch.
83% of the offenders and 73% of the victims are male with the highest amount of incidents occurring among people aged 15-29.
The Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that crime costs Australia nearly $36 billion a year – some 4.1 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Assault accounts for 7% of this cost.

When: This June, help stop this number growing. Join Step Back Think and Lace Up Against Social Violence.
Register your team via stepbackthink.org to receive FREE orange shoe laces to be worn on 13-14 June 2015.

How: In June 2015, Step Back Think are giving sporting teams the opportunity to wear orange shoelaces and participate in one of our education presentations about positive actions you and your teammates can take to avoid instances of violence.

Step Back Think are providing all of this free of charge and simply ask for your participation!
Everyone Can Play A Part: Lace Up. Step Back. Think.

MORE

Step Back Think aims to drive the cultural change that ends social violence. Step Back Think envisions a nation without violence. We imagine a society that condemns incidents of social violence as they would the act of smoking inside a public space, not wearing a seatbelt, drink driving, or littering. This vision is not far from reality and is what our three pillars; Education, Research, and Awareness, are built upon.

Website stepbackthink.org

YouTube https://youtu.be/drEXbOalhBI

ICM | Sacred Journeys: Spirituality, philosophy and personal transformation


[Edited extract from public address]

What: Three Thursdays in August with Dr Nicholas Coleman

Why: For anyone interested in thinking, talking or teaching about religions and the spiritual life
  • “Know Thyself,” said the Delphic Oracle
  • “I am the Way,” said the Cosmic Christ (Jn. 14:6)
  • “Work out your own salvation,” said the Buddha.
  • And know “it is God working within you,” adds St Paul (Phil. 2:13)
  • “I was a hidden treasure who created Creation that I might be known,” says Allah
  • The way of the sacred journey is already within us (Lk. 17:21)
When: 6 to 8pm
6, 13 and 20 August 2015 (Thursdays)

Where: Melbourne CBD (to be confirmed)

Cost: $90 (concession: $75) for 3 sessions

Sessions:
1. How the wisdom of religions connects the world to God
2. The oneness of spirit and the energy of the universe
3. Realising the divine within you

Presenter: Nicholas Coleman is a significantly recognised philosopher of religion in Australia and has spoken at numerous national and international conferences.
His work in the Perennial Philosophy of Religion examines knowledge of the existence of the Divine Mystery often named “God” (G-d).
Dr Coleman’s books include Studies of Religion (2006), The Worlds of Religion (1999), The Journey of the Soul (1996), and Perennial Philosophy Today (1994).

MORE:

Bookings and Inquiries:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
PO Box 18335
Collins Street East
Melbourne, Vic 8003
Australia

PWR | Korea | From Ireland to Korea: the Power of Nonviolence and Love in Action


[Edited extract from public address]

Thirty international women peacemakers recently crossed the DMZ with women from North and South Korea. Nobel Peace Laureate and 2015 Parliament speaker Mairead Maguire speaks about power of forgiveness, the strong role of women, and the lessons we can learn for the future. Read more at official 50:50 Inclusive Democracy site>

Article published 50:50 Inclusive Democracy.




MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

PWR | US | Parliament Statement Addresses Police and Judicial Abuse of Law and Freedom

[Edited extract from public address]


Recent and recurring events across the United States have raised questions about the role and responsibilities of police and judicial officials. Permissible latitude of their actions within the law should be cause for serious reflection. Read more at official PWR site>



Parliament Communications Staff and in particular Nafia Khan contributed to this article.




MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

PWR | Norway | Three Burmese Monks Honored by Parliament at Nobel Institute


[Edited extract from public address]

Three Buddhist monks returned to Burma from Norway's Nobel Institute with World Harmony Awards, presented by the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik of the Christian Democratic Party joined Imam Malik Mujahid, Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, in awarding the monks at the opening of the Oslo Conference to Stop the Systematic Persecution of Burma’s Rohingya.

These extraordinary monks challenge the widespread perception that all Buddhist monks clamor for violence against the Rohingyas,” Mujahid said presenting the awards to His Holiness Rev. Seindita, His Holiness Rev. Withudda, and His Holiness Rev. Zawtikka.
Read More at official PWR site>


Parliament Communications Staff




MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

CoPP | Art Exhibition: Standing on Sacred Ground

What: Prepare to be amazed at the diverse range of techniques and messages being expressed.
Why: Galiamble and Winja Ulupna men's and women's recovery houses will present an art exhibition to coincide with NAIDOC week and flag raising ceremony at St Kilda Town Hall. Galiamble Men's Recovery Centre has been located in the St Kilda area for the past 37 ears and promotes Indigenous reconciliation and social inclusion through their programming and production of artwork.
When: Wednesday 10 June to Wednesday 8 July 2015
Where: The Gallery, St Kilda Town Hall, Cnr St Kilda Road and Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Cost: Free admittance

MORE:


Ngwala Willumbong Co-operative Ltd
93 Wellington Street
St Kilda Victoria 3182
PO Box 361, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9510 3233
Fax: 03 9510 6288
Email: reception@ngwala.org
Website: http://www.ngwala.org.au/galiamble-mens-recovery-centre.html