The reality of living one's faith in today's society
A large assembly, joining in unity for the afternoon, opened smoothly with registration, art exhibition and delicious vegetarian food made by Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Catering and Hari Krishnas Albert Park.
Scott Harrison on organ and Zimcommunity performed spirited renditions of "Whole world in his hands" and "Sweet Chariot".
Welcome to Country was given on behalf of Auntie Carolyn Briggs acknowledging Boon Warrung, Warundjeri and Kulin peoples. Presentations were given by Murray Davies of Faith Communities Council of Victoria and Genevieve Marie as MC and Chairperson of Kingston Interfaith Network.
Talks, endorsement, encouragement and well wishes were given by honoured guests Councillor Tamsin Bearsley, Mayor of City of Kingston and Mr Chidambaram Srinivasan, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Key Note speaker Helen Heath OAM spoke of her's and others heartfelt experience with "The reality of living one's faith in today's society". Helen expanded the concept of "Being faithful", "Having faith in Interfaith" and "Keeping faith".
The large assembly then divided into four groups into a preferred workshop.
Workshop 1: Mixed Identities, religious and civic - Can I be true to my religious identity and at the same time be a fair dinkum Australian?
Facilitator Gary Bouma joined with a panel comprised of Rabbi Fred Mirgan, Reverand Ian Smith, Sherene Hassan, Bhakta Dasa, Lena Van der Vis and Nivy Balachandran.
Workshop 2: Refugee Stories - Celebrating the courage and achievements of refugees
Facilitator Kate Daddo joined with panel Sister Brigid Arthur, Mariam Issa, Florence Kasengela Shinandula and Zena Lythgo
Workshop 3: Understanding Head Coverings - Why women of faith wear scarves, wigs, hats and turbans
Facilitator Ginette Everest joined with a panel comprising Rabbi Allison Conyer, Rupinder Kaur, Sister Melissa Anne Brown, Dilnaz Billimora and Sarah Sabagh
Workshop 4: Skills for Conflict Resolution - An introductory workshop
Dr Siew-Fang, Law Victoria University, facilitated 6 dynamic groups exploring three emotive topics.
Summaries of each workshop were given by facilitators, Darebin Interfaith were announced as host for next year and closing performance was given by Zimcommunity with Kingston Community Choir and friends.
On behalf of Glen Eira Interfaith Network, thankyou for having us at your place, received with gratitude.