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GOSO | Melbourne Walking Festival / Victorian Walking Festival | 1 April-8 May 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Introducing a grassroots' walking festival for Victoria.

As far as organisers' know there is no similar walking festival in Australia.
Organisations already running walks were approached to be listed in a program of walks at no cost to them. In fact the only cost – apart from the volunteer time involved – has been the establishment of the website www.victorianwalkingfestival.com.au which has been sponsored by Going Solar Pty Ltd.

Interest in and support for the Festival has grown over the past few months. It's fair to say “the idea has legs”. The program includes some walks which form part of the National Trust Heritage Festival and the international Jane's Walk urban design walking tours. It also coincides with the Premier's Active April program.

Check out the current program:
http://victorianwalkingfestival.com.au/images/pdf/WF_Program_5-4-16.pdf

If you like what you see, then promotion of the Walking Festival is over to you and
your social media contacts – particularly liking it on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Feedback on the Festival and ideas for the future are always welcome by organisers.

MORE:
Going Solar | Walking Festival Organiser
Stephen Ingrouille
The 60L Green Building, Carlton March 2016
Internet: www.victorianwalkingfestival.com.au

National Trust Heritage Festival
http://www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au/about/

Jane's Walk
http://janeswalk.org/australia/melbourne/

Premier's Active April
https://www.activeapril.vic.gov.au

GOVV | Community Resilience Grants | Applications close 11.59pm 15 May 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Committed to preventing violent extremism by providing an effective, accessible and targeted grants programs to build social cohesion and resilience within communities across Victoria.

The Community Resilience Grants are now open and provide an opportunity for eligible community, not-for-profit, youth and peak body organisations to deliver innovative projects to address the underlying conditions of violent extremism.

The project must meet one of the following objectives:
  1. support and work with communities and young people to develop collaborative approaches to building resilience to hate and violent extremist narratives; and
  2. support and work with communities and young people at risk of violent extremism to develop their confidence and skills to advocate for their concerns and grievances through peaceful, democratic means.

Examples of successful projects include:

  • strengthening cyber safety knowledge and helping communities and families respond to negative online influences;
  • forums and workshops to help reconnect with disengaged youth; and
  • community and youth-led initiatives which create a sense of belonging and offer alternatives to violent extremist narratives.

All successful projects will be youth or community led.

Partnerships between lead applicants and other community, not-for-profit and peak body organisations are strongly encouraged.

Funding available
There is $600,000 available under these grants.

Organisations can apply for:
•small grants for between $20,000 and $50,000, and
•major grants for between $50,001 and $100,000.

All projects will be delivered within 12 months of signing funding agreements.

Applications
Online. Close 11.59pm 15 May 2016.

Find out more about the Community Resilience Grants by visiting the Community Resilience webpage, watching the YouTube video or reading/downloading the program Guidelines.

MORE:

Community Resilience Unit
Tel 1300 366 356 to discuss your application.

VCCEMT | Psychological First Aid/ Personal Support | Saturday 16 April 2016 | 9am-5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A comprehensive training package designed to equip members of faith communities to support affected residents through their participation in VCC Emergency Ministry deployments.

This training is essential for all in the faith community intending to respond to emergencies and disasters in Victoria . The Victorian State and Local Governments are continually increasing the requirements for people to enter disaster areas. The VCC is authorized by Government to coordinate and integrate faith communities’ response when disaster occurs.

The training course is a 2 stage process involving:
(a) Self paced learning and completion of the workbook. This material must be completed prior to attending the training day.
(b) Face to face training day. This day utilizes multi learning opportunities including teaching, discussion, personal reflection and role playing / scenarios to enable the trainee to assimilate the information and understand the context, roles, responsibilities and processes involved.

Where: Mt Eliza Uniting Church, 93 Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza

Cost: $80 waged or $40 concession/Refresher training   (Covers all catering, training materials and registration costs. Please inform us of any dietary requirements)  

Registrations: Online at www.vccem.org.au/training  or by Phone: (03) 9650 4511

MORE:

VCC Emergencies Ministry Training
Website: www.vccem.org.au
Tel: (03) 9650 4511

CMFN | In conversation with Inspector Breen | Tuesday 19 April | 1-3pm

I[Edited extract from public address]

Developing a collaborative approach across all sections of the community.

Inspector Breen has worked in a range of different roles since joining Victoria Police in 1987 including detective duties, specialist units, instructor at the Academy and as an Inspector at Professional Standards.

Where: Room 7, Casey Civic Centre, Magid Drive, Narre Warren

MORE:

Casey MultiFaith Network



MF | Melbourne Art Trams | CLOSING 30 April 16

[Edited extract from public address]

Closing soon after its third year, the Melbourne Art Trams project showcases some of Victoria’s brightest artistic talents as they transform our city’s iconic trams into mobile art installations.

This year’s creative focus was conceived in association with MPavilion. Established and emerging artists were invited to take inspiration from Melbourne’s architectural landscape and design a tram that responds to how design and architecture define the character of the city.

A revival of the Transporting Art project that ran between 1987 and 1993, Melbourne Art Trams is made possible through a creative partnership between Melbourne Festival, Yarra Trams and Creative Victoria.

MORE:

Presented by Melbourne Festival, Yarra Trams and Creative Victoria

Pictured is Kathy Temin's The Koala Tram example

GEIFN | Media Words | April

Approx 5 min reads appearing from around the Nation.

Intro
Roland Ashby introduces the Christ Mind derived from Christian meditation, revealing "Faith: Divine light shines as we lead by example" via WA Today

Intra
Damien Murphy explains a big history in little islands and other revelations from "Torres Strait: A new world beginning" via The Sydney Morning Herald

Inter
Kristie Kellahan explores how leadership providing positive role-modeling, personal connection and social encouragement cultivates greater self-acceptance with higher educational outcomes and "The power of girls" via The Sydney Morning Herald

Multi
Farrah Tomazin describes a situation where direct experience of truth can benefit public interest, sharing "It's time: why Victoria's Deputy Premier changed his mind on marriage equality" via The Sydney Morning

All
Michael Idato reviews a new documentary that reveals "The failure of religion is arrogance, says god-seeking Morgan Freeman" via WA Today

Togather
Maher Mughrabi shares his experience reflecting that "Lahore massacre's depravity is a political story, but it challenges Islam too" via The Sydney Morning Herald

Nobly
Lindsay Murdoch writes of an example of successful teamwork as "Saved by a rat: Rodents the new heroes in land mine clearing" via The Age

KHT | In Conversation: Making Family Art - Visual, Performative and Historical Perspectives | Tuesday 19 April 2016 | 6.30–7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A conversation about making art and telling family stories, across generations.

Featuring panelists:  Artist and Curator Steaphan Paton, Playwrights Andrea James and Elise Hearst, Curator Kimberley Moulton.
Hosted by Jane Harrison.

Join our four panelists in conversation about the joys and challenges of working with family, telling stories and their legacies. How does one tell these collective narratives, what are the impacts of sharing family histories? How do you communicate nuances and what are the expectations of how this story is told?

Where: Koorie Heritage Trust, Level 3, Yarra Building, Federation Square

Cost: FREE - Bookings Essential

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/191578 or contact 8662 6336.

Presented in partnership with Theatre Works and ARTHUR.​

KHT | Exhibition | Ngujarn and Nakun: Belonging in the other | 12 March - 15 May 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

An exhibition showcasing four generations of the Mullett family. 

Curated by Steaphan Paton.
Artists: Albert Mullett, Rachel Mullett, Kerrie Clarke, Kynan Clarke, Tehya Clarke, Seamus Clarke, Liam Clarke, Richard Mullett, Michael Mullett, Colin 'Chook' Mullett, Jennifer Mullett, Ben Pender, Luke Johnson, Hollie Johnson, Steaphan Paton, Timothy Paton, Doris Paton, Sienna Paton, Njarala Paton.

MORE:

Koorie Heritage Trust
Cnr Swanston St and Flinders St, Federation Square, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Naomi Velaphi - Public Programs Coordinator
Tel: 8662 6336
Email: info@koorieheritagetrust.com

KHT | Yurri’s Birthday Storytelling and Making | Tuesday 5th April 2016 | 1–2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Learn about Victorian Koorie bush tucker with Annette Sax (Taungurung) through the contemporary story, Yurri’s Birthday.

‘Tonight would be a very special night for Yurri, it was her birthday.  At midnight each of Yurri’s friends arrived with a basket. Inside each basket was a gift for Yurri!’
Yurri’s Birthday is written by Sue Atkinson (Yorta Yorta) and illustrated by Annette (Taungurung).
After the story Annette will facilitate a creative experience using natural materials collected from ‘Country' for the children to create a collage inspired by the story or their personal experiences.

Ages: 5 - 10
Where: Koorie Heritage Trust, Level 3
Cost: $10 (inc. GST)
Bookings: CLICK HERE

MORE:

Koorie Heritage Trust
Cnr Swanston St and Flinders St, Federation Square, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Contact Details:
Naomi Velaphi - Public Programs Coordinator
Tel: 8662 6336
Email: rsvp@koorieheritagetrust.com

KHT | Create your own Wood-Burned Wangim (Boomerang) | Friday 8th April 2016 | 10.30am – 12.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join artist Mick Harding (Taungurung) to design and then wood-burn your own unique Wangim design. 

For Mick, Aboriginal art in Victoria is unique in it’s symbolism and to encourage kids to express their creative minds can keep culture alive for the future.

In the workshop, kids will created designs on paper with Mick before using the wood-burners to transfer these designs onto wooden Wangim’s.

Parents please note: Kid’s will be supervised by Mick, however please ensure as a parent you are aware they will be using a wood-burning tool which has a heated element.

Where: Koorie Heritage Trust, Level 3
Ages: 12 -16
Cost: $10 (inc. GST)
Bookings: CLICK HERE

MORE:

Koorie Heritage Trust
Cnr Swanston St and Flinders St, Federation Square, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Naomi Velaphi - Public Programs Coordinator
Tel: 8662 6336
Email: rsvp@koorieheritagetrust.com

KHT | The Possum Hunt Puppet Show | Friday 1 April 2016 | 11am – 12pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Annette Sax (Taungurung) in this storytelling and making workshop sharing Koorie culture.

‘The Possum Hunt Puppet Show ’ is the childhood story of the late Aunty Iris Lovett- Gardiner, a Gunditjmara Elder. Aunty Iris and her brother Charlie would go on a possum hunt and with them they would take their billy tea and damper. In this workshop kids will learn about the importance of the possum skin through contemporary Aboriginal story.
The workshop will also include a creative experience using natural ochre collected from ‘Taungurung Country’.  Children and adults will grind ochre, make their own paint and can create a painting on bark, inspired by the story or their own personal experiences.

Where: Koorie Heritage Trust, Level 3
Ages: 5 - 10
Cost: $10 (inc. GST)
Bookings: CLICK HERE

MORE:

Koorie Heritage Trust
Cnr Swanston St and Flinders St, Federation Square
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Naomi Velaphi - Public Programs Coordinator
Tel: 8662 6336
Email: rsvp@koorieheritagetrust.com

BIN & ISB | Come to common terms | Open Day at Masjid Abu Bakr Siddiq (Mosque of Ballarat) | Saturday 16 April 2016 | 12-3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Applied patience, understanding neighbours, valuing hospitality, friendliness and engaging interfaith dialogue

Key note presenter Sheikh Waseem Rizvi 
Where: Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque at Ballarat, 116 Elsworth Street East, Canadian Victoria 3350

Cost: Free

 Inclusions: BBQ and meal, Mosque tour at Muslim prayer time

MORE:

The Ballarat Interfaith Network in collaboration with Islamic Society of Ballarat
May the peace, blessings and mercy of Allah be upon you

CGDIN | A Tour to Places of Worship | Wednesday 13 April 2016 | 8.30am-3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Sharing Insight, Learning about 'the Other', Respecting each other, Reflection and Self-discovery

Where: Tour departs from and returns to: Interfaith Network Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong (Free parking available off Stuart Street, behind IFN Office)

Tour Guide: Helen Heath

Tour includes:

  • Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple (Hindu) - 52 Boundary Road, Carrum Downs | Host: Mr Arunachalam Mahendran [Mahen]
  • Islamic Society of Melbourne Eastern Region, 1273 Wellington Road, Lysterfield | Host: Ms Shameela Essop
  • Morning Tea
  • St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church, 19 Herbert Street, Dandenong | Host: Reverend Father Anthony Krinas
  • Lunch (Bring your own)
  • Khmer Buddhist Temple, 458-462 Springvale Road, Springvale South | Host: The Abbott - Venerable 
Then Debriefing and Refreshments after return to Interfaith Network Office, Dandenong
Cost: $25 - covers transport and 'Many Faiths, One People' book

Respectful Practices:

  • Modest clothing worn in all Places of Worship would be appreciated.
  • All are requested to remove their shoes before entering the Sikh Gurdwara, Hindu and Buddhist Temples and Mosque.
  • In the Hindu Temple, all head coverings should be removed except those worn as religious practice.
  • Women entering the Mosque are asked to cover their heads and wear clothing which covers arms to wrists and legs to ankles, men are asked to cover their heads in the Jewish Synagogue and all are asked to cover their heads in Gurdwara. [Head covering provided in the Synagogue & Gurdwara]
  • Visitors should have no tobacco on their person when entering the Gurdwara

MORE: 

The City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network
Helen Heath
Tel: 03 8774 7662
Mobile: 0421 829 563
Email: interfaithofficer@interfaithnetwork.org.au

GOVV | Grants: Capacity Building and Participation and Community Harmony Program | NOW OPEN

[Edited extract from public address]

Make a Victorian difference and be the change you wish to see in the world.

On 15 March 2016, the Victorian Government announced the opening of two new grant programs: the Community Harmony Program 2016-17 and the Capacity Building and Participation Program 2016-17.

Capacity Building and Participation Program: Building the knowledge and skills of multicultural communities across Victoria to fully participate and contribute to everyday life in Victoria.

Community Harmony Program: Enabling Victorians to build social cohesion and community harmony through preventative initiatives that address the root causes of social disharmony and racial, ethnic and religious intolerance.

Key Dates

Tuesday 15 March 2016: Applications open (all)
Sunday 17 April 2016: Small and Large Grants - Community Harmony Program applications close
Sunday 17 April 2016: Small and Medium Grants -  Capacity Building and Participation Program applications close
Sunday 24 April 2016: Strategic Partnerships Grants -  Capacity Building and Participation Program applications close

There will also be two more grant programs opening shortly: the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program 2016-17 and the Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts Program 2016-17.


MORE:

Victorian Government | Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC)
Access Program Guidelines and Application Forms for both Programs, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants

JCCV | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Forum | Monday 11 April | 8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

What families and communities can do to minimise harm caused by drugs and alcohol use, particularly among the young.

Speakers & Panelists:
  • Stefan Gruenert, CEO, Odyssey House Victoria
  • Nathan Kotler, Family Therapist & Psychologist & Board Member Australian Jewish Psychologists
  • Dr Robert Gocentas, Emergency Physician, Alfred Hospital
Moderator: Jennifer Huppert, President, JCCV

Where: Beth Weizmann Community Centre

Cost: Free

Bookings: Limited seats. RSVP: david@jccv.org.au

MORE:

 The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV)
306 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, Victoria 3162 AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 3 9272 5566
Email: info@jccv.org.au
Internet: www.jccv.org.au

REPORT | HCWPRL | WARP Office - Interfaith Dialogue of Scriptures | Saturday 12 March 2016 | 2.45-5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Worldwide format of regular forums for invited local speakers to share the teachings of their scriptures. 

First two questions answered within 7- 10 minutes by individual speaker presentations. The last three questions are addressed as an open sit around the table discussion.

On this occasion, other scheduled speakers were from Christianity (Anglican Church), Hinduism, Scientology and Buddhism.

Speakers were invited to speak and address event's topics:
1) Has God or (Author of your scripture) recorded the ultimate goal or will in your scripture? If so, what is the ultimate goal or will?
2) Why is it important to understand the will or the ultimate goal according to your scripture?
3) Can the reader of the scriptures and understand the will of God (or the Author)?
4) In your Scriptures, does it explain what are the outcomes of the people who do and do not understand the will or the ultimate goal of God (or the Author)?
5) Is it clearly outlined in your scriptures, the instructions of how to reach the ultimate goal or will of God (or the Author)?
Sponsored by a Korean based group with a strong direction, technology-savvy and slick presentation working diligently towards peace in the world. The 2 hours format went by in a "blink of an eye".

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou for having us at this place to take part in this dynamic vision, collected presenters, helpers, organisation, skilful programming, refreshments and global pride, received with gratitude.

MORE:

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light
John Hwang, Regional Director of Victoria
Email au@hwpl.kr
Website http://www.hwpl.kr/