NAVIGATION

GOVV | CALL FOR RESPONSES | Victoria's Bail System | CLOSE 28 February 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

A review into Victoria's bail system is currently being conducted by The Hon. Paul Coghlan QC and is now open for public submissions. 

To submit or obtain further information on the review, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/bailreview

MORE:
State Government of Victoria
Department of Justice and Regulation
Email: bailreview@justice.vic.gov.au
Postal: Bail Review, 26/121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

PPLS | TALK | True confessions of a Potato Queen – Alexander O. Montgomery | Thursday 23 February | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Alexander O. Montgomery, avowed Potato Queen, is as subtle as a straight right to the jaw, just as bracing, and as brutally honest as one can get! 

Holding nothing back, his tell-all book True Confessions of a Potato Queen exposes the lives, loves and lusts of gay Asian males who will only date Caucasian men.

So, is the Potato Queen a gold digger, a traitor to his own kind? Or is he someone who hates himself? Where does he stand in today’s society - is this label derogatory? Is this purely a preference or sexual racism at its finest?  Join Alexander O. Montgomery in person as he spills the beans on this controversial issue. You can also catch Alexander in the television show Date My Race, airing 27 February on SBS.

Where: St Kilda Library

Bookings: Please book online through Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/true-confessions-of-a-potato-queen-tickets-31700798943
Event booked out? Put your name down to be notified if a space becomes available. Just select ‘Add to Waitlist’ on the Eventbrite listing page.  You’ll need to do this for each person you want to add to the list.
Need to cancel? Please let us know if you can no longer make your booking. We get a lot of people on the waitlist who might miss out if you can’t come.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

CCJV | Religion and Freedom of Speech | Sunday 19 February 2017 | 3–5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join in this conversation with seasoned speakers David Marlow and Mark Zirnsak.

David Marlow has been the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) for four years following an executive career in non-profits, retail, call centre management and banking in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. He is member of the Victoria Police Interfaith Council and Multicultural Reference Group, State Multifaith Advisory Group, Aboriginal Reconciliation Coalition, Alcohol Policy Coalition and chair of the Victorian Defending 18C Coalition. He has an MBA from Monash University, as well as a B.Comm, a B.Bus (Banking) and a Grad Dip Bus Tech.

Mark Zirnsak is the Director, Justice and International Mission, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church in Australia. He was employed as the Synod Social Justice Development Officer in the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania in June 1999 and became Director of the Justice and International Mission Unit of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania in early 2004. Mark is a member of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Ministerial Advisory Council, the Victorian Alcohol Policy Coalition and Chair of the Victorian Inter-Church Gambling Taskforce and Victorian Inter-Church Criminal Justice Taskforce. Mark is a member of the Secretariat for the Tax Justice Network​ in Australia. He is also active in anti-corruption movements, including Publish What You Pay Australia and Transparency International Australia. He has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne. He is married and has three children.

Cost: $10 including Kosher afternoon tea

Bookings: RSVP for catering purposes. Email ccjvic@bigpond.net.au

MORE:
The Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria)
326 Church Street, Richmond 3121
Tel: (03) 9429 5212

MIN | Places of Worship Tour | Wednesday 22 February 2017 | 9.30am–2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A bus trip into friendliness


2 Pick-up points: 
  9.30am | Melton City Council carpark, 232 High St, Melton VIC 3337
10.00am | Caroline Springs Library carpark, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

Cyprus Turkish Islamic Community Mosque
618 Ballarat Road, Ardeer
Special requirements: Take shoes off before entering the Mosque. Ladies to wear scarf while inside

Kundrathu Murugan Kumaran Sri Lankan Hindu Temple
110 Gray Court, Rockbank
Special requirements: Take shoes off before entering the temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
599 High Street, Melton

Returns to origin points:
2.00pm | Melton City Council
2.30pm | Caroline Springs Library

Cost: Free

Inclusions: Lunch will be provided at the Church for all participants

Bookings: RSVP 15 February 2017 to Maria mariascientologyvic@gmail.com

MORE:

The Melton Interfaith Network

Maria
Tel: 0409 046 172
Email: mariascientologyvic@gmail.com

BCV | 20th Anniversary Celebration | Saturday 25 March 2017 | 9am-3.30pm

[Edited extract from public addresses]

A family day event for Buddhists, friends and is open to all. Participating will be just some of the many different cultures and lineages that come under the umbrella of Victorian Buddhism.

The program is being finalised but is expected to include the following activities:
  • Welcome to Country by Indigenous Leader
  • Pindabata – traditional alms round and food offering for the monastics
  • Vegetarian lunch to raise funds for the BCV
  • Dhamma sessions covering Spiritual care as spiritual practice, Harmony in the family and Dhamma in the 21st century
  • Temple tour
  • Meditation workshops
  • Children’s program
  • Official Launch of the “Buddhism in Victoria” website
Where: Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook, Vic 3019

Cost: Free.

How: Keep the dates free, watch out in local media or express your personal/group's interest to be kept informed.

In 2017, the Buddhist Council of Victoria (BCV) marks its 20 year milestone in serving the community and on the 25th of March, we are having a celebration. This event is to bring Buddhists, wider community and friends together, to share the journey and to celebrate achievements. There will always be more work that can be done, so will provide an opportunity to raise important funds for the BCV.

Other Public Buddhist Community Events Queuing:
Saturday 15 April 2017 (Evening)
Vesak Victoria Multicultural Friendship Dinner, Quang Minh Temple, Braybrook. This a Great thing to organize a table for. It is a fundraiser for Vesak Victoria so there is a cost, but happy to organize a sponsor for anyone experiencing financial difficulty and would like to attend.

Saturday 27 May 2016 (Partial/Full Day Program)
Vesak Victoria Commemoration of Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak - the Buddha, Life and Enlightenment
a) Morning: Pindabata/Dana, St Peters Anglican Church, East Melbourne
b) Midday-ish: Friendship Walk, Parliament Gardens East Melbourne to Melbourne Town Hall
c) Afternoon: Commemoration, Melbourne Town Hall

Buddhist community of Victoria looks forward to this participation of togetherness, celebration and joyfulness. Let us celebrate 20 years of community building with multifaith and multi-traditions. Thank you in advance for your support.

MORE:
Buddhist Council of Victoria
Email: 20anniversary@bcv.org.au
Website: www.bcv.org.au
Buddhists Tell: 0490 767 883
Vesak Victoria Tell: Julian 0400 267 330
Interfaith Tell: Carey 0438 371 488

This listing is a collaboration between BCV and Vesak Victoria

JCMA | RESPONSE | Canada Mosque Tragedy | 1 February 2016

[Public address from Rabbi Ralph Genende, JCMA President]

To our Muslim Brothers and Sisters

We were deeply distressed to hear of the Quebec City Mosque shooting and the tragic loss of life.

We join together as Jews, Christians and Muslims to condemn this violent attack in a place and at a time of peace and prayer. We express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and those injured in the attack in Canada.

We stand in solidarity with the Canadian President, Justin Trudeau, and the Canadian Community that have shown a collective outpouring of empathy for the Muslim community affirming them as being important and valued members of their community.

We stand together in the hope that our love and compassion will help overcome bigotry and hatred, intolerance and extremism and we unite in peace. We all deserve to feel safe in a community we call home.

May the blessing of Shalom, Peace, Salaam speedily grace our planet.
Rabbi Ralph Genende JCMA President on behalf of JCMA

MORE:
Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA)
383 Albert St., East Melbourne Vic 3002
Ginette Everest, Executive Officer
Tel: (03) 9287 5590 / Mobile: 0400 211 221
Email: executiveofficer@jcma.org.au                  
Web: http://www.jcma.org.au
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jcmaoz                
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcmaonline

FIMO | FESTIVAL | Desi Fiesta: The Federation of Indian origin Multi-Faith Organisation | Sunday 5 February 2017 | 4-7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A celebration of Australia Day and Indian Republic Day. 

Highlights:
• Book Launch 'Sikhing Success and Happiness' by Dya Singh
• Cultural Performance Stage
• FIMO Community Service Honours
• Food + Drinks
• Craft Stall
• Henna stall and more
• Light Vegetarian refreshments will be served.

Where: Museum India, 61-63, Foster Rd, Dandenong Vic 3175

Bookings: RSVP online catering purposes

MORE: 
The Federation of Indian Origin Multi-Faith Organisation (FIMO) and Museum India
Revati Ilanko Email: executiveofficer@fimo.org.au
Vasan Srinivasan Tel: 0412 55 33 71
Param Jaswal Tel: 0411 710 194

GEIFN | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | INSPIRATION | Message Cards | Available 1-7 February 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

To commemorate the sharing of journey and striving together for brighter futures, two commemorate photo cards have been created.

The digital version was publicly launched Australia Day 26 January 2017 and is now free to use and distribute without alteration. Just copy the images from this listing. Alternatively for printed copies, please contact for a higher resolution image that can be output at your local copy shop.

MORE:
Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN)
Global engagement in friendly neighborhoods
Caretaker Carey Rohrlach
Email: carey@caro.com.au
Website: www.gleneirainterfaith.org
Q. What is Interfaith?
A. Humanising 'the other'
For more information about Interfaith activities, explore GEIFN website, review the options and subscribe to the choice that best suits you: http://gleneirainterfaith.blogspot.com.au/p/contact-us.html

Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN) in collaboration with BCV Interfaith (bINTER)



GEIFN | Media Mix | February 2017

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Gerald O'Collins salutes the life, living and loving of Sister Jannette Gray, who embodied "Talents placed at the service of mercy" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/obituaries/talents-placed-at-the-service-of-mercy-20170119-gtuscv.html

Garry Maddox explores an individual's destructive behaviors, downward spiral and the skills required for a meaningful living, revealing "The amazing journey to the Oscars for Lion screenwriter Luke Davies" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-amazing-journey-to-the-oscars-for-lion-screenwriter-luke-davies-20170126-gtzey5.html

Debbie Cuthbertson discusses place, identity, dispossession, feeling different, applying diligence and carving out a satisfying belonging - inviting us to "Lunch with Deborah Cheetham" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/stage/melbourne-stage/lunch-with-deborah-cheetham-20170113-gtqwnn.html


Intra
Mireille Juchau writes from her experience, pondering the imponderables and other tips for "Staying calm in a world of fake news and reactionary politics" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/books/staying-calm-in-a-world-of-fake-news-and-reactionary-politics-20170112-gtq0ye.html

Rachel Olding explores an example of an individual learning challenge, unsuccessfully addressed by familiars, growing disenchantment, ripe for radicalism, challenges facing modern society and other conditions why "White supremacist threatened to shoot up Central Coast shopping centre" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/white-supremacist-threatened-to-shoot-up-sydney-shopping-centre-20170120-gtvod0.html

Maureen Mathews answers a reader's question in "About Last Night: How can I stop my anxiety from sabotaging my relationship?" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/family-relationships-and-sex/m21aboutlastnight-20170113-gtqrzc.html


Inter
Nick Miller reveals "Terror financing expert Loretta Napoleoni on rise of kidnapping and why Donald Trump might be the cure" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/terror-financing-expert-loretta-napoleoni-on-rise-of-kidnapping-and-why-donald-trump-might-be-the-cure-20170126-gtznrw.html

Craig Mathieson shares his view on identity, place and belonging with "Moonlight review: a stunning coming-of-age story and the first must-see film of 2017" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/moonlight-review-a-stunning-comingofage-story-and-the-first-mustsee-film-of-2017-20170113-gtr2v0.html

Mariantonietta Rasulo writes a love letter to Melbourne from "An Italian visitor" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/an-italian-visitor-20170106-gtn0za.html


Multi
Michael Koziol explore housing affordability crisis as "Scott Morrison looks to London to solve housing affordability crisis" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/scott-morrison-looks-to-london-to-solve-housing-affordability-crisis-20170121-gtw6un.html

Jewel Topsfield updates another food chain worker exploitative industry as "Modern-day slavery: Indonesia cracks down on brutal conditions on foreign fishing boats" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/modernday-slavery-indonesia-cracks-down-on-brutal-conditions-on-foreign-fishing-boats-20170124-gtxseo.html

Michael Gebicki shares his love of travel and talking about "Kolkata tour: Noise, passion, colour and heartbreak" via Traveller.com.au
http://www.traveller.com.au/kolkata-city-of-noise-passion-colour-and-heartbreak-gtsaxr


All
Megan Backhouse writes of the origins of public gardens, changing values and design today as "Parks Changing Australia: a Canberra exhibition celebrating public open spaces" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/parks-changing-australia-a-canberra-exhibition-celebrating-public-open-spaces-20170106-gtn4qx.html

Margalit Fox salutes the life, living and linguistics of "Zhou Youguang, who made writing Chinese as simple as ABC, dies at 111" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/world/zhou-youguang-who-made-writing-chinese-as-simple-as-abc-dies-at-111-20170115-gtrofx.html

Jim Pilmer shares an Anglican's exploration of causality, legacy and motivation in "Faith" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/victoria/faith-20170125-gtyeuc.html


Togather
Farrah Tomazin shares an example of a workplace inclusive of its diverse workers and reflecting community it serves as "Firefighting with Pride CFA in push for LGBTI diversity" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/firefighting-with-pride-cfa-in-push-for-lgbti-diversity-20170114-gtrgac.html

Kate Aubusson writes of personal dedication, workplace diligence colloborating overtime, and "How Sydney cancer scientist Jennifer Byrne became a research fraud super sleuth" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/national/health/how-sydney-cancer-scientist-jennifer-byrne-became-a-research-fraud-super-sleuth-20170125-gtycpw.html

Victoria Smith uses evidence-based experience, personal insight and professional fearlessness when calling for a wholistic change to "'A confusing, ineffective and frankly farcical system'" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/a-confusing-ineffective-and-frankly-farcical-system-20170126-gtz390.html


Nobly
Andrea Mason shares Indigenous view, personal insight, an Australia Day for everybody, Reconciliation, seeing, believing and calling "The annual debate about Australia Day is a valuable opportunity" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/the-annual-debate-about-australia-day-is-a-valuable-opportunity-20170123-gtxfml.html

Eryk Bagshaw writes of the value of hometown advantage, personal experience, revealing how becoming is this Arab speaking "Constantin Schreiber, a blonde, blue-eyed celebrity to millions of refugees" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/constantin-schreiber-blonde-blueeyed-celebrity-to-millions-of-refugees-20170119-gtuvtm.html

Christine Anu writes a love letter about leadership qualities, striving actively to benefit increasing numbers and knowing how to leave with grace, from "Christine Anu to Michelle Obama: we miss you already" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/christine-anu-to-michelle-obama-we-miss-you-already-20170126-gtz3ld.html


-----------------------------
TED TALKS
Approx 20min presentations

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story

Sharon Brous: It's time to reclaim religion

Uri Hasson: This is your brain on communication


-----------------------------
GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good
https://youtu.be/Go7gn6dugu0


-----------------------------
STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street: Michelle Obama & the Most Important Meal
http://youtu.be/RaTMdOeZzVo


-----------------------------
SOCIOLOGY SHOWS
Approx 3 min presentation

How to apply resilience thinking
https://youtu.be/hIwVqdVJxpI

MIDSUMMA | TALK | Courageous Conversations | Wednesday 1 February 2017 | 6.30-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Switchboard Victoria: Celebrating 25 years of courageous conversations.

For 20 years, Melbourne-based psychotherapist Carol-Ann Allen has helped individuals and families find the courage to speak again. Following on from her moving Midsumma talk last year, Making Peace With Your Parents, Carol-Ann takes up the subject: How to begin a courageous conversation.

Some of the most important conversations in our lives never happen. Perhaps we've waited too long, or stayed too frightened. Or we've adjusted to the rules of what should or should not be spoken - in our families, our relationships, our workplaces, even among friends. Perhaps we even believe it's up to someone else to break the silence that we ourselves maintain.

Talking can feel like too big a risk. Yet when we remain silent, over time we diminish our presence and influence in the relationships that may matter to us most. In effect, we are choosing to disappear.

Where: Magnet, Lvl 2, 640 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000

Cost: Free

MORE:
Midsumma Festival Courageous Conversations
Website: https://midsumma.org.au/k2event/courageous-conv

Proudly sponsored by Switchboard Victoria and the Victorian Government. Celebrating 25 years of courageous conversations with the LGBTIQ community.

INCGD | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | BREAKFAST | Family Violence: Will It Ever End? | Saturday 4 February 2017 | 7-9am

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Dr Naysun Saeedi in this exploration of the ongoing impact of family violence on children and the complex role of faith.

Dr Naysun Saeedi completed his basic medical training in Queensland, and his psychiatry specialist training in Melbourne. His subspecialty is in child, adolescent and family psychiatry. He was the former director of the child and adolescent psychiatry service in Cairns, north Queensland and since his return to Melbourne, he has been working at the Monash Medical Centre as a child and adolescent psychiatrist and is also a lecturer at Monash University.

Born in Africa, to Iranian Baha’i parents, spending his primary school years in Iran, he and his family migrated to Australia in 1986 escaping the religious violence and persecution against Baha’is. He is a member of the Baha’i Faith community and of the Monash Baha’i Council.

His interests are in moral development of children and adolescents and he was the coordinator of the Education for Peace program’s Melbourne campus, a Baha’i inspired program of personal and spiritual development for teenagers.

Where: The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong

Cost: This is a FREE breakfast event.

Bookings: RSVP by 30 January. For catering purposes, we need to know how many are coming.
RSVP by email to interfaithofficer@interfaithnetwork.org.au or Tel: (03) 8774 7662.

MORE:
Interfaith Network of City of Greater Dandenong
Website: interfaithnetwork.org.au
Email: interfaithofficer@interfaithnetwork.org.au
Tel: (03) 8774 7662

WIN | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | TEA TALK ART | Journeys of Hope | Tuesday 7 February 2017 | 10.30-11.30am

[Edited extract from public address]

The Wyndham municipality currently hosts more than 200 asylum seekers as they connect with others and move on with their lives.

Speaker Sister Bridgid Arthur from the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. The project works with, and for, people seeking asylum both in detention and in the community. Underpinning this work are the core principles of universal human rights and Australia’s responsibilities to those seeking asylum, especially the need for just and accessible procedures and structures. She supports those in detention at Christmas Island and has visited the detention facility a number of times.

Wyndham Interfaith Network are highlighting the importance of belief for those who are displaced. It will host a 25 piece art display by asylum seekers on loan from Baptcare. All of the works in the Journeys of Hope exhibition use colour to express emotion, feeling and memories that have their roots in the challenge of displacement and trauma. The art installation will be on display until the 14 February 2017.

Where: The Point Cook Community Learning Centre, 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook
https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/venues/point-cook-community-centre

Bookings: Registration is required for catering purposes. Email: laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au

MORE:
The City of Wyndham and Wyndham Interfaith Network
Wyndham Community & Education Centre
3 Princes Highway, Werribee VIC 3030
Tel: 9742 4013
Email: laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au

UMC RfP | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | TALK | Tuesday 7 February 2017 | 5.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Recently arrived religious leaders and exercising community leadership in Australia

Guest Speaker: Gary D Bouma AM is the UNESCO Chair in Intercultural and Interreligious Relations – Asia Pacific, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Monash University, Australian node of the Religion and Diversity Project, University of Ottawa, Acting Director of the Global Terrorism Research Centre. He is President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions. He is the author or co-author of over 25 books. Recent books include: Freedom of Religion and Belief in 21st Century Australia (Australian Human Rights Commission), Being Faithful in Diversity: Religions and Social Policy in Multifaith Societies (ATF). He was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Sociology, to interreligious relations and to the Anglican Church of Australia in 2013.

Where: Gryphon Gallery, Mezzanine Level, Building 1888, near the corner of Swanston and Grattan Street (http://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/198)

Inclusions: Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the lecture. All are welcome.

Bookings: RSVP by 3 February 2017 to Sue Ennis; Email: wcrpaust@iinet.net.au

MORE:
The University of Melbourne Chaplaincy and Religions for Peace Victoria
Sue Ennis

CDDIC | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | LUNCH TALK | Faith & Social Inclusion | Thursday 9 February 2017 | 10.30am–1pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join a presentation on Faith and Inclusion and discussion of outcomes from the 2016 Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference held last November at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre.

Speakers:
  • Reverend Ian Smith, Executive Officer of Victorian Council of Churches
  • The City of Darebin's Mayor Councillor Kim Le Cerf
Inclusions: Following the presentations, there will be music, lunch and an opportunity to mingle with the interfaith community.

Where: Darebin Intercultural Centre, 59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston

Bookings: Limited places, secure your place. RSVP by calling on (03) 8470 8440 or by emailing at intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au

MORE:
The City of Darebin and Darebin Interfaith Council
Tel: (03) 8470 8440
Email: intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au

This event is supported by a community partnership and the collaboration of the Darebin Interfaith Council, The Darebin Intercultural Centre, the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council, and various Darebin Council Departments.

URI | UN Interfaith Harmony Week | TALK | What does it mean to be a person of faith in Melbourne today? | Sunday 12 February 2017 | 1-3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A respectful and illuminating discussion on how young people of different faith backgrounds experience life in Melbourne amidst a time of heightened media and public discourse about what it means to be an Australian in 2017. 

Participate in the conversation and share your perspectives on faith, spirituality and belonging in Australia today.

Facilitated by Moreland Together, a coalition of people committed to creating caring and inclusive communities for people of all identities and faiths, and the United Religions Imitative (URI), the world’s largest grassroots interfaith network dedicated to cultivating peace and justice.

Where: Coburg Community House, 32 Nicholson St, East Coburg

Cost: Free

Bookings: preferred for seating and catering purposes

Inclusions: Refreshments will be provided

MORE:
United Religions Initiative in partnership with Moreland Together
Nivy Balachandran
Tel: 0433 238 406
Email: nivy@uri.org

The event is supported by Moreland City Council, Uniting Through Faiths and Moreland Together. 

REPORT | MIDSUMMA | WALK | Pride March | Sunday 29 January 2017 | 2-7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

With its origins 22 years ago in the spontaneous demonstrations of Stonewall and speaking to the struggles of LGBTQIA+ peoples everywhere, Midsumma Pride March is a spectacular act of solidarity in a world where many go without rights, dignity, visibility, safety and/or protections from the law. 

Parade, pride and party come together once a year in Melbourne's iconic queer march. But first, leading up to the event, in what may later be recorded as curious programming choices since recanted by event leadership, the public ownership of the event saw a major sponsor outed and dumped for being a subsidiary of a divisive and sensational global media group, overseeing reinstatement of fixture Dykes on Bikes as opening act.

In a first for the parade's history, it was led by a Boon Wurrung smoking ceremony accompanied by a contingent of queer Indigenous peoples. Aunty Caroline gave personal insight into some traditional words behind the symbolism to those within hearing distance on the go. Adapting to modern times, this ancient practice, usually stationery, used a very innovative and fire-friendly mobile device from a more modern time.

Always a rousing opening act, Dykes on Bikes cleared a path, opened eyes and hearts and prepared for those that followed. At a pedestrian pace, the kilometre-long procession of Victoria's diverse queer communities walked casually, danced, strutted, sang, catwalked, vogued, placarded, dragged but all moving together to the shared goal of celebrating difference, acceptance or diversity and greater equity for all members of society.

In a timely statement of public support and leading solidarity to groups recently under negative public scrutiny like Minus 18 and Safe Schools, the March also saw diverse groups from high schools, scouts and other youth groups.

Sighted personally were official appearances by Victorian Premier, Federal Opposition Leader and a Canal Ward Councillor. A wonderful show of force opened by a Police pipe and brass band, and strong showing of uniformed tight-formation marchers with pride included Police, Fire, SES, CFA and Ambulance services. Followed by a strong and diverse contingent from the public service sector.

Post Pride festivities at Catani Gardens were listed to be hosted by Dale Woodbridge-Brown, renowned Circus Oz performer and proud queer Kamilaroi man, and headlined by Melbourne favourite, DJ Grant Cook. Attendees at Catani Gardens were expected to engage in a momentary silence and vigil performance, a new Pride March tradition that pays homage to all queer peoples who have suffered violence because of their gender or sexuality. For 2017, this was expected to be performed by Deborah Cheetham AO, celebrated Yorta Yorta soprano, actor, composer and playwright.

Cost: Free

Where: Fitzroy St & Catani Gardens, Fitzroy St, St Kilda 3182

Concluding, participants don't need to be LGBTQIA+ to participate, just to have an aspiration for a deeper understanding of diversity, shared equality in opportunity and a nurturing spirited togetherness. It's not a new thing, it is the usual thing. If it is exists in nature, diversity is natural and deserving of a place in home, in relationships, in workplace and in community. Without being the targets of ignorance-fuelled hate-crime. Non-gender specific Equality in Marriage is a milestone for a civilising, supportive and sustainable society.

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers for the skillful diligence and many tireless efforts to make such a community event on this scale a reality. The inspired programming innovations to respond to external current events was flexible, adept and well-received. Thankyou to the ongoing wider community for their vocal, heart warming and demonstrative positive support for a more equitable society. Received with gratitude.


MORE:
Midsumma Festival
Phone: (03) 9415 9819
Level 8, City Village
225 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://midsumma.org.au/participate/pride-march/info

Pride March is made possible with the generous financial assistance of the City of Port Phillip.




REPORT | CHARM | CELEBRATION | Cranbourne's Australia Day | Thursday 26 January 2017 | 11am-4pm

[Composition from multiple public and private sources]

A vibrant and multicultural City of Casey cultural heritage showcase.

-- Free performances
-- Free children activities including colouring, drawing, games, face painting
-- Free BBQ Sausage (beef/chicken halal) for the first 300+ visitors
Tea & coffee, soft drinks available for a gold coin donation
the day was full of great family fun, surprises, giveaways, door prizes
-- An art and photographic exhibition gave a glimpse into participating cultures in this multicultural municipality.

Casey has been the location of some recent public negative reactions to peaceful Muslim activity, including rejection of a Mosque development plan and acrimonious outcry over a billboard with girls in Muslim headress holding Australian flags to celebrate Australia Day. The timing of this event could not have been more relevant, aiming to unite community, celebrate enriching and diverse cultural heritage and things to make all citizens proud to live in City of Casey.

Meditation seemed a bold programming choice by organisers between Casey Lions Brass Band and Door Prize draws. But going by on the day feedback, it proved useful. One world, one family together temporarily for this day, a celebration of superficial difference and deeper commonality. We concentrated on breath, made rainbows in our hearts and sent peace, harmony and joyfulness to the world. Audience feedback was appreciative of the two (BCV and GEIFN) sponsors' messages offered (see accompanying photo cards).


A resilient and determined migrant minority worked tirelessly to overcome usual Organiser's Obstacles to give this gift to their local community. The collaborative and inviting approach sets a high benchmark.

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers, Hosts, Participants and Presenters for inspiring demonstration of daily endeavor to make a more peaceful world, received with gratitude.

MORE:
The Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M)
Edwige Bignoux – President CHARM Vic,
Email president@charm.org.au
Website www.charm.org.au

Supported by City of Casey, Balla Balla Community Centre, Cranbourne Lions Club and local groups, businesses and individuals