SDSJH | ENGAGING | Speed Date a Muslim in Elsternwick | Sunday 20 August 2017 | 3-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Have you got a question you would like to know about Islam but don’t know anyone to ask or maybe too afraid to ask? This is an opportunity in a safe environment to ask Muslim women about their faith and culture. Candid conversation with complimentary coffee, tea and sweets 

These events have become an important part of keeping out community compassionate and open as well as making a contribution to respectful community cohesion.

Bookings: All welcome but bookings essential as places limited. Book online through Eventbrite

Where: St John's Uniting Church Elsternwick, 567 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick

MORE:
Side Door Social Justice Hub
567 Glen Huntly Road
Elsternwick Vic Australia
Lydia Sherren
Email: lydiak@live.com.au

A collaboration between Side Door Social Justice Hub, Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS) and Moroccan Deli-cacy.

NEJC | SCREENING PANEL DISCUSS | The Aboriginal "Moses" | Sunday 20 August 2017 | 7.30-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Jewish, Indigenous and Interfaith communities are coming together for an educational evening about the life and legacy of William Cooper. 

An occasion featuring films and panel of experts and guest speakers. Bringing to life the history and remarkable achievements of this courageous Aboriginal leader.

Where: North Eastern Jewish Centre, 6 High Street, Doncaster Vic

Inclusions: Light supper sponsored by Eva and Julius Sommers

Cost: $15 entry, with raffle and items for sale on the night

Bookings: RSVP: Email: nejc@bigpond.com or Tel: 9857 9000

MORE:
North Eastern Jewish Centre
Tel: (03) 9857 9000
Email: nejc@bigpond.com
Website: http://nejc.com.au/

YfHRA | CONCERT FUNDRAISER | Heroes and Refugees | Wednesday 23 August 2017 | 7-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A unique concert to celebrate the legacy of two great heroes, William Cooper and Nicholas Winton. A concert of multi faith and shared values transcending language religion and borders.

Featuring incredible talent from diverse regions of the world, including, choirs, dancers, drummers and amazing soloists, Kate Ceberano, Richard Piper, Fem Belling, Warren Wills, Kelly Auty, Sarah MacLaine and many others.

All profits will go towards sending a delegation to the Centenary commemoration at Be'er Sheva, of the last stand of the Light Horse Brigade to honour the work of minorities in the ANZAC conflicts, and promote the role of Indigenous, Jewish and others' extraordinary contribution to Australian history and culture

Where: Glen Eira Town Hall, Corner Hawthorn and Glen Eira Roads, Caulfield

Cost: $30 including booking fee (kids under 10 years free). Online through EventBrite

MORE:
Youth For Human Rights Australia (Vic Chapter)
Email: elana@youthforhumanrights.org.au

OXFAMB | SCREENING | Guarding the Galilee | Friday 25 August 2017 | 7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A film exploring the community resistance which has formed against Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin (Queensland). 

Stopping this mine has been described as “this generation’s Franklin River”campaign. If you are concerned about global warming and the part played by fossil fuels and the future of the Great Barrier Reef you should see this film.

An informal discussion will take place after the screening.

Inclusions: Refreshments will be served.

Where: All Soul’s Church, 48 Bay Road Sandringham.

Cost: Gold coin

RSVP: Ian Fox Tel: 9598-5500; Email: irfox@tpg.com.au
            Robin Rehn Tel: 9521-0986; Email: robin.rehn@bigpond.com
            Dale Hess Tel: 9592-5247; Email: d.hess@ozemail.com.au

MORE:
Oxfam Bayside

5/63 Roslyn Street, Brighton 3186

President Dale Hess

Tel: d.hess@ozemail.com.au

Website: http://www.oxfam.org.au

PPLS | TALK | Ethics with Simon Longstaff and Bob Sessions | Sunday 27 August 2017 | 3.30– 4.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Whether social or moral, huge or relatively inconsequential, ethical quandaries present themselves to us daily. Director of The Ethics Centre Simon Longstaff (Everyday Ethics) reflects on and discusses the importance of all of our choices, no matter how small they may be.

As part of Melbourne Writers Festival, in conversation with Bob Sessions, former Managing Editor and Publishing Director of Penguin Books, and a board member of the Australian Film Institute, The Australian Book Review, and Melbourne Writers Festival.

Where: St Kilda Library

Bookings: Please book online through Eventbrite
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:
City of Port Phillip
Port Phillip Library Service
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

PPLS | TALK | Fashion is Freedom with Tala Raassi | Wednesday 6 September 2017 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Tala Raassi grew up in Iran dreaming of expressing herself through clothing, a dream which saw her sentenced to forty lashes for wearing a mini-skirt. 

Escaping to the United States where she established her own swimsuit company and found international success, she also witnessed freedom’s darker side.

Named One of the Most Fearless Women in the World by Newsweek magazine, Raassi will speak at St Kilda library about her book, her journey, her encounters with Donald Trump at the Miss Universe pageant and her belief in the power of fashion as a symbol of freedom.

Where: St Kilda Library

Bookings: Please book online through Eventbrite
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:
City of Port Phillip
Port Phillip Library Service
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

GEIFN | FUNDRAISER | Missing Piece? | UN International Peace Day Observance | 21 September 2017

Missing piece of the puzzle: Peace. If it was easy, everybody would be enjoying it.

Bring the spirit, message and enduring reminder into your home, workplace, staffroom, engine-room or co-shared space! $5 from every item purchased goes to charity, shared equally between 5 recipients.

Commemorative Items:

MUGS (2 designs)

Ceramic, AUD$28 (single price includes $5 donation, 1 Mug and domestic postage. Enquire about large quantity discounts or international postage.)

2 designs to choose from:
Lost piece? Found Peace
If it was easy, everybody would be enjoying it.

Same Difference Equal

Marriage equality? It's not gay marriage, just gender-neutral uniting between equals.

PATHWAYS TO PEACE PUZZLES

A4: 210x297mm, 60 piece. AUD$28 (single price includes $5 donation, 1 Jigsaw and domestic postage. Enquire about large quantity discounts or international postage.)

Pathways to Peace Artwork

Pathways to Peace Example Puzzle

FRIDGE MAGNETS (2 sizes)

Large: 139 x 107 mm, AUD$10 (single price includes $5 donation, set of 2 magnets and domestic postage. Enquire about large quantity discounts or international postage.)

Small: 87 x 50mm, AUD$8 (single price includes $5 donation, 1 magnet and domestic postage. Enquire about large quantity discounts or international postage.)

ORDERS

Peace everyday and lasting is a result of many heads, hearts and hands. Uniting to this shared goal, these material symbols are only available temporarily between 21 August-21 September 2017 or while stocks last. Contact caretaker with quantity and address details for stock availability, accurate quote and expected delivery time.

While world peace may appear unrealisable in uncertain times, here are a small selection of everyday heroes who strive to make and grow greater peace in their piece of the world.
Recipient Charities:
-- Ardoch Youth Foundation https://www.ardoch.org.au
-- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre http://www.asrc.org.au
-- Koorie Heritage Trust Inc www.koorieheritagetrust.com
-- Switchboard http://www.switchboard.org.au
-- Parliament of World's Religions http://www.parliamentofreligions.org

MORE:
Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN)
Global engagement in friendly neighborhoods
Caretaker Carey Rohrlach (CARO)
Tel: 0438 371 488
Email: carey@caro.com.au
Website: www.gleneirainterfaith.org
Q. What is Interfaith?
A. Humanising 'the other'

This is GEIFN's Annual Observance of UN International Peace Day 21 September

PWR | EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION | Parliament of the World's Religions Toronto 2018 | CLOSES 30 September 2017

[Edited extract from public Address]

Super saver registration discounts of up to 50% for the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions in Toronto will continue through 30 September 2017!

Parliament of the World’s Religions 2018 planning team has very recently learned that multiple groups mobilizing to attend next year’s convening in Toronto will benefit from a longer Super Saver registration period.

Many groups are organizing creative Pre-Parliament events to introduce countless new communities of faith and action across the globe. Join with the mission of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, with the global challenge of "The Promise of Inclusion, The Power of Love".

Organisers take this time to express their deepest appreciation for the hundreds of letters received reflecting meaningfully on the theme of the next Parliament of the World’s Religions. Gratitude cannot be understated for colleagues in Toronto and Parliament supporters across the world who are rallying new partners.

What this means for you:
If you are currently registered for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, you may wish to bring a friend or colleague along to share the experience. We hope that the additional time will allow the families, friends, and colleagues the opportunity to make an informed, economical decision to travel to Toronto.
If you are not yet signed up, please do register for the best available rate by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, September 30, 2017.

Watch out for in the coming weeks:

• Information regarding the call for programs will be released in approximately 4- 6 weeks, prior to the closure of Super Saver registration.
• The Daily Schedule will be released with the call for programs.
• An Exhibitor & Advertiser packet is also in the pipeline for release in the coming weeks
• If you are the primary organizer of a registered Super Saver group, you may contact the Parliament to purchase additional registrations connected to your unique group registration ID at the same reduced rate as your entire group through September 30, 2017.

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60601
Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org

GOVV | ANNOUNCEMENT | Reportable Conduct Scheme for Religious Bodies | 1 July 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

On 1 July 2017 Victoria introduced a Reportable Conduct Scheme to oversee organisational responses to allegations of child abuse or misconduct towards children.

It is now mandatory for organisations that come under the scheme to notify the Commission for Children and Young People of a reportable allegation of child abuse (or other child-related misconduct), made against their workers or volunteers.

How do you know if it applies to your organisation?
The scheme is being introduced in three phases over 18 months. The first phase from 1 July created new obligations for organisations that operate schools and provide government services.

While religious organisations broadly come into the scheme on 1 January 2018 (phase 2), some may have come in on 1 July 2017 if they operate a school or provide government services. A religious body providing services or activities in more than one phase of the scheme is within the scheme as a whole from the earliest phase relevant to the organisation.

This means that once part of your organisation is within the scheme, all of your organisation is within the scheme - and the head of that organisation must notify the Commission and investigate reportable allegations across the whole organisation.

The Commission can provide you further advice on when you come in.

What is reportable conduct?
The Reportable Conduct Scheme covers allegations about worker, or volunteer, behaviour or actions towards a child. A child is anyone who is under 18 years of age. There are five types of reportable conduct that come under the scheme:

• sexual offences
• sexual misconduct
• physical violence
• behaviour that is likely to cause significant emotional or psychological harm, and
• significant neglect.

What do you have to do?
A major responsibility goes to the heads of organisations within scope of the Reportable Conduct Scheme. The head must ensure that an allegation of reportable conduct made against their worker or volunteer is reported to the Commission - and must also ensure that allegation is investigated.

Religious bodies will need to determine who is the head of their organisation for the purposes of the scheme.
In summary, from 1 July 2017 organisations within the scope of the scheme must:

• have in place systems to prevent child abuse
• if child abuse is alleged, ensure allegations can be brought to the attention of the head of the organisation for reporting and investigation, and
• ensure that the Commission for Children and Young People is notified of an allegation and given updates on the organisation’s response to an allegation.

MORE:
State Government Victoria
Commission for Children and Young People
Level 18, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Tel: 1300 78 29 78
Email: childsafe@ccyp.vic.gov.au
Website: www.ccyp.vic.gov.au


The Commission for Children and Young People's role in the scheme is to support organisations, and to oversee and monitor how organisations respond to allegations.

CMFN | MEMORIAL | Casey Multi-Faith Network | 2007-2017 | Thursday 17 August 2017 | 7-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

What different faiths do at funerals and why: Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and Hindu perspectives.

The committee of the Casey Multi-Faith Network invites you all to our August meeting. The topic of this meeting is funerals and rituals and passing peacefully at 10 years of age of Casey Multi-Faith Network, Of The City of Casey.

Where: The City of Casey Civic Centre, Room 7.

MORE:
Secretary
Casey Multi-Faith Network
Website: www.caseymultifaith.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caseymultifaith

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | August 2017

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Melissa Fyfe writes of a migrant connecting community, making friends with "Good Karma Network's Amy Churchouse using Facebook to unite a neighbourhood" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/good-weekend/minutes-with/amy-churchouse-taking-responsibility-for-how-we-engage-with-the-world-starts-locally-20170712-gx9pna.html

Craig Mathieson reviews a new movie based on an asylum seeker's navigation of migration, thwarted medical career and arranged marriage in Australia, revealing "What Sami did: a life less ordinary" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/alis-wedding-a-muslim-aussie-romcom-20170716-gxcirz.html

John Safran explores the value and meanings of words, encouraging religious to aim high with "The holy book for Scrabble worshippers" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/endorsed/john-safran-the-holy-book-for-scrabble-worshippers-20170727-gxjxv0.html


Intra
Sasha Grishin explores an Australian living arts treasure, reviewing a film in which "Barbara Blackman reveals how blindness is simply a different way of seeing" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/barbara-blackman-reveals-how-blindness-is-simply-a-different-way-of-seeing-20170710-gx81ef.html

Sian Johnson discusses one farmer's quest for equality of marriage, citing "This farmer wants the right to get married to the partner of his choice" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/this-farmer-wants-the-right-to-get-married-to-the-partner-of-his-choice-20170719-gxeg0c.html

Jim Bright discusses the business of using past performance to see into the future, suggesting it is "Time to be adaptable as forecasts often miss their mark" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/workplace-relations/head-20170718-gxdc4u.html


Inter
Tony Wright shares past Australian attitudes to crime, causes, conditions and treatment "Melbourne's forgotten convict history: The horror of the hulks of Hobsons Bay" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/melbournes-cruelest-prisons-the-hulks-of-hobsons-bay-20170712-gx9hgu.html

John Bailey discusses a new film shedding light on historical Australian wrongs, revealing "MIFF 2017 premiere charts family's battle to reclaim Albert Namatjira's legacy" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/film-festivals/miff-2017-premiere-charts-familys-battle-to-reclaim-albert-namatjiras-legacy-20170724-gxha3o.html

Sam McClure explores mixing national sports with redressing social inequity, revealing "Lin Jong spreading the word of multiculturalism" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/afl/western-bulldogs/lin-jong-spreading-the-word-of-multiculturalism-20170726-gxjdy9.html


Multi
Benjamin Law explores self-identification, awakening societal acceptance and growing collective responsibility, arguing "It's up to all of us to create safe spaces" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/good-weekend/adult-education/benjamin-law-its-up-to-all-of-us-to-create-safe-spaces-20170726-gxj69p.html

Cameron Woodhead reviews a theatrical critique at Australia's involvement in neighboring history, revealing "We All Know What's Happening: A remarkable insight into Nauru through the eyes of children" via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/stage/melbourne-stage/we-all-know-whats-happening-a-remarkable-insight-into-nauru-through-the-eyes-of-children-20170720-gxf60e.html

Jason Horowitz updates responses by Italy and France Governments to refugee crisis, as "Italy plans naval move into Libyan waters to stop migrant boats" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/migrant-crisis/italy-plans-naval-move-into-libyan-waters-to-stop-migrant-boats-20170727-gxkhfp.html


All
Clare Boyd-Macrae shares her family's dealing of serious illness, ongoing medical treatment and other reasons to draw upon "Faith" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/victoria/faith-20170721-gxgc7h.html

Mark Bergen explains developments in information processing as "Google's quantum computing push opens new front in cloud battle" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/technology-news/computing-quantum-push-opens-new-front-in-cloud-battle-20170718-gxda3g.html

Ken Hillman uses his medical and family experience of old-age and experience of the dying to explore changing attitudes to inevitably of death, recounting "The last six months of my mother's life" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-last-six-months-of-my-mothers-life-20170721-gxfu9f.html


Togather
Katrina Lobley explores the value of sharing ancient food for modern audiences, revealing "Ayers Rock Resort's Bush Food Experience: The Red Centre is haute stuff right now" via Traveller.com.au
http://www.traveller.com.au/ayers-rock-resorts-bush-food-experience-gxd9de

Gwynith Young explores a grass-roots approach to overcoming historical enmity, religious divides, forgiveness and reconciliation in "Faith" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/victoria/faith-20170715-gxbuh5.html

Marisa Black recounts her family's dealing with death of a loved one and "The lesson our dying family cat helped me teach my young son" via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/the-lesson-our-dying-family-cat-helped-me-teach-my-young-son-20170719-gxetrx.html


Nobly
Cara Waters explores global market conditions for innovators in "Destination entrepreneur: Five women, five cities" via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/destination-entrepreneur-five-women-five-cities-20170720-gxfmm3.html

Carolyn Webb reports on a personal refugee's experience and repositioning of a national fundraiser, revealing "Former child refugees the new face of World Vision's 40 Hour Famine" via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/former-child-refugees-the-new-face-of-world-visions-40-hour-famine-20170611-gwoz3c.html

Peter Munro explores an example of personalised palliative care and a Team approach to in-home dying when approaching the "Final destination" via The Brisbane Times
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/final-destination-20170727-gxk59m.html


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

Grace Kim: How choosing can make us happier and live longer

Anil Seth: How your brain hallucinates your conscious reality

Cesar Harada: How I teach kids to love science


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

Sam Tsui & Casey Breves - This Promise
https://youtu.be/8HRaiRltBQ0


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

Sesame Street: Colin Farrell: Investigate
https://youtu.be/cEkjLahAsv4


-----------------------------
MATHS SHOWS
Approx 18 min presentation

Jacob Barnett: Forget what you know

GOVV | FORUM | LGBTI Inclusion in Faith Communities | Thursday 17 August 201 | 9.30am-3.15pm

[Edited extract from public address]

This Forum will build upon discussions held at last year’s Roundtable on LGBTI Youth in Faith Communities, which focused on mental health and well-being and the increased risk of self-harm and suicide experienced by LGBTI Victorians. 

Research conducted among LGBTI people of faith in Victoria has highlighted the need to create safe, welcoming spaces in our communities and places of worship. Creating supportive networks for faith leaders in which to share experiences and learn from each other. 

The Forum will address the role that faith and community leaders play in fostering inclusive environments for LGBTI people of faith. Guest speakers will include Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott MP; Minister for Equality, Martin Foley MP; leaders from diverse faith communities; and LGBTI people of faith.

Participants will have the opportunity to share best practice approaches, including provision of pastoral care to LGBTI people of faith, use of inclusive language and interpretation of scripture.

Who: Faith and/or community leaders wishing to create sensitive and respectful conversations supporting positive mental health and well-being outcomes for LGBTI people of faith.

Where: Woodward Conference Centre,
10th floor, Melbourne Law Building (106), 185 Pelham St, Carlton Vic 3053

Bookings: RSVP by 8 August 2017. Advise attendance, including any accessibility and dietary requirements, to shoshana.silverman@dpc.vic.gov.au .

MORE:
Victorian Government
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Community Resilience and Social Cohesion Branch
Level 9, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Shoshana Silverman, Senior Policy Officer |
Tel: 03 7017 8174
Website: www.dpc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.vic.gov.au

This is part of the commitment made by Victorian Government in the Victorian. And proud of it. Multicultural Policy Statement

PPLS | AUTHOR TALK | Tony Ward - Bridging Troubled Waters: Australia and Asylum Seekers | Thursday 17 August 2017 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Tony Ward as he discusses both sides of the arguments surrounding Australia’s polarisation of asylum seekers and aims to bridge the troubled waters. 

Surveying a wide range of evidence, Bridging Troubled Waters: Australia and Asylum Seekers presents new insights on how best to approach a major issue for Australia’s future. Tony Ward takes a careful look at how most asylum seekers reach Australia, changing public attitudes, what policies work, and which do more damage than good.

Where: St Kilda Library

Cost: Free

Bookings: Please book online through Eventbrite
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:
City of Port Phillip
Port Phillip Library Service
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

VMC | GRANTS | Community Harmony Program 2017-18 | CLOSES Friday 18 August 2017 | Midnight

[Edited extract from public address]

Grants now open to provide funding to ​support projects in 2017-18 that build social cohesion and encourage community harmony through preventative initiatives.

Who: Organisations fostering a strong sense of belonging for Victorians through initiatives or activities supporting intercultural and interfaith understanding or promoting social cohesion.  

Eligibility is that of an organisation that:
·    is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or the Associations Incorporations Reform Act 2012 (Vic) and has a current Australian Business Number (ABN) that is not for a commercial entity or individuals; or
·    is a Local Government Authority

What:
Victorian Government's Community Harmony Program grants is endorsed by the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Grants of up to $80,000 per annum for one, two or three years are available.

When: Applications are now open. The closing date is midnight, Friday 18 August.

How: For more information and to apply, visit the multicultural.vic.gov.au website.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Level 9, 1 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Website: multicultural.vic.gov.au

MELAIG | CONFERENCE | Crossing Faith Borders: Four Personal Journeys | Sunday 20 August 2017 | 9am-4.15pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Are you afraid of the unknown? Do other religions seem odd, strange or frightening to you? Will they tempt you away from your own faith? Or could they be an exciting new field of spiritual growth for you?

Four presenters Norman Currie, Herman Roburgh, Rev Dr John Dupuche and Frances Cassidy will lead us through their personal journey "crossing faith borders". The audience is then invited to ask questions to further understanding of their experience, so that we may then better relate it to our own journeys. At the end of the day, all four speakers will appear in a panel to respond to questions together.

Where: Janssen Spirituality Centre, 22 Woodvale Road, Boronia Vic 3155

Cost: $40 (includes morning/afternoon tea and a light lunch)

Bookings: Please register early as places are limited. Booking and payment details: jeandupuche@gmail.com

MORE:
MELA Interfaith Group
Email: melainterfaithgroup@gmail.com
​Tel: 0417 560 087
Website: https://www.melainterfaith.org

The Mela Interfaith Group is a not-for -profit organisation which seeks to promote the ties of friendship between members of different faith traditions in order to learn from each other's spiritual experience and to journey together in peace and harmony. Mela activities include: interfaith retreats, conversations, study groups on sacred texts, joint interfaith teachings on selected themes, hermitage experiences, conferences and pilgrimages.

GOVA | ANNOUNCEMENT | In Australia, marriage is a freedom of choice between two persons of legal consensual age

[Edited extract from public address]

It is illegal to cause a person to enter a forced marriage, and to be a party to a forced marriage. Being a party to a forced marriage means agreeing to marry a person who you know or suspect is a victim of forced marriage, unless you are a victim of the forced marriage yourself.

Australia's response to forced marriage forms part of the Australian Government's strategy to combat serious forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, slavery, and other slavery-like practices such as servitude and forced labour.
The Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code) contains offences regarding forced marriage.

Help is available for those affected by forced marriage. Learn how to protect yourself and others by seeking help.

If there is immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

Otherwise, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) can provide initial advice to people who are in, or at risk of, a forced marriage. Contact with the AFP can be anonymous if desired.
Contact by telephone 131 AFP (131 237) or by completing online form at www.afp.gov.au

Reporting possible cases or to get free and confidential legal advice contact national forced marriage helpline: My Blue Sky www.mybluesky.org.au; calling (02) 9514 8115; SMS 0481 070 844 or Email help@mybluesky.org.au

MORE:
Australian Government
Attorney-General's Department
Address: Robert Garran Offices, 3-5 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
Email: forcedmarriage@ag.gov.au
Website: www.ag.gov.au/forcedmarriage