DIC WIN | CELEBRATING The Power of Love - Paying it Forward | Thursday 8 February 2018 | 6-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

In recognition of the imperative need for interfaith relations among different faiths to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the United Nations proclaims the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs.

In the spirit of harmony, the Darebin Interfaith Council and the Whittlesea Interfaith Network join with thousands of partners around the globe to jointly host a UN World Interfaith Harmony Week event.

Event will showcase several performances. There’ll be a presentation on Albert Einstein's letter to his daughter, as well as a fun interactive audience performance by the renowned Melbourne Playback Theatre Company in which people are invited to share their stories that are then instantly translated into performance.

Where: Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd, Mill Park, Vic, 3082
Parking: Library car park, and along Bottlebrush Drive, The Link, and Bundy Place
Public transport: Bus 386, 387

Inclusions: Light refreshments provided

Cost: Free event for all

MORE:
The Darebin Interfaith Council and the Whittlesea Interfaith Network
Aziz Cooper (03) 8470 8519

Sponsored by Darebin Interfaith Council, Whittlesea Interfaith Network, Al-Siraat College, Beacon of Hope, Darebin Ethnic Communities Council, United Religions Initiative, and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library After-dark Program

PWR | CALL FOR INTEREST | Hosting by Global Cities of 8th and subsequent Parliament of the World’s Religions | 7 January 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is an international, non-sectarian, non-profit organization, established in 1988 to host the 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions. Its periodic Parliaments and ongoing initiatives cultivate harmony among the world's religious and spiritual communities and fosters engagement with the world and its guiding institutions in order to achieve a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Traditionally, the Parliament events last for 7 days and comprise more than 500 programs, workshops and dialogues, alongside music, dance, artistic exhibitions and related events hosted by religious communities and cultural institutions.

With a 125-year history, the Parliament of the World’s Religions creates the opportunity for people of faith and conscience from around the world to assemble and to hear from wisdom leaders, which in the past have included His Holiness the Dalai Lama, President Nelson Mandela, President Jimmy Carter, and UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall.

More than 50,000 participants of 200 unique spiritual backgrounds have traveled from more than 80 nations around the world to past Parliament conferences, bringing their attention and action together to dialogue, forge solutions and build networks of action.

Open to anyone interested in experiencing a fresh and sometimes boundary-pushing multi-faith encounter, the Parliament leaves a lasting legacy of cooperation in its hosting cities and changes the lives of all who are drawn into attendance— this extends into the spheres that are also represented in the Parliament, including academia, government, media, business, NGO leadership and grassroots activism.

The international office of the Parliament of the World’s Religions is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and has announced that now open is the bid process for global cities to pursue hosting future global Parliament conferences. 

As appointed host, bring thousands of the world’s most dedicated advocates of peace, justice and sustainability to your city. Hosts of the 8th, 9th and subsequent Parliaments of the World’s Religions international events will welcome globally-recognized figures in spiritual and civic institutions, up to 10,000 visitors, and experience an inflow of millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy, over the span of a week of activities in their city.  

Site Slection Committee Chair of the Parliament Board of Trustees Andras Corban Arthen says that future Parliaments will meet in three-year intervals “to keep pace with the fast-developing interfaith movement around the world,” bringing the event to a new nation in 2021 following the forthcoming 7th Parliament of the World's Religions, being held later this year between 1-7 November 2018, in Toronto, Canada.  

“Every city has its distinct identity and, at the same time, every city reveals the challenges and opportunities of all metropolitan areas across the earth. That only increases when a city hosts a global gathering of people of many faiths and cultures but united in a pursuit of justice, peace, and sustainability. Welcoming the world to a city for a Parliament is serving all of humankind.” Larry Greenfield, Executive Director

Since the historic 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago first established an international forum for dialogue between religions of the East and West, modern Parliaments have been held in Chicago (1993), Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004) Melbourne (2009) and most recently in Salt Lake City (2015).

Interested tourism bureaus, advocacy organizations and government offices are encouraged to procure the request for proposals at ParliamentOfReligions.org/FutureSites and email: futuresites@ParliamentOfReligions.org to learn about partnering with PWR in a cooperative process of funding, producing and hosting the Parliament of the World’s Religions conference.

Members of the media are invited to contact: Molly Horan, Director of Communications at the Parliament of the World's Religions with inquiries and interview requests.

MORE:

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

PPLS | LEARN | English language classes | Monday 29 January - Wednesday 28 March 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Meet other people, learn individually and developing skills together

When:
Term 1: Monday 29 January - Wednesday 28 March 2018
Term 2: Monday 16 April – Wednesday 27 June 2018

Come along to improve:

• speaking and conversation
• reading and writing
• everyday activities using English

Beginner level classes – Mondays 12pm to 3pm
Intermediate level classes – Wednesdays 12pm to 3pm

Where: Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne

Cost:
$50 full price / $35 concession per term
$195 non-residents per term / $25 per class

For bookings and more information: contact Elwood + St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre; Tel: 9531 1954

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Post: 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

UCM | TALK | Women of Faith | Sunday 21 January 2018 | 5.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Come and hear the stories of four women and how faith continues to shape their lives.

Faiths represented are Islam, Hare Krishna, Christianity and Judaism.

Where: Uniting Church Murrumbeena, 117 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena

Cost: Free

MORE:

Uniting Church Murrumbeena
Rev Jay Robinson
Mobile:  0410 465 836
Email: jay@murrumbeenauniting.org.au
Website: www.murrumbeenauniting.org.au

PPLS | ENGAGING | Nostalgique - European Song | Wednesday, 24 January 2018 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

An evening with Nostalgique -  a multilingual music box of European song featuring folk, jazz and sentimental favourites from Spain, Russia, Poland, France, Italy and Portugal. 

Jazz songbird Tamara Kuldin sings to the evocative  musicianship of Jon Delaney on guitar, Anthony Shulz  on accordion and Tamara Murphy on the double bass. Swing, bossa, tango, waltz and bolero… immerse yourself in this festive multilingual celebration of love, flirtation and heartache.

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:
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Post: 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

SKF | ENGAGE | St Kilda Festival | Sunday, 11 February 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Set against spectacular natural beauty of the St Kilda foreshore, this iconic summer celebration of home-grown talent and local community has something for everyone. 

Boasting a diverse programme of live music, dance, carnival rides, shops, markets, food and drink, and activities for all ages, this free, family-friendly event draws thousands of people together in a well-loved community celebration in one of Melbourne’s—and Australia’s—most recognisable destinations.

Since the first St Kilda Festival in 1980, this well-loved annual summer celebration has established itself as an iconic event that brings hundreds of thousands of people together for one massive day of fun! More than 400,000 visitors of all ages attend every year, often returning between Festivals to enjoy St Kilda’s unique attractions.

Don’t miss Yalukut Weelam Ngargee, the free Indigenous Arts and Cultural Festival taking place the week before St Kilda Festival on Saturday 3 February.

Check out online the full line-up and event information.

MORE:
St Kilda Festival (SKF)
Website: https://stkildafestival.com.au

CoPP | ENGAGEMENT | Yalukut Weelam Ngargee | Indigenous Arts & Cultural Festival | Saturday 3 February 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

A family-friendly festival featuring a jam-packed line up of emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians, dancers and artists, plus activities for the whole family.

YALUKUT WEELAM

means ‘river home’ or ‘people of the river’ is a clan belonging to the Boon Wurrung people.

NGARGEE
a gathering for celebration

Join us under the sun and into the summer night in a gathering to celebrate Australia’s Indigenous cultures and local talents.

Yalukut Weelam Ngargee is a family-friendly event so please avoid bringing any glass bottles, containers or items onto the Festival site.

Where: O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda

Cost: free

Check out online what’s on at this year’s Yalukut Weelam Ngargee Festival

MORE:
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Post: Private Bag 3, St Kilda Victoria 3182 Australia
Website: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Yalukut Weelam Ngargee is an Indigenous Arts and Cultural Festival held annually in St Kilda’s O’Donnell Gardens, a significant contemporary Indigenous meeting place.

MIFE | ENGAGEMENT | Midsumma Festival 2018 | Sunday 14 January to Sunday 4 February 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Midsumma Festival is Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ cultural festival, made for and by communities who live with shared experiences around diverse gender and sexuality.

Championing LGBTQIA+ cultures, conversations and events. Intersections between generations, people, ideas, stories and experiences – a focal point for connections and belonging. We create inclusive and safe social spaces. Providing platforms for shared experience in a world which often under-represents us. Valuing diversity and we embrace difference. We increase our communities' profiles and amplify the stories that might otherwise not be seen, heard or felt.

Although the primary three-week festival is held in summer each year, Midsumma works year-round to provide artists, social-changers and culture-makers with support and tools to create, present and promote their work. Midsumma Festival brings a diverse mix of artists, performers, communities and audiences together under a single umbrella for a celebration and innovative presentation of queer arts and culture.

Enjoy diverse festival programming, made up of visual arts, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, live music, parties, sport, social events and public forums, featuring nearly 170 events in 2018, with involvement by over 500 culture-makers in over 100 different venues across Melbourne and wider Victoria to anticipated audiences of over 200,000.

Check out online full program.

MORE:
Midsumma Festival (MIFE)
Website: https://midsumma.org.au/

RFP | APPRAISING | The Royal Commission Report into Sexual Abuse and Religious Organizations | Tuesday 6 February 2018 | 5.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

UN World Interfaith Harmony Lecture 2018

Speaker: Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill OAM B.A., S.T.L., M.Ed., Ph.D, F.A.C.E.L.
Consultant to the Royal Commission on Sexual Abuse and Religious Organisations 2015-2017
Chair: Religions for Peace Australia http://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au

More about the Speaker: Educated in Australia and Italy, Desmond Cahill, Professor of Intercultural Studies at RMIT University, is one of Australia's leading social researchers. In 2006, he was made an honorary fellow of the Australian Council of Educational Lenaders for his work in immigrant, cross-cultural, interfaith and international education. He currently chairs the Religions for Peace (Australia), and represents Australia on the Asian Conference of Religion and Peace (ACRP). He led Melbourne's successful bid to stage the 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions, the world's largest interfaith gathering, and is now its Melbourne Program Director. A member of the Australian Partnership of Religious Organizations (APRO) and of the Victoria Police Multifaith Advisory Council, he is a Club Melbourne Ambassador as part of the “Think Melbourne, Think Victoria” strategy of the Victorian Government.

Where: Laby Theatre (L108), Physics Building, Melbourne University (located near Melbourne University's tram stop on Swanston street)
https://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/192s/laby_theatre

Cost: Free

Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=339119

MORE:
Religions for Peace (Victoria)
Website: http://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au/2017/12/05/2018-world-interfaith-harmony-week-lecture/

A collaboration between The University of Melbourne Chaplaincy and Religions for Peace Victoria

PWR | STATEMENT | Peacebuilding in Jerusalem | Saturday 9 December 2017

[Edited extract from public address]

At the Parliament of the World’s Religions, we honor the committed and courageous justice builders and peacemakers on the ground, from all beliefs and communities, whose incredible work has shown us that this conflict need not perpetually tear us apart. 

We are alarmed by the decision of the President of the United States to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. We are distressed by the escalating tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that this decision is causing.

We entreat all parties to engage in strategies that avoid further provocations, that give the highest regard for the value of every human life, and that envision a future of non-violence, reconciliation, and justice as the most effective route to peace.

To them we say: we are grateful for your solidarity with those who are voiceless and powerless. Despite the odds, you give us hope. With your actions, we believe that there can still be reconciliation, justice and peace -- a possibility rooted in the testimony and commandments of our religious traditions. You who promote and work for justice and peace continue to be an inspiration to us and to all those whose lives you touch.

From the Parliament of the World's Religions Dr. Larry Greenfield, Executive Director
and Dr. Robert P. Sellers, Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Organisers are planning for a Parliament of the World’s Religions to welcome more than 10,000 people of more than 80 nations, from more than 200 unique spiritual traditions at this 7th convening. How will you be there?
Be Supportive by well-wishing organisers and participants, organise local pre-PWR events, pledge your individual or group attendance BY REGISTERING or MAKE A DONATION.

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

YATR | OPPORTUNITY | $1M of Free Advertising to Successful Community Organisations | OPEN 11 December 2017 - CLOSE 4 February 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

The Yarra Trams Community Partnerships Program will provide free advertising across the Melbourne tram network in 2018

Across the Yarra Trams network, $1 million of in-kind advertising space is allocated to Melbourne based community organisations through an annual process. An independent panel has final decision on the partnerships, based on the organisation's application.

Community organisations that are unsuccessful in the process for 2018 advertising coverage are encouraged to apply in future.

In the interests of supporting a variety of communities, Yarra Trams does not support any one organisation for consecutive years.

Yarra Trams reserves the right to establish partnerships with organisations that align with our business values and objectives outside of the panel process.

To be eligible for Yarra Trams Community Partnerships Program, an organisation must:

• Be located in Melbourne and align geographically with the Yarra Trams network.
• Be able to promote the partnership through a range of channels (e.g. website, social media, newsletters, speaking opportunities at events).
• Make a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion in Melbourne.
• Have creative assets available to be shared on the tram network that fit with Yarra Trams advertising guidelines. 
• Align with Yarra Trams values including being passenger focussed, improving our network, placing safety first, and supporting our community.
• Submit a one minute video pitch for the partnership on a Smartphone. [NOTE: Video should be filmed on a Smartphone or equivalent. Highly produced videos will not be valued more. We want to see personality, not professional videos.]

See guidelines online at Yarra Trams

See full program details online at Yarra Trams

MORE:

Yarra Trams (YATR)

Post: GPO Box 5231, Melbourne Vic 3001

Tel: 1800 800 007

Website: http://www.yarratrams.com.au/

GEIFN | REPORTS | CCYP | INFORMATION SESSION | Reportable Conduct Scheme - Religious Organisations | Tuesday 19 December 2017 | 10-11.30am

[Edited extract from public address]

The Reportable Conduct Scheme aims to ensure those who shouldn't work with children aren’t. 

Where: Level 26, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

An information session covering:
• The Reportable Conduct Scheme and to whom it applies
• What is reportable under the Scheme
• What organisations are required to report and respond
• How the Commission will work with other organisations and regulators

It is currently being phased in, mandatory for religious organisations in Phase 2 Schedule 4 implementation by 1 January 2018. Requirements builds on existing workplace misconduct and child safety systems within organisations. As everyone is learning at the same time, current requirements may change as new information arises and matters are worked through.

(See 4pp Information sheet 1: About the Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme referred to hereafter as IS1)

At-A-Glance Key Terms:

• A Child means anyone under the age of 18 years (see IS1, p1)
• Head of Organisation as holding final responsibility (see IS1, p1)
• Employees means persons aged 18+ within or connected to the organisation, even if their work does not directly relate to children. Specifically: (a) paid employees, (b) any persons/entities engaged by the organisation including volunteers, office holders and project officers and certain contractors, (c) religious workers including ministers of religion, religious leader and officers, and (d) certain foster or kinship carers (see IS1, p2)
• Reporting Timeframes (see IS3,p2 and IS7)
• Scope Once any part of the organisation is within the scheme, the whole organisation is within the scheme. Notification to Commission and investigate reportable allegations applies across whole organisation. (see IS1, p4)

In the 6 months of operation, the Commission has over 400 matters reported to it since the Phase 1 implementation 1 July 2017. The volume of reportable allegations are in line with predictions.

Early Commission observations are that:

• Organisations feel challenged by:
• having to report conduct perceived to be less serious
• having to report conduct that has been pre-judged as justified 
• Requirements to investigate conduct outside the workplace 
• Significant variance in quality of investigations by organisations

Reportable Conduct in Brief
There are five types of ‘reportable conduct’ listed in the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005:

• sexual offences (against, with or in the presence of, a child)
• sexual misconduct (against, with or in the presence of, a child)
• physical violence (against, with or in the presence of, a child)
• behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm 
• significant neglect.

(See 4pp Information Sheet 2: What is reportable conduct?
referred to hereafter as IS2)

Misconduct vs Reportable Conduct
Misconduct is a breach of professional standards or Association stated codes of conduct. They may or may not involve reportable conduct. Reportable Conduct is a sexual offence, sexual misconduct, physical violence, behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child, significant neglect of a child (see IS2, p1)

Reasonable Belief and Suspicion
Allegation based on reasonable belief
= Reportable Conduct
Notify the Commission? Yes

Misconduct +
Allegation based on suspicion
= May involve reportable conduct
Notify the Commission? Yes

Misconduct
Notify the Commission? No
(see IS2, p3-4)

Head of Organisation’s obligations under reportable conduct
Notify
You must notify the Commission within 3 business days of becoming aware of a reportable allegation.

Investigate
• You must investigate allegations – subject to police clearance on criminal matters or matters involving family violence.
• You must advise the Commission who is undertaking the investigation.
• You must manage the risks to children.

Update
Within 30 calendar days you must provide the Commission detailed information about the reportable allegation and any action you have taken.

Outcomes
You must notify the Commission of the investigation findings and any disciplinary action the head of entity has taken (or the reasons no action was taken).

(See 2pp Information sheet 3: Responsibilities of the head of an organisation referred to hereafter as IS3)

Reporting Deliverables
Section 16M requires the head of an organisation to within 3 business days initially notify the Commission of a reportable allegation; within 30 calendar days update the Commission of progress; as soon as practicable investigate the reportable allegation and provide the findings of the investigation to the Commission. (See IS3, p2)

Investigation Overview
An investigation into a reportable allegation is a workplace investigation aimed at gathering and examining information to establish facts and make findings in relation to allegations of child abuse against an employee. The investigation may also make recommendations about what disciplinary or other action should be taken (if any).

An effective investigation requires a systematic approach to assessing and managing an allegation, followed by a sound decision-making framework that enables procedural fairness for all parties in the investigation process.
(See 3pp Information sheet 4: Investigation overview)

Supplementary
See 2pp Information sheet 5: Other reporting obligations
See 2pp Information sheet 6: Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme
See 2pp Information sheet 7: Reporting to the Commission

Future Information sessions
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safety/resources/information-sessions/

Reportable Conduct Scheme
• Melbourne, Thursday 22 February 2018 | 10-11.30 am
• Melbourne, Tuesday 6 March 2018 | 10-11.30 am
• Melbourne, Tuesday 27 March 2018 | 10-11.30 am Child Safe Standards
• Melbourne, Wednesday 18 April 2018 | 10-11.30 am

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers and Participants working to redress historical harms, build upon existing reporting mechanisms and redress/minimise injustices. Received with gratitude.

MORE:
Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP)
Post: Level 18, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Tel: 1300 78 29 78
Email: childsafestandards@ccyp.vic.gov.au
Website: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | January 2018

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Ray Edgar explores meaning-filled effort, humanity and lasting impressions “When every picture of a building tells you more about our history” via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/when-every-picture-of-a-building-tells-you-more-about-our-history-20171225-h0a2q6.html

Nafeesa Syeed explores examples of overcoming historical constraints to face  new reality, entrepreneurship in refugee camps revealing “The women fleeing Yemen's cruel war, and their enterprising new lives” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/the-women-fleeing-yemens-cruel-war-and-their-enterprising-new-lives-20171220-h0842w.html

Christos Tsiolkas explores expression, public interest, repetitive human need to create terror from personal to nation state, asking “Frankenstein's legacy 200 years on, is righteousness the new social menace?” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/frankensteins-legacy-200-years-on-is-righteousness-the-new-social-menace-20171220-h089b8.html


Intra
Terry Durack explores connections, conflicts and conundrums between ethics, knowledge and everyday living, reasoning that “When buying meat, we need do our homework” via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/terry-durack-when-buying-meat-we-need-do-our-homework-20171130-gzvybq.html

Fergus Hunter explores discussions about redressing entrenched societal disadvantage, citing “The plan to take thousands of children out of Australia's prisons” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/the-plan-to-take-thousands-of-children-out-of-australias-prisons-20171128-gzu40t.html

Adele Ferguson explores familial exploitation and ongoing attempts to find redress, citing “'We worked like slaves and no one cared': 7-Eleven worker” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/companies/we-worked-like-slaves-and-no-one-cared-7eleven-worker-20171222-h092ff.html


Inter
Cara Waters explores the value in networking to defined markets, playing to natural strengths in “Secret women's business: Women's only networking groups” via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/secret-womens-business-womens-only-networking-groups-20171207-h00p6z.html

Tom Cowie explores how positive role modeling and positive active engagement improves educational outcomes and broadens opportunities, revealing how “Mentorship of African boys boosts school's year 12 graduate numbers” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/mentorship-of-african-boys-boosts-year-12-graduate-numbers-to-highest-ever-at-one-school-20171216-h05to0.html

Cara Waters explores an example of a mother being the necessity of this invention, regarding "'No regrets' for inventor of $50m Springfree trampoline who sold out years ago” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/small-business/no-regrets-for-inventor-of-50m-springfree-trampoline-who-sold-out-years-ago-20171215-h051f3.html


Multi
Ben Groundwater explores longevity, prosperity and relationships creating "Countries with the longest life expectancy: The 10 countries where people live longest” via Traveller.com.au
http://www.traveller.com.au/the-destinations-where-people-live-the-longest-gz6cyw

Cara Waters explores an example of local land knowledge combining with metropolitan taste buds to make a "Business boost for Indigenous entrepreneurs” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/business-boost-for-indigenous-entrepreneurs-20171222-h0960b.html

Michael Short explores a 2014 example of war-ravaged societies, health-care, rebuilding, obstacles and working together to make brighter futures, interviewing Bronwyn Stephens realised experience on “How to save lives in Cambodia” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/how-to-save-lives-in-cambodia-20141205-1218nu.html


All
Nick Miller explores an example of history repeating, fear and loathing, prosecuting war criminals and healing humanity, reviewing “Nazis and Bach collide as Philippe Sands brings East West Street to the stage” via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/nazis-and-bach-collide-as-philippe-sands-brings-east-west-street-to-the-stage-20171218-h06qbm.html

Adam Carey writes of positive development in Indigenous reconciliation, reporting how “Aboriginal treaty is about shared pride, not your backyard, commissioner says” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/aboriginal-treaty-is-about-shared-pride-not-your-backyard-commissioner-says-20171212-h03c9s.html

Nick Miller explores decision making gaining wider acceptance when it is sincerely inclusive for greater benefits, in how to “Give them a nudge, avert a war: behavioural economics comes of age” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/give-them-a-nudge-avert-a-war-behavioural-economics-comes-of-age-20171205-gzyrtl.html


Togather
Carolyn Cummins explores a sustainable development realising a pipe dream, turning the tap on “Lendlease's Barangaroo: set to export water” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/lendlease-completes-barangaroo-20171208-p4yxj5.html

Rosamund Barton explores an example of personal reality, principled stances, daily reality, relationships and realising dreams, meet “Alex Houseman and Eleanor Nurse: 'When there's friction we're very frank'” via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/how-a-gap-in-the-market-spurred-alex-houseman-and-eleanor-nurses-icecream-business-20171205-gzzany.html

Nassim Khadem explores examples of equality in opportunity, gender equity and increasing societal benefits, “From Hyderabad to Nashville: small cities creating global hubs for entrepreneurs” via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/business/world-business/from-hyderabad-to-nashville-small-cities-creating-global-hubs-for-entrepreneurs-20171222-h09emk.html


Nobly
Amanda Hooton explores civic responsibility, evidence-based logic, sincere debate of opposing ideas, intentional democracy and voting in brighter futures for a greater number, shining a light on “Same-sex marriage's unlikely hero Liberal Dean Smith, the 'invisible man'” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/good-weekend/samesex-marriages-unlikely-hero-liberal-dean-smith-the-invisible-man-20171205-gzyuvd.html

Tony Wright explores an example of compassion, Civic duty, leadership and in the public interest, recounting “How Tim Fischer ended an armed siege and made a promise to a refugee” via The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/national/how-tim-fischer-ended-an-armed-siege-and-made-a-promise-to-a-refugee-20171214-h04ehm.html

Andrew Purcell explores a realist and activist peacemaker “Heading to Australia, Iraqi cellist Karim Wasfi on the healing power of music” via The Sydney Morning Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/heading-to-australia-iraqi-cellist-karim-wasfi-on-the-healing-power-of-music-20171219-h07i66.html


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

Liza Donnelly: Drawings Upon Humor For Change

Christian Benimana: The next generation of African architects and designers

Suzanne Simard: How trees talk to each other


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

Harris J - Salam Alaikum
https://youtu.be/u_-McEvEGvI


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

Sesame Street: Ian McKellen Teaches Cookie Monster to Resist
https://youtu.be/GxCplsdCwxY


-----------------------------
WISDOM ILLUMINATES
Approx 25 min presentation

David Suzuki - For Thought: Hope for the Planet
Scientist, broadcaster, author, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation and Grandpa and Elder. He is Companion to the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science, the United Nations Environment Program medal, the 2012 Inamori Ethics Prize, the 2009 Right Livelihood Award, and UNEP's Global 500. Dr. Suzuki is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and holds 29 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is familiar to television audiences as host of the CBC science and natural history television series The Nature of Things
https://youtu.be/Rb1Oxibmb60