FCCV | ENGAGING | Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference | Sunday 18 November 2018 | 12noon-4.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference (VINC) is a grass-roots conference which aims to help build the capacity and sustainability of existing multifaith/interfaith networks, bring people up-to-date with current multifaith/interfaith matters and provide networking opportunities.

Schedule:
12:00pm-1:25pm: Registration, networking, lunch and activities
1:30pm-2:15pm: Honoured guests and keynote speech:
The Social Costs of Gambling Harm: A Faith Response
Keynote Speaker: Reverend Tim Costello
Spokesman & Director Alliance for Gambling Reform & Chief Advocate of World Vision Australia
2:20pm-3:50pm: Workshops and plenary sessions (see below)
4:00pm-4:30pm: Summary & closing ceremony

Workshops & Plenary Sessions:
Enrolment for workshops and plenary sessions to be made on the day of event so please arrive early to enrol in your preferred workshop or session.

• Workshop 1: The Social Costs of Gambling Harm: A Faith Response
• Workshop 2: Freedom of Religion Vs Freedom of Artistic Expression
• Workshop 3: Interfaith Speed Dating – Dialogue with another faith tradition
• Workshop 4: Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme
• More information on each workshop to be released soon

Registration:
To register for the event go to http://www.vinc.eventbrite.com.au and click on the green Register button.

Where: St. Albans Community Centre - 309C Main Rd E, St Albans VIC 3021

Travel to Venue - St. Albans Community Theatre (STACC):

• STACC is located on Princess Street in St Albans – in the heart of Melbourne’s West – just 15kms from Melbourne CBD and 11kms from Tullamarine Airport.
• Easily accessible by public transport, the Centre is adjacent to St Albans Train Station and served by bus routes 408, 418 Main Road East, Stop Errington Reserve, walk past playground to venue
• Parking is limited; please allow plenty of time to find a park near the venue.

Further Information:
Faith Communities Council of Victoria
Mr Sandy Kouroupidis, Multifaith Officer
Mobile: 0412 670 369
Email: officer@faithvictoria.org.au
Website: www.faithvictoria.org.au

This event is proudly supported by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, Brimbank & Maribyrnong Interfaith Network, City of Brimbank, City of Maribyrnong, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, the Victorian State Government - Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria Police & the Commission for Children and Young People.

VMC | CALLING APPLICANTS | ABC Internship Program | Applications NOW OPEN, close Monday 12 November 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Calling on young journalists and storytellers from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for the VMC-Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Internship Program.

Funded by the Victorian Government and coordinated by the VMC in partnership with ABC, the paid internship program will help young people with on-the-job training across the state over 12 weeks, including rotations in ABC’s metro news production, metro radio and regional teams.

This internship will also serve as an important platform to report on issues for culturally diverse communities, talk about their experiences and bring perspective to media narratives to better reflect Victoria’s diversity.

VMC will also offer additional support to each successful candidate with a skills audit and the establishment of career development goals, as well as supervision and mentoring opportunities.

Find out more and make an application or forward to a budding young storyteller you know.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)

Address: Level 9, 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tel: (03) 7017 8171

Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

MDOC | ENGAGING | Mitzvah Day in Australia | Sunday 18 November 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Bringing a little joy, reduce hardship and help the environment

Mitzvah Day is an annual event where individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, around Australia and internationally, join together to spend one day volunteering in a  variety of activities (that we call Projects) within their communities. 

Groups and individuals organise their own Projects which are varied and chosen and organised entirely by each volunteer group.

This year will be the 8th annual Mitzvah Day in Australia. Affiliated with Mitzvah Day International which was launched in the UK in 2008, the movement has grown so that in 2017, over 40,000 people in 24 countries participated. Last year in Australia, we had 60 volunteer groups organising 80 diverse activities that took place around Australia (but mostly in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney) and involved over 3,000 people.

How it works
Organisations or individuals develop a Project they will perform on Mitzvah Day. Examples include collect-a thons, packing care packs for Aboriginal communities in remote areas, cooking and distributing meals for residents of public housing; a “Bra drive” for the Uplift Project; wrapping Christmas presents for donation to children living in women's refuges from family violence; beach clean-up; concerts at local nursing homes; preparing floral bouquets for nursing home residents and visiting seniors with the volunteers’ furry friends (dogs) for a pat, play and conversation! 

All Projects registered on our website are sent a Welcome Pack and free merchandise including our distinctive green t-shirts to wear on the day, stickers plus support from us.

Mitzvah Day brings the community together, young and old and from many diverse backgrounds. On Mitzvah Day we aim to reduce hardship and poverty, help the environment and bring joy through volunteering with an emphasis on supporting existing charities and building stronger communities

MORE:
Mitzvah Day Organising Committee
Kerryn Lowe
Mob: 0417 007 204
Website: www.mitzvahday.org.au

SHSDDU | SYMPOSIUM | Innovative Work Practices with diverse refugee communities | Friday 30 November 2018 | 9am-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Deakin Downtown's School of Health and Social Development in a symposium to showcase innovative work practices with refugee communities, and workshop new ideas with participants.

Morning: participants will hear from visiting international scholar, Dr Ulrika Ferm, who will be discussing her KomHIT Flykting (Come Here Refugee) project; along with guests from local initiatives Foundation House and Space2B, leaders in refugee advocacy and support.

Afternoon: Researchers from the School will conduct a workshop to facilitate knowledge sharing, project development, evaluation, writing up results, publishing and applying for funding.

Where: Deakin Downtown, 727 Collins Street, #tower 2 level 12, Melbourne, VIC 3008

Inclusions: lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.

Cost: free

Bookings: online through Eventbrite

Enquiries: regarding the event can be forwarded to hsd-marketing@deakin.edu.au.

MORE:
School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University
Stacie Bobele, School Marketing and Communications Officer
Tel: (03) 5227 2854
Mob: 0404 025 158
Email: stacie.bobele@deakin.edu.au
Website: www.deakin.edu.au

ECCV | HOSTING | National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information Sessions

[Edited extract from public address]

Free Information Sessions for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD).

Do you want to know more about the NDIS?
Do you work with people from a CALD background?
Do you have a CALD background yourself?
Interested in facilitating an NDIS session in your community?

What to Expect

• An introduction to disabilities
• What is NDIS?
• What support is available and how to access the scheme
• With guest speakers, including an NDIS Local Area Coordinator and a person with a lived experience.

Considerations: Light refreshments are provided and an interpreter can be organised.

Cost: Free

MORE:
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg, 3058 (entry on Page Street)
Hanaa Grave, NDIS Community Engagement Officer (Work days: Tuesday-Friday)

Email: hgrave@eccv.org.au

Tel: (03) 9354 9555
Website: www.eccv.org.au

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | November 2018

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
The New York Times salutes the life of Shirin Aliabadi, revealing how “Iranian artist gave expression to women in Islamic Republic” via WA Today

Judy Skinner, Jane Huglin and Meg Caraher salute the life of Judy Wardale, revealing how this “Champion of the disenfranchised improved the lives of others against the odds” via The Age

Michael Dwyer explores precious nature of individual existence, valuing voice and the right time for amplifying reasoned togetherness, take shelter from “John Prine: The tree that keeps giving” via The Canberra Times


Intra
Cameron Woodhead explores intersections between pride, prejudice and politics, opening “A Pandora's Box of Aussie unmentionables” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Cameron Woodhead explores a journey of two brothers’ flight for refuge, reviewing a “Charming fusion of audiobook and magic lantern” via The Brisbane Times

Joe Hinchliffe explores sustainable sweet success coming from harmony with diversity in an example of purposeful team work when “The butterfly effect has ants playing defence” via The Age


Inter
Clare Wright explores a historical account of concerted effort to bring about positive societal change, declaring “I'll have what she's having: How Australia inspired the world on votes for women” via The Age

Stephen A. Russell explores the value of ancient wisdoms relevant to modern times, forging connections and increasing reach of reconciled belonging, reviewing and reasoning why “Astroman is a coming of age story with a difference” via The Canberra Times

Brian Johnston explores honouring sacredness, human belonging, overcoming difficulties for pilgrammage, expanse of space and limited time, revealing glimpses of “Delhi, India: Why it's worth visiting the Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid” via Traveller.com.au


Multi
Brian Johnston explores lessons from history’s pages, purposeful living and modern approaches, revealing some of the “World's oldest cities Top 10 ancient places - and their new don't miss attractions” via Traveller.com.au

Simon Denyer explores the cautionary tale and outcome of empire building, social engineering and state sponsored migration, revealing what happened after “They were promised a 'paradise' in North Korea” via The Brisbane Times

Associated Press updates the continuing Rohingya Genocide as “UN investigator: Genocide still taking place in Myanmar” the via WA Today


All
Nathanael Cooper explores a modern moral exemplar using wisdom and insight to inspire her generation for a greater benefit, discussing with “King Princess on being unashamedly queer” via The Brisbane Times

Dominic Bossi explores examples of Aussies kicking goals on world stage as “Sudanese refugees Thomas Deng and Awer Mabil share special Socceroo debuts” via The Age

Matthew Field explores youthful enthusiasm, technology and responsive leadership as “Pope gives his blessing to Pokemon Go” via The Brisbane Times


Togather
Aisha Dow explores the value of medical research producing science driven, evidence backed public benefits, revealing diligence required behind reasons for “Cervical cancer set to be eliminated from Australia in global first” via WA Today

Georgina Robinson explores how organized sport can kick goals on, off and beyond the field, revealing why “World Cup ticket sales helping girls be girls in Laos and Vietnam” via The Brisbane Times

Karla Adam explores an example of weeding entrenched disadvantage, planting positive role models, growing connections to society and harvesting self-respect, revealing how “Glasgow tries to get at roots of crime as other countries take note” via WA Today


Nobly
Henrietta Cook explores innovative solutions to localized disengagement and disrupted learning in “The Victorian schools that have caught the attention of Finland” via WA Today

Paul Byrnes explores an example of insitu transformative education taking the backtrack (Auslish: less well known, hazardous due to less-travelled, more concentration required), reviewing “Backtrack Boys: A remarkable story of bringing troubled boys and girls back from the brink” via The Canberra Times

Emma Koehn explores a diversion program with an upskilling track record, revealing reasons behind “Australia's social enterprises’ call for more government cash to help make a difference” via The Canberra Times


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

Lera Boroditsky: How language shapes the way we think (14 mins)
David Norse: Finding Identity: An LGBTQ Pastor’s Journey (20 mins)
Eve Lahijani: Trust your hunger and make peace with food (11 mins)
Jason Y. Lee: Why I quit my job to pursue my childhood dream (22 mins)
Amal Kassir: The Muslim on the airplane (16 mins)


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

Gurrumul - Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow)

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

Sesame Street and Usher: Volunteer
 

-----------------------------
WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 30 min presentation

Q&A: What's right and wrong with our schools? (100 mins)
What makes a great teacher? Are we over-testing our kids? Tony Jones is joined by Eddie Woo, Pasi Sahlberg, Cindy Berwick, Gabbie Stroud and Jennifer Buckingham for a Teaching Special.