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ARRCC | ADVOCACY | From a faith perspective for public policies which contribute to climate justice | October 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Promoting ethical, sustainable, healthy and contented lifestyles which respect the Earth’s precious natural resources.

Started in 2007, ARRCC is a Multi-faith network committed to action on climate change.

Member based, both individuals and organisations

Download a PDF Report

MORE:
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC)
Website: https://www.arrcc.org.au

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SGV | ADVISORY | Surviving the Heat

[Edited extract from public address]

Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster and can affect anybody.

Its important to know who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.
To find out what to do to survive the heat, visit our Better Health Channel website.

Read this 2pp Fact Sheet.

With extreme heat the fire risk also increases, for up-to-date information on fire and heat warnings visit VicEmergency.

Looking for health or medical advice?
We recommend that you:

  • talk to your doctor
  • dial triple zero (000) in an emergency
  • ring NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 for expert health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria - calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate).

MORE:
State Government of Victoria
Department of Health and Human Services
Address: 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Tel: 1300 650 172

PPCR | CELEBRATING | Towards Meaningful Reconciliation and End of Year Barbecue | Tuesday 17 December 2019 | from 6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Boon Wurrung Word of the Month: Weegabil nye-wilny – Old Man Sun, Summer

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation Inc. (PPCfR) is a voluntary, not for profit community group. It began in 1997 at a public meeting, at St Kilda Town Hall, convened by Jacki Willox and attended by hundreds of people, including politicians, councillors, indigenous musicians and general public.

Objectives
  • To maintain local awareness of the reconciliation agenda, recognising that information, understanding and community discussion are integral to the process.
  • promoting an understanding of the history of Aboriginal people, particularly in our local area.
Mungo, our monthly newsletter, continues to be a good news source for events, circulating annually
to over 3,500 as well as members of other networks.

End of Year BBQ
BYO. Gasworks Arts Park, Richardson Street, South Melbourne. All Welcome.
If the weather’s poor, ring 0418 675 734 for alternative arrangements.

MORE:
Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation
Address: PO Box 1446, St Kilda South, VIC, 3182
Tel: 03 9699 8804
Email: rosemary.rule@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ppcfr.org

VMC | ANNOUNCING | Victorian Government’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund

[Edited extract from public address]

For the 4th year in a row, the Commission is proud to support and promote the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.

Under the fund, multicultural and interfaith community groups can apply for a grant between $10,000 and $100,000 to complete infrastructure projects.

This year, the Victorian Government is also offering a new dedicated grant round – the Indian Community Infrastructure Fund, supporting Victorian Indian community groups to upgrade and enhance their community facilities.

Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF)
Supporting Victoria’s diverse communities to feel connected with their traditional culture and identity by improving existing community facilities.
Find out more

Indian Community Infrastructure Fund (ICIF)
Supporting local community infrastructure projects that help maintain, upgrade, renovate and construct facilities used by Victoria’s Indian communities.
Find out more

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 16, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171

ASRC | APPEALING | Festive Food Drive | Sunday 22 December 2019 | 10am-3pm

[Edited extract from public address]

For many of us, the festive season is a time for celebration and indulgence. Yet for many people seeking asylum living in the community, it's just another month of struggling to feed the family.

Help people seeking asylum by donating essential food items at our Festive Food Drive. This annual community event helps to fill our Foodbank shelves to ensure that people seeking asylum have food security during this holiday period.

The garage roller door will be open, so you can drive right into the garage with your donation.

 Where: rear of the ASRC building (garage door is opposite 46 Albert St, Footscray)

Staff, volunteers, and our CEO Kon Karapanagiotidis will be here to greet you with a smile and help you unload your donations.

Bring the family! A food drive is a great way to introduce children to the idea of helping others in a tangible way.

We do please ask that you ONLY bring foods from the list below.

Essential food items are our priority, and sticking to the list ensures that our members' needs are met, and your donation isn't wasted.
We would love your donations of:

  • Tuna in oil - all size
  • Dishwashing liquid - 1L 
  • Laundry detergent - 1L
  • Basmati rice - all sizes
  • Sweet & savoury biscuits
  • UHT full cream milk – 1 litre
  • Tinned vegetables
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Corn kernels
  • Honey – 375ml
  • Coconut cream – 400g
  • Tinned tomatoes – 400g
  • Tomato paste  – all sizes
  • Tinned legumes (no baked beans)
  • Chickpeas
  • Red kidney beans
  • White beans
  • Lentils
  • Tinned fruit 
  • Dry pasta

PLEASE NO TOYS: the children have just had a free toy shop at the ASRC
and
PLEASE NO CLOTHING OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: we don't have the capacity to accept donations of this kind. Our focus is on food!
Can’t make it on the day?

You can order for us online, with FREE delivery for orders over $50.

Prefer to make a monetary donation?

You’ll be helping protect people’s right to safety.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is an independent not for profit whose programs support and empower over 4,000 people seeking asylum each year to maximise their physical, mental and social wellbeing. As a movement we mobilise and unite communities to create social and policy change for people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia.

MORE:
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Address: 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray, Melbourne VIC 3011 Australia
Email: ASRC Food Network <food@asrc.org.au>
Website: www.asrc.org.au

WIKIPEDIA | THANKING | Donors, On behalf of a world of people seeking free knowledge

[Edited extract from public address]

What shape does your curiosity take? And how does Wikipedia fit?

I used to try and guess what motivated people to give, but the longer I do this work, the more I realize I can’t put individual donor's curiosity in a box. There is no one singular experience of Wikipedia.

Curiosity is as diverse as we all are, and it looks a little different for each of us.

When individuals use Wikipedia next, I hope they feel that it belongs to you. Because without you, and without the millions of people who come back to us every day, we would be nothing.

Thank you for giving Wikipedia shape, and purpose, and momentum. Thank you for fitting us into your life.

With immense gratitude,
Katherine Maher, Executive Director

MORE:
Wikimedia Foundation
Website: https://wikimediafoundation.org

Wikipedia is hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that also hosts a range of other projects.

S2B | FESTIVE | Laneway Market | Sunday 1 December 2019 | 10am-2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Shop for handmade and ethical gifts this December! Over 20 stalls of Australian designed products and beautiful gifts from local established and new migrant designers and artists.

Gifts, food and music. Come along, connect with vibrant artists, buy some beautiful products. Food from the Artlane Cafe, and music from local buskers.

Where: Space2b, Laneway - Rear 144 Chapel St, St Kilda

MORE:
Space2b
Address: 144 Chapel St, St Kilda Vic 3182
Website: https://space2b.com.au

A collaboration between Northside Projects (the creators of the much love Blenders Market in the City) in partnership with Space2b, 

JHC | SCREENING | The Last Suit | 1 December 2019 | Arrive 3.45pm for 4.00pm start

[Edited extract from public address]

Join JHC Flicks to view and discuss this film about the Holocaust, other genocides and human rights issues. Film screening will be followed by guest speaker and informal discussion. 

Guest Speaker: Frances Prince, JCCV Executive Member holding the Multicultural and Interfaith Portfolio.

Directed by Pablo Solarz, an octogenarian Jewish tailor, embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.
Escaping a family intent on confining him to a nursing home, Abraham leaves Buenos Aires in search of the man who, over 70 years ago, saved him from certain death. With assistance from a roll call of generous strangers, the sharply dressed suitmaker makes his way across Europe to Poland, undeterred by travel mishaps, family foibles and geographical obstacles. Heartfelt and charming, with a wonderful comedic flavour, The Last Suit reminds us of the enduring importance of family, friends and keeping your word.

Where: Jewish Holocaust Centre. 13-15 Selwyn St, Elsternwick 3185

Cost: $10.00

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Jewish Holocaust Centre
Address: 13-15 Selwyn St, Elsternwick 3185
Tel: (03) 9528 1985
Email: admin@jhc.org.au
Website: www.jhc.org.au


JCV | TALKING | Preventing Violence Together - Community Breakfast | Tuesday 3 December 2019 | Arrive 7.15am for 7.30am-9.00am

[Edited extract from public address]

A Community Breakfast, held by Jewish Care, Unchain My Heart, and Glen Eira City Council in support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

“This is not a Jewish problem.”
This was one of the most common responses that Guest Speaker Naomi Tucker received in the early 90s when she approached community leaders and organisations hoping to start a conversation about family violence.

Almost 30 years on, what began as a grassroots volunteer-led campaign is today the thriving Shalom Bayit, a Jewish family violence prevention agency and one of the first of its kind in the United States. With a breadth of activities from clergy training and youth education programs to the MenschUp! initiative, Shalom Bayit’s goal is community transformation: to improve the health and vitality of the Jewish community by ensuring everyone’s right to healthy, violence-free relationships.

As its founder and Executive Director, Naomi has worked in the field of family violence prevention for over 35 years. Previously a board member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Naomi is an experienced speaker, author and educator and is a national consultant in the US on faith-based approaches to ending violence in the home.

In her keynote address, Naomi will describe the importance of a whole-of-community response to preventing violence, and how each and every one of us can play a part. Join us to learn more about what you can do to help create a healthy, happy and equal Jewish community.

The Preventing Violence Together breakfast brings community together to explore how each and every one of us – as leaders, teachers, parents, and community members - can play a role in helping to prevent violence against women.

Where: Glen Eira Town Hall Auditorium, Cnr Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

Inclusions: A kosher breakfast will be served.

Cost: $45 plus booking fee

Bookings: online through www.jewishcare.org.au/pvt

MORE:
Jewish Care (Victoria)
Website: https://www.jewishcare.org.au/

Held in association with Unchain My Heart and Glen Eira City Council in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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ASCB | FUNDRAISING | Asylum Seekers' Comedy Benefit 2019 | Saturday 7 December 2019 | Arrive 6pm for 7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

This sensational Asylum Seekers’ Comedy Benefit will be a cracker night for a worthy cause, hosted by your MC, the hilarious Monica Dullard.

If you love live comedy, don't miss JUDITH LUCY, DAVE O'NEIL, DAMIAN CALLINAN (The Merger) BRAD OAKES, BEV KILLICK, ADAM ROZENBACHS, KIRSTY WEBECK & more, in a jam-packed night of Comedy GOLD.

Held at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall, you can come by tram or train, but just get there, or you’ll miss out!

Bar & Hot Food available from 6pm

100% Profits to Brigadine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) & Refugee Legal

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda, VIC 3182

Cost: $0-$40

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Asylum Seekers’ Comedy Benefit (ASCB)
Website: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=560273

ECCV | LAUNCH | All One Together - Connect, Communicate. Celebrate | Monday 9 December 2019 | Arrive 5.45pm for 6-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Highlighting connections between all Victorians regardless of where we come from and what we look like. Supporting community conversations and celebrating actions contributing to addressing of racism. Effectively building an inclusive society for all. 

To mark the occasion and to celebrate International Human Rights Day, join with this panel conversation with imminent human rights lawyers and activists, who will discuss how racism continues to challenge communities, and suggest actions we can all take, as citizens and organisations, to ensure that we thrive together:
  • Jennifer Huppert, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and VEOHRC’s Board member
  • Alan Dewis, Associate Director, Aboriginal Services, Victoria Legal Aid
  • Diana Sayed, human rights lawyer and CEO of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
The event will also include spoken word performance by Zaynab Farah.

Where: Glen Eira Town Hall (Theatrette) - Glen Eira City Council
420 Glen Eira Road

Bookings: online through Eventbrite

MORE:
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
Website: www.eccv.org.au

Strengthening Connections, Realising Human Rights. Launch made possible with support of Glen Eira City Council
Labels:

MIFE | REVEALING | Midsumma Festival | 19 Jan - 9 Feb 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Australia's premier queer arts and cultural festival, bringing together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences.

Every January, Midsumma Festival expands over 22-days of summer with an explosion of queer events that center around hidden and mainstream queer culture, locally and internationally.

Shariung the lived experiences of those voices at the margins, the expression of queer history, and the celebration of new ideas that come to life through world-class art and performance.

Festival program is made up of diverse art forms and genres, including visual arts, live music, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, parties, sport, social events, and public forums. Featuring over 175 events in 2020, with involvement by over 5000 culture-makers in over 80 different venues across Melbourne and wider Victoria - to anticipated audiences of over 284,000.

Although the primary three-week festival is held in summer each year, we work year-round to provide artists, social-changers, and culture-makers with support and tools to create, present and promote their work.

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

VMC | ANNOUNCES | Recipients of Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Victorian Multicultural Commission received more than 200 nominations, awarding a total of 61 people and organisations who have gone above and beyond to strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria.

Recipients have made our state a better place through their achievements across a wide range of areas, including community harmony, innovation, community service, media, business, government, education and policing.

Victoria’s newest diversity heroes were acknowledged at a special ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday 19 November 2019.

See the award recipients list
Find out all about the outstanding achievements of the 2019 diversity heroes at our website.
Stay tuned for our diversity heroes highlight series on

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 16, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Email: info@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at #DiversityHeroes and join the conversation at #MulticulturalAwards.

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | December 2019

Welcome

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Assyrian calendar 6769 as we farewell the year that was and proceed into Gregorian New Year 2020.

Let’s begin by sharing a timely aspiration:
"The four contentments: mind at peace, body at rest, family in harmony,
all enterprise at ease." Chan Master Sheng Yen

Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.

Topics

  • Media Words
  • TED Talks
  • Guest Sings
  • Street Jives
  • Wisdom Reconciles
  • Challenge Reflects

Media Words

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Maureen Matthews explores techniques for overcoming discontent fueled inertia, when “About Last Night: My life is fine but I'm stuck in a rut” via The Age

Brook Turner explores personal identity, belonging and inspiring leadership in public domain, the back story of “Aboriginal artist and provocateur Brook Andrew on shaking up the Sydney Biennale” via The Age

Julie Perrin explores origin stories, misappropriation and restoring of Faith, in “A new start: Finding Christ's message at the margins” via WA Today


Intra
Jim Bright explores interpersonal relationships, employees and workplaces, reasoning why “Sometimes we aspire to stand on the shoulders of giants” via The Brisbane Times

Jewel Topsfield explores a civic-minded social enterprise putting best foot forward, reporting “How Melbourne's Sneakerheads are helping the homeless this Christmas” via The Age

Julietta Jameson  explores the value of curiosity, opportunity and seeking out life-enriching activity, meet Carolyn Fraser and “What travel has taught me” via Traveller.com.au


Inter
Elspeth Callender explores a land less ravaged by time, sharing culture and Songlines in “Arnhem Land, Northern Territory travel guide and things to do: Australia's unique last frontier” via Traveller.com.au

Rachel Wells explores answering the call when “Jehovah’s Witnesses hit town for global convention” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Tim Boreham explores attractiveness of destination Australia for foreign students as “Australia's student accommodation tops global ranking” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Multi
Matty Silver explores in his book marriage, infidelity, shifting attitudes and interconnected causes and effects, asking “Can an affair save a marriage? As a sex therapist, I believe so” via WA Today

Anna Funder explores competing ideologies, oppositional governing structures and dangers of shredding the pages of history, recounting “Thirty years after the Berlin Wall came down, who really won?” via WA Today

Kerrie O'Brien explores Victoria’s history, through this very modern exhibition of pages, images, recounts and collections, reasons why in “The aisles of serendipity: libraries make unexpected connections” via The Age


All
Maureen Matthews explores marriage, commitment, uniting as a team, societal and official registration and inheritance in “About Last Night: Isn't it time to overhaul the concept of marriage?” via The Age

Jacinta Tynan explores dealing with inequitible relationships, overcoming obstacles and managing sustainable change, tips for “Keeping it together when it all seems to be falling apart” via WA Today

Simone Mitchell explores precious nature of existence, cherishing those loved in real time, reasoning “Before you die: the words we shouldn't wait to say” via The Age


Togather
Tony Wright explores a tale of oral traditions celebrating diversity when uniting “Voices on the desert air praise the unchaining of Australia’s heart” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Kerrie O'Brien explores collaborative approach to overcoming gendered inequity, revealing how “Queen Victoria Women's Centre harnesses the power of art” via The Age

Bridget McManus explores bringing origin stories and past nutritional secrets to a modern audience, reviewing “On Country Kitchen” via The Age


Nobly
Jewel Topsfield explores the time-tested transformative value of learning to play music while building links between newly arrived and local community, when and why ”Every music lover and their dog welcome at classic bar” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Cat Woods describes a spiritually based community driven sustainable social enterprise “Food for Good: there's a place at the Open Table for everyone” via Goodfood.com.au

Hannah Francis explores illuminating visibility, sharing experience and uniting voices when “Tapping young voices for future echoes” via The Brisbane Times



Wisdom Reconciles




Challenge Reflects

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.

Cryptic Clue:
What is an Australian way of saying the totality is better than the sum of individual parts?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others


Extreme
[ex'treem]
From late Middle English; via Old French from Latin extremus = outermost, utmost; superlative of exterus = outer.

1. reaching a high or the highest degree; very great. Ie, extreme cold. Ie, take an extreme course of action. Ie, do something to an extreme degree
2. not usual; exceptional. Ie, in extreme cases the soldier may be discharged. 
3. very severe or serious. Ie, expulsion is an extreme sanction. Ie, the extreme of applying for drought relief
4. (of a person or their opinions) far from moderate, especially politically. Ie, groups of more extreme supporters rioted in front of parliament. 
5. denoting or relating to a sport performed in a hazardous environment and involving great personal risk. Ie, extreme sports like rock climbing. 
6. [attributive] furthest from the centre or a given point. Ie, the extreme north-west of Scotland. Ie, the reasoning was convoluted in the extreme
7. either of two abstract things that are as different from each other as possible. Ie, we represented opposite extremes of college society - she a member of the Old Guard, I one of the radicals. 


Supreme 
[sue’preem]
From late 15th century (in the sense = highest): from Latin supremus, superlative of superus = that is above, from super = above.

1. highest in rank or authority. Ie, a unified force with a supreme commander. Ie, the Supreme Being (a name for God). 
2. most important or powerful. Ie, on the race track the horse reigned supreme. 
3. very great or the greatest. Ie, the tradies were nerving themselves for a supreme effort. 
4. very good at or well known for a specified activity. Ie, people expected the famous marathon runner to have a supreme win. 
5. (of a penalty or sacrifice) involving death. Ie, comrades dying in battle made the supreme sacrifice. 
6. French cooking: a rich cream sauce. A dish served in a supreme sauce. Ie, chicken supreme. [from French suprême.]


Most 
[moast]
From Old English māst, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch meest and German meist = greatest in amount or degree

1. quantifier of adjectives and adverbs. Ie, the most important event of my life. Ie, she was the most ambitious of all. 
2. to the greatest extent. Ie, the things she most enjoyed. Ie, what he wanted most of all. 
3. extremely; very. Ie, it was most kind of you. Ie, that is most probably correct. 
4. almost; the majority of; nearly all of; in most cases; usually. Ie, most everyone understood. Ie, the older members, for the most part, shun newcomers. Ie, the two-pin sockets found in most European countries
5. not more than. Ie, the walk took four minutes at the most. 
6. use to the best advantage. Ie, the manager was eager to make the most of the site visit. 
7. represent at its best. Ie, how to make the most of your features.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle

Between extreme and supreme positions, is a middle way of wisdom, compassion and generosity. Get the most out of arising opportunities. Starting with the individual, grow surpluses and increase beneficiaries to a greater number until including all. And if at first success does not arrive, maybe there is time to reflect, adapt, adopt, evolve or change direction.
Or not.
As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.

UNEA | VISIONS | for Intercultural Education Melbourne Convergence | Saturday 16 November 2019 | arrive 1.45pm for 2-6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A commemoration of two-year anniversary of history-making, Return to Country of Mungo Man - a story that changed our nation, rewrote history books and affirmed the survival of the oldest living culture on the planet.

A once-in-a-lifetime event for all educators interested in deepening their understanding of Ancient Australia
  • Traditional Elders and representatives from the Mungo Three Traditional Tribal Groups (3TTG) will share Aboriginal Perspectives about the future for Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area and visions for a world class education centre
  • Professor Jim Bowler, the scientist who originally made the discoveries OF Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, is a climate change scientist who has walked this journey for 50 years will be sharing his own work on the relationship between People and Nature, and the revising of Australian Human occupation going back 120,000
  • The Melbourne Convergence will also see the Digital Launch of the Mungo Explorer curriculum, making it possible for all schools to deliver real and tangible content covering the past 50,000 years in Australia, introduced by Indigenous Cultural Educator Alan Harris and Jenny Bowler
  • Professor Peter Blaze, Senior Research Fellow with Earth Charter (USA) will be presenting on educational aspects, considering the deep engagement with Indigenous Perspectives globally.
  • International artists Pato Banton and Antoinette “Rootsdawtah” Hall from California, will share their stories of intercultural challenges and perspectives in the US as well as uplift the audience with some Reggae music.
  • In support of this vision of the Elders, many organisations are coming together including the Charter for Compassion Australia, Cultural Infusion, URI, UNITY EARTH and more.
Where: Victoria University, Flinders Street Campus, 300 Flinders Street

Cost: Free

Bookings: Online through Eventbrite

MORE:
Cultural Infusion
Address: PO Box 218, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Tel: +61 3 9412 6666
Email: info@culturalinfusion.org.au
Website: https://culturalinfusion.org.au

A collaboration between Unity Earth Melbourne Convergence with Cultural Infusion

SDSJH | TALKING | About Aging, Elderly and Care | Sunday 17 November 2019 | Arrive 2.15pm for 2.30-4.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join this discussion with Keynote Speaker Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians and Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention.

Topics in presentation include:
  • The journey of ageing
  • Opportunities, protective factors, and what to look forward to
  • Elder abuse, financial problems, and other vulnerabilities
  • Planning ahead: Frailty, the death of a long term partner, & other challenges
  • What might we need when we are less able
  • Home care, residential aged care, and other support
  • What to do and where to go with concerns about your care or that of others
After the presentation will be Audience Questions and Answers

Where: St John's Uniting Church, 567 Glen Huntly Road Elsternwick.

Cost: Free

Inclusions: post-event light afternoon tea

Bookings: Michael Forbes mforbes57@gmail.com

MORE:
Side Door Social Justice Hub
St John's Uniting Church, 567 Glen Huntly Road Elsternwick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Organization/The-Side-Door-Social-Justice-Hub-305449906540610/

SKEBC | EXHIBITING | Art Awakening the Spirit | Thursday 21 November 2019 | 6-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

An exhibition showcasing paintings by Aboriginal artists from the local Aboriginal drug and alcohol recovery centres based in St Kilda - Galiamble and Winja Ulupna. 

An annual event offering participants in these programs the opportunity to exhibit and sell their paintings. The art programs at Galiamble have been running for many years.

All paintings are available for sale on the night at affordable prices (under $150), cash only, with all proceeds going to the artists. Sold paintings can be taken at the end of the night

All are welcome to attend.

Where: St Kilda Elsternwick Baptist Church, 9 Pakington Street, St Kilda

Cost: Free

MORE:
St Kilda Elsternwick Baptist Church
Address: 9 Pakington Street, St Kilda.
Digby Hannah Tel: 0408 141 067
Helen Hoffman Tel: 0459 226 051

PPLS | SHARING | Your Garden with Wildlife | Thursday 21 November 2019 | 6.30-7.30 pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Would you like to attract butterflies, bees and birds to your garden, but only have a small outdoor space? Even small spaces like courtyards and balconies can become attractive to a range of wildlife with just a little bit of planning.

Learn how to become a ‘Champion for Wildlife’ by incorporating food sources, water, shelter and nesting places in your garden for our indigenous animals. Pollinator species, like bees and butterflies, are of great conservation concern right now. They are declining across the globe due to factors such as intense farming, climate change, disease and changing land use, including urbanisation.

However, urban areas can help support these species and this talk will show you how you can create your own biodiversity hotspot with minimal space.

What you will learn:
  • How to become a "Champion for Wildlife in your garden
  • How to create habitat and homes in your garden that attract birds, frogs, butterflies, insects, mammals and lizards
  • How to manage pests that can damage your habitat garden or threaten indigenous fauna

Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, 3182

Cost: Free

Considerations: Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided. If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in this event, please contact Library Programs on 9209 6655 or email: library-programs@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Spaces are limited, bookings are strongly encouraged. Online through Trybooking.

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library-programs@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

This event is co-hosted with Sustainable Port Phillip and Sustainable Gardening Australia.

CMN | ADDRESSING | Domestic Violence Forum - A Religious Perspective | Thursday 21 November 2019 | Arrive 6.45pm for 7-9pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Religious, cultural and social norms are some of the reasons contributing to tremendous suffering and social costs from Domestic Violence. Join this conversation with a team of professional and religious leaders who are also social workers in this area.

Jasbir Singh Suropada, Chairman, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria (SICV)
Founder and Director of Sikh Australian Support for Family Violence (SASFV) and member of the Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong Interfaith Networks.

Rev Ray Mc Cluskey, Minister Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church. Ray’s vision as the new minister is to foster a relationship with the community – not only with other Christian churches but with other faiths.

Hayat Doughan, Director & Founder, EL - Emann Muslim Woman’s Support Group

Family Violence Prevention Community Development worker at South East Community Link.

There will be an audience Q&A session.

Where: Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, VIC 3805

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through Eventbrite

MORE:
Casey Multifaith Network
Address: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, VIC 3805
Email: caseymultifaith@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseymultifaith/

JCMA | WALK | In Friendship | 24th November 2019 | Sunday 24 November 2019 | Arrive 1.15pm for 1.30-5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Come along and spend an afternoon walking together in friendship and goodwill between a mosque, synagogue and a church. 

The Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) is a Victorian based organization established in 2003, which aims to enable people who belong to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities to deepen their understanding of one another's faith traditions in Australia today by meeting, engaging with and learning from one another.

Starting at the Albanian Australian Islamic Society Mosque in Carlton North we will walk together to Church of All Nations, followed by the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, walking across to St Peters Eastern Hill Anglican Church / Community Hall where tea & refreshments will be provided. We will start with a prayer of peace and reflections and then learn about some of the history and traditions of each of the places we visit.

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through Eventbrite

MORE:
Jewish Christian Muslim Association Of Australia (JCMA)
Ginette Everest, Executive Officer
Tel: (03) 9287 5590

PPLS | ASKING | Is There No Place For Me? Making Sense Of Madness | Wednesday 4 December 2019 | Arrive 6.15pm for 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Almost half the Australian population will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime yet it is still difficult to find the right treatment and stay well.

Kate Richards is well positioned to ask the hard questions about our mental health system. She experienced episodes of depression and psychosis well into her adult life and is a trained doctor.

Join Kate in conversation with Roz Bellamy.

 Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182

Cost: Free

Bookings: Online through Trybooking

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel: 03 9209 6655
Email: library-programs@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

This event is part of the City of Port Phillip’s week-long program of events celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Click here for full event program.
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EQPR | REGISTERING | Better Together 2020 - 3rd National LGBTIQ+ Conference | 10-11 January 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Join and participate in the conversation about where we want to take Australia's LGBTIQ+ movement into the future.

Where: Williamstown Town Hall, Williamstown, Victoria

Cost: Early Bird Deadline 30 Nov 2019
Take advantage of the extended Early Bird rate: $199
Concession, senior, youth and group bookings available.

Scholarships
Looking for a scholarship?
You can attend Better Together 2020 on a scholarship. We encourage LGBTIQ+ people from regional and rural areas, multicultural/multi-faith communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Deaf community and people with a disability to apply.

Bookings: Online through The Equality Project

MORE:
The Equality Project
Address: 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Australia
Email: mail@theequalityproject.org.au
Website: https://www.theequalityproject.org.au

PPLS | ENCOURAGING | Zine-Making Workshop | Saturday 9 November | 2-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Make your own ZINE! Share your creativity through this independent, handmade and self-published artform. 

Choose your own form of expression – writing, cut and paste or illustration – then join us at the photocopier to get creative. Artist Jade Walsh, of dedicated zine gallery TooT Artspace, will guide you through the process from concept to collation. All participants will leave with copies of their own DIY publication.

Jade Walsh is an internationally exhibited artist and zine maker who uses fabric, sewing, paint, print and performance, and blends social commentary with personal confession. She founded TooT Artspace in 2017, which showcases art and zines in St Kilda.

Considerations: Suitable for attendees 16 years and older

Cost: $6 per person.

Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, 3182

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Port Phillip Library Service
City of Port Phillip
Tel:  03 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/

FCCV | INVITING | Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference | Sunday 17 November 2019 | 12noon-4.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Registrations Closing Soon! 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, bringing people up-to-date with current multifaith/interfaith matters and providing networking opportunities.

The conference is also an opportunity for the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong to celebrate and mark 30 years of interfaith engagement within the local community and beyond.

12noon-1.25pm | Registration, networking, lunch and activities

1.30-2.15pm | Honoured guests and keynote speech

Fablice Manirakiza: My faith and Refugee Journey
Child soldier in war-torn Burundi and current advocate for migrant and refugee communities

2.20-3.50pm | Workshops

Enrolment for workshops to be made on the day of event so please arrive early to enrol in your preferred workshop.
Workshop 1: Refugees and asylum seekers: A Celebration of Courage and Achievements
Workshop 2: Voices of Youth: My Faith, My Generation
Workshop 3: Performing Arts and Faith: a hands on experience!
Workshop 4: Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme
Click here for more information on workshops

4-4.30pm | Arts & Faith Performance, Summary & Closing Ceremony

Booklet: click here for program booklet

Workshops:

Where: Springvale City Hall 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale (Mel Ref 80 A11) (see Google Maps location)

Flyer: Click here to view flyer

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

Travel to Venue - Springvale City Hall
Springvale City Hall is located 30 minutes by car from Melbourne's CDB and easy to get to via the Monash Freeway and Eastlink.

Parking is available on site and surrounding areas (Grace Park Avenue and small parking off Hillcrest Avenue). Please allow time to find parking nearby as building works are currently taking place next door to Springvale City Hall.

The venue can be accessed by public transport:
Train: Cranbourne or Pakenham lines to Springvale Station, then walk 10-15 minutes to Springvale City Hall.
Bus: 902  - Hillcrest Grove/Springvale Road or Boonah Street/Springvale Road are the two closest stops to Springvale City Hall.

For more information on how to get to Springvale City Hall by public transport see moovi, ptv and metro trains


MORE:
Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV)
Mr Sandy Kouroupidis, Multifaith Officer,
Tel: 0412 670 369
Email: officer@faithvictoria.org.au
Website: www.faithvictoria.org.au

A collaboration between Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria; proudly supported by the City of Greater Dandenong and the Victorian State Government - Department of Premier and Cabinet

MCM | CALLING FOR | Volunteer Educational Supporters for Asylum Seeker/Refugee Children

[Edited extract from public address]

Recruiting volunteers to academically support asylum seeker/refugee children at all levels in 47 schools. 

Trained teachers are encouraged to apply, but not limited to. Training late November.

MORE:
Mercy Connect Melbourne
Tel: 03 9326 1895
Website: https://www.mercyworks.org.au/mercy-connect/

RWH | SERVING | Free National referral service for adults who want to improve their reading, writing or basic maths

[Edited extract from public address]

Want help with reading, writing or basic maths?

Call during business hours on 1300 655 506 for information about:
  • Classes that are close to you.
  • Help by mail or computer
  • Finding teachers and other people who can help
  • Websites and books that can help you to learn

MORE:
Reading Writing Hotline
Tel: 1300 655 506 

POV | SEEKING | Community input through Homelessness Inquiry

[Edited extract from public address]

Share your views and ideas on addressing homelessness in Victoria. 

An online submission form has been launched to collect information from organisations and people with experience of homelessness.

The Legislative Council's Legal and Social Issues Committee is keen to hear your views, experiences and suggestions. To have your say go to: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/homelessness

MORE:
Parliament of Victoria
Legislative Council, Legal and Social Issues Committee
Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne Vic 3002
Tel: 03 8682 2869
Email: Homelessness inquiry - homelessnessinquiry@parliament.vic.gov.au

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | November 2019

Welcome

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Balinese saka calendar 1940–1941.

Let’s begin by sharing an insight:
Latin: "Ex Umbris et Imaginibus In Veritatem = From Shadows and Images into the Truth." John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.

Topics

  • Media Words
  • TED Talks
  • Guest Sings
  • Street Jives
  • Wisdom Reconciles
  • Challenge Reflects

Media Words

Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Bruce Day salutes the life, times of Jack Wodak, a refugee, migrant and campaigner for society to have a greater “Compassionate and humane understanding of human frailty” via The Age

Greg Kot explores one artist's acceptance of self, diversity and inclusive expression, reviewing reasons why “Lizzo taps into the real meaning of freedom in 2019” via WA Today

Jane Rocca explores how unresolved childhood difficulties influence adult relationships, realising “'I didn’t want to be that person': Why Chelsea Handler started therapy at 42” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Intra
Lenny Ann Low explores difability, societal visibility and importance of finding, abiding and expressing one own’s voice, reviewing a new theatre work presenting “No easy answers as audience is challenged and conflicted” via WA Today

Kerrie O’Brien explores prevalence of gendered violence towards woman of power, revealing reasons why “ABC set to air ground-breaking new political drama” via The Age

Melissa Fyfe explores responsibility for discussing natural body change, diversity and respectfulness, informing Age of Consent “Sex education in a time of moral panic – and how it's failing our children” via WA Today


Inter
Cameron Woodhead explores identity, familial ties and the glue that holds it together, reviewing reasons why “Black is the new white for Australian social satire” via The Brisbane Times

Caitlin Fitzsimmons explores need-based technology, familial adoption of technology, overcoming communication difficulties, high-profile industry credibility and othwr reasons why “MyMob app for separated families takes off in court” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Emily Chantiri explores mounting and counting cost of untreated unwellness, revealing benefits how “Mindfulness, meditation can help alleviate financial stress” via The Age


Multi
Elizabeth Quinn explores stability, knowing personal boundaries, valuing letting go of the things that hold us back, and inter-generational encouragement, sharing an article of “Faith: Dreams of adventure and safe returns” via The Age

Kirsty Needham explores imported top down imperialism, ground up liberation and the unlimited cost of/to/by humanity, sharing “A spectacular view of modern China from the nation's beating red heart” via WA Today

Liam Mannix explores promising developments in better understanding the body’s wellbeing, illness and disease, revealing “Our top scientists and the discovery that could revolutionise cancer, eczema treatment” via The Age


All
Greg Callaghan explores the difference between relaxation, awareness and mindfulness, reporting about “The great impact of mindfulness is making its way into classrooms” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Claire Kimball explores taking environmentalism to the streets with youthful enthusiasm, celebrating reasons why “Genius gamechanger has thrown down the gauntlet" via The Brisbane Times

Miki Perkins explores Australia’s NT, where safe passage and sovereignty is trumped by Miners’ Rights, for a “Fractured future: Water fears as drilling for gas begins in the NT” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Togather
Adam Carey explores overcoming learnt shame and awakening self-identity, citing collective efforts “Bringing endangered Aboriginal languages back from the brink” via The Age

Barney Zwartz explores past attempt at ethnic cleansing, cultural suppression, and learning from history’s playbook, reasoning why “'It's bloody good': Opera strikes back at Hitler's musical vandalism” via WA Today

Jessica Irvine explores different ways of economically addressing known problems is aided by bearing truthful witness, revealing “Esther Duflo: a refreshing change in world dominated by 'feel-pinions'” via The Sydney Morning Herald


Nobly
Yan Zhuang explores how changing technology, ease of access and social conscious can work constructively together to address inequity, revealing how “Young Aussies take to Facebook to host birthday charity fundraisers” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Rachel Wells explores how skilful technology is enabling effective teamwork, proving two heads are better than one, reasoning “How enterprising mothers are retaining senior roles – together” via The Age

Tim Elliott explores fragility of existence, importance of identity and sanctioned belonging, hear “How a philanthropist gave a new life to a man without a country” via The Brisbane Times


TED Talks

10-20min presentations

Guest Sings

Approx 5 min presentation

Macy Gray - Buddha
 

Street Jives

Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street: Courteous

Wisdom Reconciles

The School of Life: Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy (9 mins)
The Consolation of Philosophy is the name of one of the greatest and most useful books ever written, the work of the Roman statesman and philosopher Boethius, who wrote it in prison as a way to ward of despair and regret. The lessons of the book remain hugely applicable to our own times - and deserve to be known to all of us in the face uncertain times.  

The School of Life: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - The Buddha (6 mins)
The Buddha's philosophy teaches us that our desires are at the root of our restlessness - and that calm can be achieved through willpower and spiritual exercise. 

The School of Life: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - Confucius (6 mins)
This great Chinese philosopher believed in everything we ignore nowadays: tradition, institution, obedience and order. That’s why he matters.


Challenge Reflects

Approx 30 min presentation + reflection times

If desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.

For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.

Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a thing to do unexpectedly, broadcast to remember or forget with reason?

1. Inspire
2. Perspire
3. Collaborate
4. Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
5. Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
6. Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others


Position
[poz’it'ion]
From late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin positio(n-), from ponere = to place + ion = energy. The current sense of the verb dates from the early 19th century.

1. a place where someone or something is known to be located or has been put. Ie, the distress call had given the ship's position. Ie, The Teacher took up their position on the bottom step of the stairs for the class photo. 
2. the correct location of someone or something. Ie, sew the band into position. Ie, make sure that no slates have slipped out of position. 
3. (often positions) a reachable place where part of a military force is posted for strategic purposes. Ie, the guns were placed within firing distance to shell the Opponent’s positions. 
4. a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged. Ie, the model moved themself into a reclining position. Ie, cramp forced the patient to change position. 
5. the permitted configuration of movable pieces and pawns on the board at any point in a game of chess. 
6. a particular musical fixed or intended location of the hand on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument. Ie, be familiar with the first six positions across the four strings. Ie, the arrangement of the constituent notes of a chord. 
7. a situation, especially as it affects one's power to act. Ie, the company's financial position is grim. Ie, we were not in a position to judge the merits of the case. 
8. the state of being placed where one has an advantage over one's rivals or competitors. Ie, sleek motor launches jostled for position. 
9. a person's place or level of importance in relation to others. Ie, the athlete made up ground to finish in second position. 
10. a birthright of high rank or social standing. Ie, a woman of supposed wealth and position. 
11. a job earnt from merit. Ie, she retired from her position as marketing director. 
12. (in team games) a role assigned to a particular player based on the location in which they play. Ie, the player looks best in central midfield, their own preferred position. 
13. a person's point of view or attitude towards something. Ie, the party's position on abortion. 
14. the extent to which an investor, dealer, or speculator has made a commitment in the market by buying or selling securities. Ie, traders were covering short positions. 
15. a logical proposition laid down or asserted. Ie, a tenet, assertion or rationale. 


Posit
[poz'it]
From mid 17th century: from Latin posit- = placed; from the verb ponere = to place.

1. [with object] put forward as fact or as a basis for argument. Ie, the Confucian view posits a perfectible human nature. 
• (posit something on) base something on the truth of (a particular assumption). Ie, these plots are posited on a false premise about women's nature as inferior. 
2. [with object and adverbial] put in position; place. Ie, the Professor posits Cohen in his second category of poets. 
3. a statement which is made on the assumption that it will prove to be true.


-ory
[or’ee]
From Latin -oria, -orium, sometimes via Anglo-Norman French -orie, Old French -oire.

a suffix of forming nouns denoting a place for a particular function. Ie, dormitory, repository. 

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle

One strategy to overcome change is to position one's self securely, posit actions in/by/with truth, clarity and wisdom. And if at first success does not arrive, maybe there is more to the story than first met the eye.
Or not.
As the case may be.

This is universal basis of re:lig:ion (again:uniting:energy). Here in this email, we'll hear it as countless sounds: of thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across all times and directions.

It is not personal, it just the way things are.
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