NAVIGATION

ICM | REFLECTION | Terrorist attacks in places of worship | 1 May 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Sri Lanka Easter Sunday, now Poway California

Our deepest condolences are again extended to the congregations of the Christian Churches, families, and communities of the victims of the terrorist bombings on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. We are heartbroken over the senseless loss of hundreds of lives.

Last Saturday, during the Sabbath service at Chabad of Poway Synagogue, a gunman opened fire killing one person and injuring others as they prayed, terrorising the congregation.

In the words of Rabbi Yisroel:
"Every religious group feels vulnerable right now as the violence feels unpredictable and chaotic. We can disagree about all sorts of important things, but surely every person ought to agree that no one should be gunned down in worship."
The mission of The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne is to build bridges of understanding and respect between peoples of all religious traditions, and people of no religious tradition.

We dedicate our work along with many thousands of interfaith groups around the world to spread light where there is darkness and love where there is hate.

MORE:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne (ICM)
Address: PO Box 18355, Collins Street East, Melbourne Vic 3000 Australia
Tel: (03) 9650 7163
Email: info@interfaithcentre.org.au
Website: http://www.interfaithcentre.org.au

ID | ACCOUNTING | A nation’s democracy is only as good as its Census | 6 May 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

The importance of Census data to how we make evidence-based decisions about funding child care, aged care, schools, housing and infrastructure.

Lesser known is the importance of Census data to understanding our economy and how it is performing and changing. Even less is known about how Census data is used to inform fundamental decisions about how we conduct a fair and inclusive democracy.

In a rapidly-changing demographic and economic environment, conducting a Census to count the number of households and people right down to place-of-residence enables us to, as accurately as possible, draw fair and just electoral boundaries.

This is the best way to ensure that our votes reflect our needs and desires. Regularly conducting a fair and accurate Census is central to conducting fair and accurate elections in any democracy.

It is concerning that threats to the veracity of Census data seem to be occurring more frequently. Here are three examples;

In Australia, the 2016 #CensusFail experience occurred where cyber attacks on the digital census nearly undermined the whole project. This was subsequently resolved by the dedicated ABS Census warriors.

The New Zealand’s 2016 Census was literally destroyed by an earthquake. 

The ‘replacement’ 2018 New Zealand Census results were hit by an unexpectedly low response rate. Stats New Zealand has been working on resolving by using government administrative data to supplement the undercount, however they state that “..using other government data to compensate for missing data is not a silver bullet for all the information that a Census traditionally provides.”

The United States is currently fighting a high court battle against a bid by the Republicans to insert a citizenship question in the 2020 Census, which many say would decrease the response rate from illegal immigrants.

Putting to one side the political implications of that decision, the comparisons with what we’ve seen in New Zealand recently are striking. If the marginalised in our society aren’t counted in the Census, it makes it hard for anyone to advocate for their needs.

Conducting and participating in a Census is an essential part of conducting and participating in a democracy. Communities need to trust our governments to conduct an accurate and secure Census because a nation’s democracy is only as good as its Census.

MORE:
id - the population experts
10 Easey Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 Australia
Email: info@id.com.au
Website: www.id.com.au

BLIV | ILLUMINATING | Interfaith Prayer Ceremony for Peace, Understanding and Gratitude | Sunday 19 May 2019 | 2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Uncle Ron Murray, Wamba Wamba Elder and master didgeridoo musician, will open the Ceremony.

Uncle Ron will be followed by Venerables from Fo Guang Shan Monastery, and leaders of diverse religious and spiritual traditions, who will offer prayers and chants for peace, understanding and gratitude.

The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne together with Buddha's Light International (Vic) welcome you to this annual event which has attracted many hundreds of people to stop and listen to this sacred ceremony, now in its eleventh year.

The Interfaith Ceremony is part of the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival which is held over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2019.

Where: Federation Square, Corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

MORE:
Buddha's Light International (Vic)
Flier: Click here
Website: Buddha's Day & Multicultural Festival

CoGE | CELEBRATING | Grounded in Truth: Walk Together With Courage | Monday 27 May-Monday 3 June 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

Uniting in celebration of indigenous culture

Glen Eira has an array of inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural activities and celebrations available for our community to enjoy and participate in.

Reconciliation Week launch and exhibition

Monday 27 May | 6-8pm
  • Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony
  • Performance by Brett Lee.
  • The exhibition Celebrating Culture: Contemporary Indigenous art will be open to view at the event.
Where: Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.
Cost: Free event.

Weave your own twined mat with Aunty Bronwyn Razem

Tuesday 28 May | 5-9pm
Gunditjmara artist and Master Weaver Aunty Bronwyn Razem will share stories of her family and the traditional practice of weaving, while teaching you how to create a twined mat.
This workshop is suitable for adults and teens aged 15 and over.
Where: Carnegie Library and Community Centre, Boyd Room, 7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie
Cost: $10 and bookings are essential.
Bookings: online at library.gleneira.vic.gov.au or at any Glen Eira Library or contact 9524 3700.

Movie night

Wednesday 29 May | 7pm
Voice from the desert
Running time: 30 minutes
Aboriginal singer Zaachariaha Fielding returns to the tiny central desert community of Mimili to reveal the inspiration behind his unique music.

Stolen Generations
Running time: 53 minutes
Between 1910 and 1970 in Australia, one in three children were removed from Aboriginal families and placed in institutions and foster homes. These children, in most cases, were never to see their family again. This film tells three stories of Aboriginal Australians — Cleonie Quayle, Bobby Randall and Daisy Howard who were removed.

Where: Glen Eira Town Hall — Theatrette corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.
Cost: Free event.
Bookings: online through Trybooking

Uncle Jack Charles on Reconciliation

Saturday 1 June | 7pm
Host Troy Benjamin interviews Uncle Jack Charles about his life and what reconciliation means to him. To be followed by an audience Q&A.

Uncle Jack Charles is an award-winning Aboriginal actor, musician, potter, and Aboriginal Elder but in his 75 years he has also been homeless, a heroin addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons. A member of the Stolen Generations, Uncle Jack has spent his life in between acting gigs, caught in the addiction/crime/doing time cycle.
Today — no longer caught in the cycle — he lives to tell the extraordinary tale.
Where: Glen Eira Town Hall — Theatrette, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.
Cost: Full $15, Concession $10.
Bookings: essential, book online through Trybooking

A guided tour of Mallanbool Reseve

Sunday 2 June | 11am and 12noon
Explore the flora and fauna with the Boon Wurrung People’s cultural and historical insights. Then join us for a bite to eat with a barbeque.
Where: Mallanbool Reserve, Leila Road, Murrumbeena.
Cost: Free event.
Bookings: essential, book online through Trybooking

Indigenous StoryTime

Monday 3 June | 11am–1pm
Join Yarn Strong Sista to gain an insight into the Victorian Koorie culture with this special StoryTime session — featuring an Aboriginal storyteller and creative painting.
Where: Caulfield Library, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
Cost: Free event.
Bookings: Book online at library.gleneira.vic.gov.au or at any Glen Eira Library or contact 9524 3700.

Exhibition

Celebrating Culture: Contemporary Indigenous art
Thursday 2 May–Sunday 28 July
Works by contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are featured in this exhibition which examines themes of identity, colonisation, personal history, community and the diversity and richness of a significant cultural heritage. Contemporary Indigenous experiences and cultural practices are investigated through a compelling selection of paintings, photography, drawings, videos, ceramics, sculpture and installations by Brook Andrew, Tony Albert, Hannah Brontë, Michael Cook, Janet Fieldhouse, Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi, Hayley Millar-Baker, Kent Morris, Vincent Namatjira, Wayne Quilliam, James Tylor and Vicki West.
Where: Glen Eira City Council Gallery, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
Cost: Free event

Curator's talk
Wednesday 29 May | 6pm
Join Gallery Curator Diane Soumilas for an engaging discussion about the exhibition theme and the artworks included in the exhibition.
Where: Glen Eira City Council Gallery, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
Cost: Free event.
Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
Glen Eira City Council
Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield, Victoria
PO Box 42, Caulfield South VIC 3162
Tel: 03 9524 3333
Email: mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Website: www.gleneira.vic.gov.au

ICM | CONFERING | Women of Vision: Making Connections | Sunday 9 June-Monday 10 June 2019 | 9am-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Women are invited from all religious and spiritual traditions to spend two days and one night in a peaceful venue, set in glorious bushland. 

Spend time in groups and alone to evolve your vision and build significant connections with other women from our multicultural State of Victoria.

All meals are vegetarian and all bedding and towels are provided.
• Transport information and other details will be given upon Registration.
• The residential workshop has been generously funded but is strictly limited to the number of places for accommodation. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Venue: Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning, Frankston South

Bookings: Click here for more information and registration details
Or Tel: 0400 228 146

MORE:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne (ICM)
Address: PO Box 18355, Collins Street East, Melbourne Vic 3000 Australia
Tel: (03) 9650 7163
Email: info@interfaithcentre.org.au

BMIN | TOURING | Places of Worship Bus Tour | 12 June 2019 | 9am-2.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The second interfaith bus tour of 2019 is scheduled in the lead up to the 2019 Refugee Week.  

We will visit the Jewish Museum of Australia. The museum holds more than 20,000 objects and comprises objects of ritual, religious, historical, cultural, social and artistic significance which encompass Jewish life and history. The museum has exhibits on permanent display as well as temporary exhibitions.

The second stop will be the Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in New York in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977). Srila Prabhupada was a distinguished scholar, teacher and practitioner of Vedic religion, philosophy and culture. He established ISKCON as a means of sharing Vedic culture with the world. "He revealed a 5,000-year-old unbroken chain of spiritual teaching originating from the Supreme Lord Himself." The Hare Krishna Temple will offer free vegetarian lunch. The Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park, free (vegetarian) meals are served three times a day, seven days a week, to a variety of recipients. (Donations are accepted) 

Pickup:
8.50am: Visy Cares Hub - 80B Harvester Rd, Sunshine
9.10am: Footscray Town Hall - 61 Napier St, Footscray
Drop off:
2.30pm: Footscray Town Hall - 61 Napier St, Footscray
2.45pm: Visy Cares Hub - 80B Harvester Rd, Sunshine

Bookings: Places are limited. Please register online through Eventbrite.

MORE:
Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith Network (BMIN)
Petr Svoboda, Maribyrnong City Council
Email: petr.svoboda@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Tel: 9688 0200
Website: http://www.bmin.org.au

Organised in partnership with Melton Interfaith Network with generous support from Victorian Multicultural Commission. 

VMC | SHARING | Ramadan Kareem | 6 May 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

As we welcome Ramadan, the Victorian Multicultural Commission wishes you peace, joy and happiness.

During this time of reflection, renewal and gratitude, Muslim Victorians will be opening their doors to their neighbours to break the fast and share cultural gifts in the home.

Ramadan is also a time to share spiritual wisdoms and to come together with the wider community, including through Iftar dinners being held across the state.

Throughout this holy month, we are reminded of the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity we share within our multicultural and multifaith communities.

Following the recent tragic events in Christchurch, we saw this kindness in the hearts of non-Muslim Victorians who gave their unconditional love and support to those affected.

This is the very spirit of Ramadan, and the Commission encourages you to continue supporting each other and embracing our shared humanity.

Ramadan Mubarak.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Email: info@vmc.vic.gov.au
Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

PWR | FUNDRAISING | Help Us Today to Address the Critical Issues Facing Our World

[Edited extract from public address]

Donate & Share Our Fundraising Campaign to Help Us Address the Critical Issues Facing Our World

The world is fractured. Every day we face new challenges as a society. The last decade has seen a rise in sectarian violence, hatred and discrimination, violence against women, and a rapidly warming planet that holds a profoundly different future for our children than it did for our grandparents. It can be overwhelming to think about all of the critical issues that need to be addressed all over the world. It can be paralyzing. You want to help, but with issues so large, it can be tough to decide where to begin, or where to focus your efforts.

The Parliament wants to be your partner in tackling these critical issues. We know that solving these problems will require hard work and a new mindset. We also know it will require us to work together as a global community, to communicate across borders, identities, ethnicities, and importantly, across religious groups.

We know you want to find people who share your commitment to creating a more peaceful world, and we want to help connect you to other people of all faiths and traditions who are working toward a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. We want to be the partner that propels these conversations into action.

Perhaps you attended a Parliament and learned of multiple organizations doing work that you want to support.

Or, you listened to some inspirational speakers that sparked an idea for a project that will fill a need on a personal, local, or regional scale.

Maybe, you had a conversation that inspired you to change the way you’re living your own life.

Whatever experience you’ve had with the Parliament, we want to continue fostering these life-changing experiences, and world-changing ideas. I think we can all agree, that the world needs more of those.

But the Parliament doesn’t exist without change-makers like you. It is our network of dedicated individuals and organizations that make the Parliament possible.

In order to keep our work going year-round, we need the support of our network of individuals of faith and conscience. A donation to the Parliament supports not only the organization, but a range of critical issues. We have active programs that exist year-round, rather than just on convening years.

These programs include:

  • A Climate Commitments WebHub - We are serious when we say that we want to connect you to a range of change-makers that are passionate about the same issues that you are! Our Climate Commitments WebHub (launching soon) will provide a resource for you to search Interfaith Climate Action groups who have made varying commitments to fighting Climate Change.
  • Celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week - Each year, the first week of February is internationally recognized as World Interfaith Harmony Week. We want to be your resource for hosting, attending, or participating in World Interfaith Harmony Week events around the world! Not only do we provide you with tips on hosting your own events, but we also want to share how your organization (no matter how big or small) is celebrating Interfaith Harmony!
  • A Weekly Interfaith Newsletter and Dynamic Website - We have multiple partners who we feature in our weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the interfaith world from all over the globe! We have podcasts, news updates, and blogs from our partners so that you can keep up with the good news.

To support this important ongoing work, during the month of May we are launching our #ShareYourPoWR fundraiser. We rely on your generosity and support to do continue our work. Donations of any amount are appreciated, no matter how large or small.

Donate Today!
And if you’re unable to contribute yourself, share this fundraiser with your network!

*For every time you donate to the fundraiser, or share our fundraiser with the hashtag #ShareYourPoWR, you will be entered to win a free registration to the next Parliament!

Share with us on social media your most impactful memories of the Parliament! Connect with us online by sharing your memories on your Facebook or Instagram and tagging #ShareYourPoWR, and don’t forget to donate to the campaign to enter to win your free Parliament pass!

*Winners will be chosen at the end of the month.

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 230, Chicago, IL 60601
Email: info@parliamentofreligions.org
Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

CoPP | ANNOUNCING | Seniors Festival 2019 | October 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

The Seniors Festival is on again in October!   

All local seniors are invited to submit a new painting or drawing into the U3APP Art Exhibition and/or enter a piece of writing into the 15th Seniors Festival Writing Awards.

University of the Third Age Port Phillip (U3APP) Seniors Festival Art Exhibition 2019

Supported by the City of Port Phillip and on again in October. Independent artists are welcome to enter. The Exhibition will be on at the Mary Kehoe Centre during the festival. Entries open 16 September and close 27 September.

Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival Writing Awards 2019       

Open to all City of Port Phillip residents, workers and Library members aged 55 years and over. Writers can enter fictional stories or poems on any topic, or non-fiction about life in Port Phillip. Get those works flowing as entries closes on Friday 2 August. (open now)

All entries will be published in the Port Phillip Writes book. Outstanding entries are eligible for an award!

Download application forms at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival.htm

MORE:
City of Port Phillip: Community Connect
St Kilda, VIC | 3182

UNVesakVIC | COMMEMORATING | Victorian United Nations International Day of Vesak | Saturday 4 May 2019 | 10am-3.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A multicultural commemoration of the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Passing

Join Victoria's Buddhist Community to celebrate one of the most important days in the Buddhist Calendar. Commemorate together the Buddha’s universal peace message for the world.

Where:
Sangha Dana & Pindabata 10am 
Lunch Offering to Buddhist Monks and Nuns
@ St Peters Eastern Hill Anglican Church Hall, 15 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne

Procession & Friendship Walk 12.15pm for 1pm
Walking mindfully together. Traditional Drummers, Buddha Floats, Flags, Lanterns, the colours of Victoria’s Buddhist Community
@ Parliament Gardens Reserve assemble corner Nicholson Street Extension (opp Princess Theatre) & Albert Streets, East Melbourne. Public car parking nearby. Opp Parliament Station. Walk Spring Street and Collins Street to Melbourne Town Hall

Commemoration 1.45-3.30pm
• Veneration of Buddha Relics
• Chanting & Blessing from various Buddhist Traditions and languages
• Guided Meditation
• Interfaith Messages
@ Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets

Cost: Free event. All of goodwill welcome

MORE:
Victorian United Nations International Day of Vesak
Facebook: facebook.com/unvesakvictoria
Website: www.unvesakvictoria.org.au

AIS | TALKING | Change our Game: Women in Sport | Wednesday 8 May 2019 | 12noon-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Sport is meant to be a contest carried out on a level playing field. For many years, mainstream sports have been played and administered by males. 

This is changing with many more females participating in sporting contests with even more now vying for management roles, trying to have a say about greater female participation within the various sporting codes. 
However, have females been given a fair go on the sporting field?
Is management and the board level of the sports equally represented ?

Panel:
  • Dr Bridie O’Donnell; Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation; physician and champion cyclist.
  • Stella Smith; General Manager, Community and Government Relations at Melbourne Victory. Director of VicHealth, Blue Light Victoria & the Melbourne Victory FC Academy.
  • Kirby Bentley; an Australian rules footballer who plays for Carlton in the AFL Women's competition (AFLW). Bentley was signed as a priority player by Fremantle in August 2016 ahead of the leagues inaugural 2017 season. The Kirby Bentley Cup, a tournament for Indigenous girls aged between thirteen and fifteen, is named in her honour.
Moderator: Prof. Geoff Dickson; Director of research partnerships at the La Trobe Business School. His research included sport management and sport governance.

Considerations: A light lunch with coffee and tea will be offered. If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know when you register for the event.

Where: AIS Office, Ground Floor,441 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Cost: Free

Bookings: Online through EventBrite or please call (03) 9867 2248 if you have any questions
(Finger food offered from 12pm. Event starts promptly at 12:30pm)

MORE:
Australian Intercultural Society (AIS)
Tel: 03 9867 2248
Email: info@intercultural.org.au
Website: www.intercultural.org.au

CEH | SHARING | Living with Vision Loss: A young woman’s story about guide dogs, Islam and disability | VIDEO | 4 Mins

[Edited extract from public address]

Stigma against disability is strong in some communities, and can stop people from accessing services for fear of facing their community’s disapproval. 

In this video, a young woman of Muslim background talks about living with vision loss, and how having a guide dog has at times created difficulties with her Muslim friends.

Give this video a watch.

MORE:
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health
Address: 23 Lennox Street, Richmond, VIC 3121 Australia
Website: www.ceh.org.au

AGSftE | FORUM | Our Children and Climate Change | Thursday 9 May 2019 | 7.15-9.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

What are we telling our kids about climate change? What can they tell us? An event for parents and grandparents relating to children 

How can we together face the climate challenge with honesty, compassion, courage and action?

Join a panel of highly qualified special guests in the fields of child psychology, parenting, and climate advocacy who will speak and respond to questions in a Q&A format.
  • Ann Sanson Developmental Psychologist, Professorial Fellow University of Melbourne, Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society - on the impact of the climate crisis
  • on current and future generations of children
  • Bronwyn Gresham Clinical Psychologist; member of Psychology for a Safe Climate, mother of young children.
  • Alex Sangster Climate action advocate and committed activist; Uniting Church minister, mother of climate concerned daughters.
  • Asha-Mae Chapman Ralph Year 12 student, climate provocateur, community activist, and climate-critical voice for concerned young people.
  • plus The Climate Choir conducted by Robert Dawlings
Where: Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

Cost: No admission charge, donation welcome.

MORE:
A Grand Stand for the Environment Inc
Email: info@agrandstandfortheenvironment.org
Website: www.agrandstandfortheenvironment.org

Forum sponsored by A GRAND STAND for the Environment Inc. with support from the City of Manningham

VMC | REVEALING | Early bird tickets on sale for the VMC Film Festival | Thursday 23 May 2019 | from 7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Tickets are now on sale for the third annual VMC Film Festival, with Early bird tickets are available for just $10 until Sunday 5 May.

The VMC Film Festival is a short-film festival showcasing the stories of emerging filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds across Victoria and Australia.
This year, our big screen will light up with stories of everyday multiculturalism that contribute to ‘making diversity great again’.

Efforts to promote cultural diversity and inclusion have been under threat for some time now, with fear and division on the rise around the globe. To help roll back this tide, this unique collection of films explores the positive side of cultural diversity and potential barriers to social inclusion.

Where: ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne

Bookings: online through VMC

MORE:
VMC Film Festival
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Website: http://multicultural.vic.gov.au/

The VMC Film Festival is presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology as an offshoot of Cultural Diversity Week.

JCCV & EIC | SHARING | 2019 Jewish and Catholic Friendship Dinner | Sunday 26 May 2019 | Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start

[Edited extract from public address]

An Annual occasion for Melbourne's Jewish and Catholic communities to enjoy good food, good wine and good company. 

Have the chance to meet and welcome guest of honour and main speaker the new Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter A. Comensoli. Former Chair of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and Rabbi of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation,Yaakov Glasman, will respond.

Where:
Adele Southwick Hall, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, Gate 4, 12 Charnwood Grove, St Kilda 3162

Cost:
$55.00 for 2 course buffet Kosher Meal including drinks

Bookings: online through TryBooking

MORE:
Jewish Community Council of Victoria 
Hilary McMahon Tel: Ph. 03 9272 564; Email: community@jccv.org.au

Catholic Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission
David Schütz Tel: 03 9926 5708; Mobile 0400 978 938; Email: eic@cam.org.au

CoPP | RECONCILING | Grounded in Truth: Walk Together in Courage | 27 May - 3 June

[Edited extract from public address]

24 May: National Sorry Day

A community luncheon at South Melbourne Community Centre, cnr Park Street and Ferrars Place, South Melbourne, 12pm to 2pm, organised by Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation will be held. A welcome to country by the Boon Wurrung Foundation will be conducted, and musical performance by Brett Lee and poetry by MC Dennis Fisher. For more information contact Rosemary Rule on 0418 675 734.

27 May: Reconciliation Week

Flag raising Event – the theme this year is ‘Grounded in Truth: Walk Together in Courage’, and this event to be held 11.30am to 2pm, will feature a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony conducted by the Boon Wurrung Foundation, followed by community luncheon at St Kilda Town Hall. For more information contact Todd Condie, Indigenous Policy Officer, City of Port Phillip on 0403 606 559.

3 June: Mabo Day 

Flag raising Event featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by the Boon Wurrung Foundation, and a performance by special guests, Gerib Sik dance and culture group from far north Queensland, 11.30am to 2pm, at St Kilda Town Hall. Community luncheon will be provided. For more information contact Fred Gesha, Indigenous Arts Officer, City of Port Phillip on 0413 136 253.

8 July: NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Week)

The theme this year is ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth: Let’s Work Together for a Shared Future’, and this flagraising event will be held 11.30am to 2pm, at St Kilda Town Hall, and will include a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony conducted by the Boon Wurrung Foundation, followed by a community luncheon. For more information contact Todd Condie, Indigenous Policy Officer, City of Port Phillip, on 0403 606 559.


MORE:
City of Port Phillip
Diversity & Inclusion
St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
Ewa Zysk, Diversity Officer
Tel: 03 9209 6694
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land and water.

VMC | WELCOMING | Applications for the Melbourne Awards | OPEN NOW, closing 7 June 2019

[Edited extract from public address]

For 17 years the Melbourne Awards have been celebrating the excellence and inspirational achievements of organisations whose passion and commitment have helped make Melbourne one of the most vibrant cities in the world. 

They are also an opportunity to raise an organisation’s profile, generate media exposure and establish relationships with prominent business leaders.

This year the categories have been expanded to include: Excellence in Community to celebrate projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of residents and workers through community services or volunteer work, and Excellence in Arts and Events to applaud those who drive visitation numbers and increase the reputation of Melbourne as a centre for diversity, energy and creativity. Previous Melbourne Award recipients include Laneway Learning, The Indian Film Festival, ‘They Cannot Take the Sky’ exhibition by Behind the Wire, Immigration Museum, and Bastille Day French Festival Inc.

Do you know someone who deserves a Melbourne Award? 
Find out more and register a project, activity or event by 7th June 2019.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Address: Level 9, 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171



City of Melbourne was a proud sponsor of Cultural Diversity Week 2019

CEH | LAUNCHING | Finding a home in Victoria: an online guide for those from refugee backgrounds | PDF | 12pp

[Edited extract from public address]

Finding a home when you are new to Australia can be difficult, and confusing. Renting, paying bills, finding help in a new system… all present challenges for new arrivals.

'Finding a home in Victoria' was developed to support people of refugee backgrounds to find their way around the housing system. It includes information on tenants’ rights, how to choose an energy provider, social housing and who can help in case of homelessness.

This online booklet was developed in consultation with newly-arrived communities and is published in English, Arabic and Dari.

MORE:
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health
Address: 23 Lennox Street, Richmond, VIC 3121 Australia
Website: www.ceh.org.au

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | May 2019

WELCOME

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Thai solar calendar 2562.

Forgive the intrusion, this month's Grabs for personal consideration.

Let’s begin by sharing an insight:
"From the darkness of Ignorance, may the light of wisdom and warmth of compassion prevail. Every one has a role to play and are an active player, whether they know it or not. Starting with the individual, then growing in beneficiaries until including all. It is no thing to be taken personally, it is just the way things are. Or not.” Anonymous
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
Wendy Squires explores walking along the path of self-discovery through self, with others and separateness, declaring “Forget romance, there's only one relationship in life that counts” via The Age

Rosemary Simons farewells Phyllis Frazer Simons, saluting a “Marvellous legacy of building, books and plants” via The Age

Benjamin Law explores the value of uncertainty, testing ideas and facing challenges with integrity, in “Dicey Topics: Stan Grant talks politics, religion and sex” via The Age


Intra
Georgina Dent explores unrealized savings lurking in the back of the fridge, shining a light on why to “Want to save $1000 a year? Cut down your food waste” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Thuy On explores personal identity, open home, modern life and sharing the cost of living, reviewing “Sydney Writers' Festival: Melanie Cheng's first novel, Room for a Stranger, explores the issues of loneliness, ageing and generational and cultural divisions” via The Brisbane Times

Maureen Matthews explores relationships, responsibilities, repairing, rehabilitation prospects and futility predictors, reasons for why “We should be happy together, but we're not” via WA Today


Inter
Helen Pitt explores connections between monetising workforce participation, housing inequity and access to affordable accommodation, calling out “'Bricks for chicks': how to combat ageing female homelessness” via The Age

Simon Caterson explores a contrasting and comparison of leaders, leading and the led, reviewing two books in “What it takes to become a real leader” via The Sydney

Kristie Kellahan explores an example of consequences of past colonialism, denying indigenous culture, early climate denialism, share a modern day invitation for “Mexico City tours: Explore historic sites before they sink and disappear” via Traveller.com.au


Multi
Cara Waters explores an example of an individual using their experience to align with their personal views and forging a reduced-cruelty living, citing how “'It really bothers people': Running a vegan business” via WA Today


Yan Zhuang explores migration, living harmoniously and evidence of afterlife, inviting us to “Meet the group restoring the graves of Gold Rush-era Chinese migrants” via The Age

James Massola explores an example of vendetta, personal cost, and determined human intervention, inviting us to meet “Hakeem al-Araibi on his time in a Bangkok jail and the global campaign to set him free” via The Age


All
Anna Halafoff, Andrew Singleton, Gary D Bouma and Mary Lou Rasmussen explores value of embracing diversity, informed exploration of world views and engaging intelligent discussion, finding if we “Want a safer world for your children? Teach them about diverse religions and worldviews” via The Conversation

Paul Karp explores the value around education in merit-based ability rather than religious subscription, why “Victoria opens the way for secular or atheist school chaplains” via The Guardian

Evelyn Lewin explores connections between environment, diet and wellbeing, asking “Is living a 'low-tox' life the path to a healthier you and planet?” via The Age


Togather
Roy Ward reports the retirement of a moral exemplar on a field of human contest, shining a spotlight as “NRL 2019: Greg Inglis' brotherly support praised by Will Chambers” via The Age

Sara Burnett explores how cultivating wisdom, established track record of service to country, demonstrated commitment to family ties, creating sustainable jobs make inspiring leadership qualities, writing “US 2020 presidential race: Gay Mayor Pete launches bid for Democratic nomination” via WA Today

Kerrie O’Brien explores juggling life, kids and benefits of living collectively, reviewing a Mother’s account of why “'These kids will never love you': Jocelyn Moorhouse's heartbreak and unconditional love” via The Age


Nobly
Lucy Bloom explores how creating and delivering access to healthcare improves human existence for all, reasons behind Dr Catherine Hamlin’s declarations that “'I am not a saint, I am just an ordinary woman'” via The Sydney Morning Herald

Liam Phelan and Janie Barrett explores overcoming historical obstacles, resilience and having a sense of humour, revealing “Hope and healing: a new approach to treatment is helping Indigenous Australians fight kidney disease” via The Brisbane Times

Nico Clark explores a local experiment in decriminalisation of drug dependence, minimizing Suffering and increasing healthier outcomes while improving societal benefits, reporting that “Despite bad press, injecting room is doing what it was designed for” via The Age


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TED TALKS
10-20min presentations

Dr. May-yi Shaw: The in-between in disguise (18 mins)
Ruben Meerman: The mathematics of weight loss (21 mins)
Sharad Paul: The Myth of Race (18 mins)
Meklit Hadero: The unexpected beauty of everyday sounds (13 mins)
Cristine Chen: Being a Third Culture Kid (8 mins)



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GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

The Herd - The Sum of it All


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STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet


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WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 20 min presentation

TopThink: 7 Signs Someone is Secretly Jealous of You (10 mins)

Ethics Matters: Episode 3 Our Society (12 mins)
Dan Halliday interviewees Liz Anderson and John Thrasher. Explore how society should be organised and wrestle with conflicting libertarian and egalitarian points of view.

You Can’t Ask That: Intersex (29 mins)
A subject that is still widely misunderstood, secretive and rarely spoken about in detail, eight individuals reveal the complexities of being born with an intersex variation.


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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.
And yes, its a repeat of an oldie and a goodie. Or not. You be the judge.

Cryptic Clue:
What is a strategy to overcoming feeling of missing out?

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

yearn
[yern]
From Old English giernan, from a Germanic base meaning = eager.

have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from, craving. Ie, She yearned for a glimpse of the sea. Ie, they yearned to go home.

learn
[lern]
From Old English leornian = learn’ (in Middle English also = teach), of West Germanic origin; related to German lernen, also to lore.

1. comprehend, gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught. Ie, they'd started learning Mandarin. Ie, she is learning to play the piano. Ie, we learn from experience.
2. transmitted, recorded or retained; committed to memory. Ie, I'd learned too many grim poems in school.
3. discovery. Become aware of (something) by information or from observation. Ie, I learned that they had eaten already. Ie, the trading standards office learned of the illegal network.

earn
[ern]
From Old English earnian, of West Germanic origin, from a base shared by Old English esne = labourer.

1. obtain (money, gain or kind) in return for labour or services. Ie, he earns his living as a lorry driver.
2. return or gain as interest or profit over a period of time. Ie, the dollars can be placed on deposit and earn interest.
3. recognition or gain deservedly in return for one's behaviour or achievements. Ie, through the years she has earned affection and esteem.

[Practice]

Optional
-- Chant Buddha Mantrastyle

One strategy to transform unlimited yearning is to learn and earn with all, some or sum of the above meanings. 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.