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JECA | WORKSHOPPING | Technology-facilitated abuse: Empowering women to take control online | Thursday 12 March | Register from 9.45am for 10am–12pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Delivered by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, this 2-hour workshop has been developed for frontline staff and support workers in the family violence field. 

The session will equip service providers with critical skills and up-to-date knowledge to support women and families experiencing abuse.

Topics will include:
  • online harassment, stalking and intimidation
  • the use of tracking devices
  • privacy and security settings
  • an introduction to practical eSafetyWomen resources taking control - how to use technology safely
Where: 476 - 478 Glen Eira Rd Caulfield VIC

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through JewishCare

MORE:
Jewish Care
Tel: 8517 5919
Email: nsherborne@jewishcare.org.au
Website: www.jewishcare.org.au

FBROAB | SPEAKING | Against using faith as a means to cause harm to clients, customers, staff and volunteers | February 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Leaders from Victoria’s most prominent faith-based and religious community service organisations have come together to urge the Federal Government not to implement the Religious Discrimination Bill as proposed.

Voicing concerns about the latest draft of the Religious Discriminations Bill and its potential to allow people and organisations to use faith as a means to cause harm to clients, customers, staff and volunteers.

Although we come from different faiths, religions and cultures, we are united in our focus on community and social service.

We are proud of the work we do. We believe a divisive national conversation about whether people of faith should be able to discriminate against people of no, or different faiths, is not in the national interest. It is our view that religious freedom must be balanced against the rights of the people.

Religious organisations such as ours have demonstrated that it is possible to uphold the religious faith on which our work is founded – providing services to anyone who needs them – while at the same time respecting the diverse faith of our workforce, volunteers, clients and residents.

We are concerned that the legislation will have unintended consequences, where expressions of religious belief will be privileged above the rights and interests of other Australians in being free from discrimination.

The proposed Religious Discrimination Bill has the potential to create additional barriers for people in accessing medical services and housing, engaging in employment and participating in social and public life.

For people who are marginalised and experiencing social exclusion, and have a limited ability to self-advocate, this is likely to cause further harm and distress.

We do not support the Religious Discrimination Bill as it currently stands, as we do not believe it will benefit the Australian community.

We urge the Federal Government to legislate to protect religious freedom without removing protections from those who need it. Our laws should protect all of us, equally.

 Anglicare Victoria, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, Jewish Care Victoria, McAuley Community Services for Women, Sacred Heart Mission and Uniting Vic. Tas 

MORE:
Faith Based Religious Organisations Against the Bill (FBROAB)
Anglicare Victoria, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, Jewish Care Victoria, McAuley Community Services for Women, Sacred Heart Mission and Uniting Vic. Tas

AFF | INVITING | Submissions for Funding | closing Thursday 9 April 2020 | 5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

The Angior Family Foundation (the Foundation) is a perpetual Charitable Trust established in 2001 in Victoria by the will of the late Leonard Holmes Angior. 

Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $7 million in grants for charitable purposes in Victoria.
  • Charities having as their main purpose the support of the performing arts in Victoria
  • Charities in Victoria as shall be engaged in the provision of medical serfices or in medical research of any description
The Trustee is now calling for submissions from income tax exempt charities for grants for specific projects.

For more information on how to apply, please refer to www.aetlimited.com.au/philanthropic-services/for-charities/angiorfoundation

MORE:
Angior Family Foundation (AFF)
Australian Executor Trustees
Website: www.aetlimited.com.au/philanthropic-services/for-charities/angiorfoundation
Email: philanthropy@aetlimited.com.au
Telephone: 1800 684 672

CoPP | GRANTING | Community Grant Program 2020-21 | OPENS 10 February 2020

[Edited extract from public address]

Providing the community with an opportunity to receive funding for projects as small as a few hundred dollars, anywhere up to $10,000. 

Council will also run free grant writing workshops as part of Council’s community training calendar.

Applications for City of Port Phillip Council’s 2020-21 Community Grant Program kicks off Monday on 10 February and close 4:00pm Monday 6 April 2020.

There are five categories of funding for the Community Grants Program in 2020/21. For further information and guidelines please see City of Port Phillip Community Grants Program.

Thrive Creative Grants
In the City of Port Phillip, the arts are an essential part of the cultural diversity, creativity and prosperity of our communities. THRIVE Creative Grants is a brand-new grant that aims to assist and encourage Victorian Deaf and Disabled artists in the City of Port Phillip to:

  • develop professional skills and realise creative projects during Open Doors Emerald Hill
  • increase the diversity of individuals accessing Council’s arts programs and processes

For further information, please see Thrive Creative Grants.

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

GEIFN | MIXING | Media | February 2020

Welcome

Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Chinese calendar 己亥年 (Earth Pig) 4716-4717 or 庚子年 (Metal Rat) 4656-4657.

Reminding all that 1-7 February is UN Interfaith Week (International)

Let’s begin by sharing a timely aspiration:
"Recipe for Happiness
Ingredients:
1 Bag of Smiles
2 Cups of Sharing
2 Tablespoons of Positivity
1/2 Cup of Good Humour
1 Cup of Self-Esteem
2 Spoonfuls of Simplicity
1 Dash of Goodwill
4 Drops of Easy-Going
and 1 Packet of Life-Loving!”
Anon

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


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

    • TED Talks

    10-20min presentations

    Guest Sings

    Approx 5 min presentation
    Get Up Mob - From Little Things Big Things Grow


    Street Jives

    Approx 2 min presentation
    Sesame Street: Translate


    Wisdom Reconciles

    Ageless Friendships: Episode 4 Kalyra (5 mins)
    A look into Australia's first school to share it's grounds with an Aged Care Centre.

    Women's Work: Ursula Tunks (6 mins)
    "We're here to remind people someone's got their back": Former detective Ursula Tunks left the police force with PTSD and depression. Now she leads a team of op shop volunteers who work to help people in crisis.

    Hey Stranger: Episode 2 Bjorn Stewart and Zohab Zee Khan on Working It Out (14 mins)
    Actor Bjorn Stewart catches up with poet Zohab Zee Khan to Campbelltown, Sydney. They bond over 'breaking the mould' when it comes to working in the arts as a minority and getting support from their parents.


    Media Words

    Approx 5 min reads
    
    Intro
    Nick Galvin explores connections between intention, resonance and listening to “Sounds of silence: Zen and the art of shakuhachi maintenance” via The Age

    Carolyn Webb explores a demonised minority’s enlightened attitude towards a self-anointed nemesis, as “Glam Slam event rolls out welcome mat for Margaret Court” via The Age
    https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/glam-slam-event-rolls-out-welcome-mat-for-margaret-court-20200109-p53q86.html

    Melissa Browne explores gender equity, equal pay for equal work and suggesting “10 big ideas to help close the financial gender gap” via The Brisbane Times


    Intra
    Miki Perkins explores divided history, comingling present and shared brighter future, sharing significance of “Mourning Australia Day on the banks of Lake 'Go Away'” via The Age

    Melissa Cunningham explores possible correlation between changing treatments and unforeseen side affects, reasoning behind new thinking why “Older version of whooping cough vaccine could prevent food allergies” via The Age



    Jieh-Yung Lo salutes life, times and passing of “Tsebin Tchen: a "guardian angel" of multicultural Australia” via The Age 


    Inter
    Josh Dye explores reuse, repurposing and sharing economy making a beating as “Carlton Kitchen Library concept more about cooks than books” via The Age

    Jessica Irvine explores connections between well being, happiness and longevity “There's more to happiness than a good job: work is low on wellbeing list” via WA Today

    Sam Phillips explores publicly improving equity to access for all sexes as “Gender neutral toilets in use for first time at Australian Open” via The Age


    Multi
    David Dale explores some of the secret ingredients going into a modern evolving National identity, offering something to chew on “The great Australian bite: In search of our national dish” via GoodFood.com.au

    Jennifer Duke explores how ascending business heirs changing societal values for sustainable futures and “What a UBS banker's Millennial vegan son reveals about the rise of China” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Jim Bright explores qualities for maintaining healthy relationships in combative  environments, declaring “Consistency shapes a person more than any passing fad could” via The Brisbane Times


    All
    Ella Archibald-Binge and Rhett Wyman explore the importance of reckoning, recognition and reconciliation to emerge from a “Struggle and survival: Three Aboriginal perspectives on Australia Day” via The Age

    Daniel Cherny explores a public role model standing up with sincere remorse, owning inappropriate behaviour, asking others to learn from his mistake and role modeling reasons to use inspired ways to get along as “Stoinis ashamed after slur sanction” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Gary Heard explores place, memory, belonging, idols and worship when “Everyday objects become sacred reminders of family and faith” via The Sydney Morning Herald


    Togather
    Tom Cowie explores how localised disaster recovery assisted by diverse grass-roots solutions, how “Latte philanthropy and other ways people have helped during the bushfires” via The Age

    Scott Spits explores respecting difference, diversity and inclusion as reasons behind why “Tennis great Frank Sedgman proud of family's stance on equality” via The Brisbane Times

    Robyn Grace, Laura Chung and Josh Dye explores some of the complexity involved towards sustainable living, explaining “Not sure what can and can't be recycled? Here's how it works” via The Age


    Nobly
    Siobhan Hegarty explores benefits of universal compassion, revealing “From smiling at strangers to feeding those in need: What different faiths say about kindness” via ABC Life

    SBS Punjabi explores a timely purposeful community response to those affected by crisis, welcoming to "We are a big family’: Meet the woman cooking thousands of meals for bushfire victims” via SBS Punjabi

    Fergus Hunter explores a community offering with a hands-on healing difference when “Buddhist monks offer RFS volunteers free massages to reduce stress” via The Age



    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:
    Where is the best place to get stuck?

    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


    acknowledge
    [ack’know’ledge]
    From late 15th century via Middle English verb knowledge influenced by obsolete acknow = acknowledge, confess. From Old English cnāwan (earlier gecnāwan) = recognize, identify; of Germanic origin; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin ad = to, at + (g)noscere, Greek gignōskein = know, thorough understanding, to recognise, certainty of, intimacy with

    1. accept or admit the existence or truth of [with object]. Ie, the plight of the refugees was acknowledged by the authorities. Ie, the government acknowledged that the historical wrongs played upon Indigenous Australians was unfair. Ie, ‘That's true,’ she acknowledged. 
    2. [with object] recognize the importance or quality of. Ie, the art world has begun to acknowledge his genius. Ie, the hotel is widely acknowledged as one of the area's finest. 
    3. expression of gratitude for or appreciation of. Ie, the volunteer received a letter acknowledging their services. 
    4. accept the validity or legitimacy of. Ie, the Monarch acknowledged Democracy and Self-Governance as the natural heir. 
    5. showing that one has noticed or recognized (someone) by making a gesture or greeting. Ie, the Host acknowledge my presence with warmth and enthusiasm. 
    6. confirmation of (receipt of something). Ie, I should be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.


    respect
    [ree'speckt]
    From late Middle English: from Latin respectus, from the verb respicere = look back at, regard, from re- = back, intensifying force, concentrate + specere = look at.

    1. holding a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Ie, the director had a lot of respect for the actor. 
    2. receiving the state of being admired or respected. Ie, their first chance in over fifteen years to regain respect in the business. 
    3. giving of a person's polite greetings. Ie, pass my respects to your Mother. 
    4. acknowlegment used to express the speaker's approval of someone or something. Ie, respect to the Artist for a mesmerising set.
    5. missing due-regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others. Ie, it is the province of the old to lament the young people's lack of respect for their parents. 
    6. a particular subject, aspect, point, or detail. Ie, the government's record in this respect has room for improvement. 
    7. have due regard for (someone's feelings, wishes, or rights). Ie, I respected their right to have alternate views. 
    8. avoid harming or interfering with. Ie, it is incumbent upon all hill users to respect the environment. 
    9. agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement). Ie, the crown and its ministers ought to respect the ordinary law. 


    medium 
    [me’dee'uhm]
    From late 16th century (originally denoting something intermediate in nature or degree); from Latin medius = (literally) middle

    1. an agency or means of doing something. Ie, using the latest technology as a medium for job creation. Ie, primitive valuables acted as a medium of exchange. 
    2. a means by which something is communicated or expressed. Ie, here the Welsh language is the medium of instruction. Ie, in a democracy, a free press is historically the medium of speaking truth to power
    3. the intervening substance through which sensory impressions are conveyed or physical forces are transmitted. Ie, radio communication needs no physical medium between the two stations. Ie, the substance in which an organism lives or is cultured; when cells are grown in a nutrient-rich medium. Ie, a liquid (e.g. oil or water) with which pigments are mixed, with a binder, to make paint. 
    4. a particular form of storage material for computer files, such as magnetic tape or discs. 
    5. the material or form used by an artist, composer, or writer. Ie, oil paint is the most popular medium for glazing. 
    6. a person claiming to be in contact with the spirits of the dead with ability to communicate between the dead and the living. 
    7. the middle quality (halfway, average) or state between two extremes; a reasonable balance. Ie, the song soon discovers a happy medium between thrash and catchy pop. Ie, the baskeballer is six feet tall, of medium build. Ie, we should plan for the medium term. Ie, in Cricket, (of bowling or a bowler) of a consistent pace between fast and slow bowling. Ie, the recruit had early developed into a medium bowler.

    [Practice]

    Optional
    -- Chant Mantrastyle


    Between extremes exists a way to acknowledge and respect difference: a happy medium. Repeat as often as required. Being alive means every moment is precious and easily lost.
    Why? Why not?
    Start today. 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.



    Acknowledgment

    We acknowledge traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.

    GEIFN | REPORTS | We-Akon Dilinja (Eng: Mourning Reflection) | Sunday 26 January 2020 | 6-7am

    [Edited extract from public address]

    Bringing our community together on Australia Day to commemorate and celebrate the rich, diverse culture of the First Peoples of this land.

    The Boon Wurrung are First People of the Bays (Port Phillip and Westernport) and South East Victoria.

    The purple Kangaroo Apple Flower, traditionally worn by Boon Wurrung women, is the motive for the ceremony as it represents the vision, vigilance and victories of Boonurung women past, present and future.

    Day of Mourning Special Mention to Mr. William Cooper, who in 1938 brought to national attention a strong social justice message on this very day called the ‘Day of Mourning‘.

    The presentation included Welcome To Country, readings, prayers, tributes to past Elders and welcome song and Ter Ge (Torres Stratit Islander song).

    Liner notes included the following:
    “My vision is for all Australians to take pride in our shared history – recognizing the important role of the first Australians – and recognizing the value and importance of our heritage went to celebrating our strengths and achievements as a nation.
    My wish is for all Australians to work towards acknowledging that we have both the first and shared history – a history that provides us with both lessons of the past and pride in the future.
    I commend this important step taken both by the city of Port Philip to establish the We-Akon Dilinja ceremony – as an integral part of their Australia day program“.
    Parbin-ata Carolyn Briggs AM
    “This ceremony provides and input opportunity to come together to reflect on the past as we move forward as a community.
    We are the first Council to support an Australian Day event of this kind and we hope communities across Australia will adopt this concept, which is a perfect fit with the national Australia Day Councils call for all Australians to reflect, respect, and celebrate“.
    Councillor Bernadine Voss, Mayor, City of Port Phillip
    Where: Alfred Square, St Kilda

    MORE:
    Boon Wurrung Foundation
    Address: Level 1, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
    Phone: (03) 9537 2222
    Cultural Consultancy Email: info@boonwurrung.org.au
    Website: https://www.boonwurrung.org

    A collaboration between Boon Wurrung Foundation, City and People of Port Phillip supported by National Australia Day Council


    VMC | ACKNOWLEDGING | Victoria’s bushfire crisis, a multifaith gathering | Tuesday 4 February 2020 | 11am

    [Edited extract from public address]

    Join Victoria’s faith and political leaders for a special multifaith gathering hosted by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria and the Multifaith Advisory Group (convened by the Victorian Multicultural Commission). 

    Bringing Victorians together to pray for those who have lost their lives and for the devastation of land, property and wildlife caused by the recent bushfires. Together, we will show our appreciation and say thanks to the firefighters, emergency services and volunteers for their dedication, bravery and service.

    We will also demonstrate our support for leaders on all sides of politics as they continue to lead our state through this unprecedented tragedy.

    With the fire season not yet over and with relief and recovery efforts expected to take months, if not years, this event will demonstrate the strength of our community and our support for each other.

    Where: Steps of Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne

    MORE:
    Victorian Multicultural Commission
    Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
    Tel: (03) 9651 5901
    Website: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

    EQPR | INTRODUCING | The Australian LGBTIQA+ Policy Guide 2020 | 29 January 2020

    [Edited extract from public address]

    A high-level overview of the most prominent needs experienced broadly throughout Australian LGBTIQA+ communities.

    The Equality Project developed the Australian LGBTIQA+ Policy Guide to ensure that lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, queer, asexual and aromantic (ace and aro) people and their families experience genuine inclusion and the realisation of their human rights in Australia.

    The policy areas outlined in the guide have been identified by the Equality Project as key domains for progressive policy supporting LGBTIQA+ inclusion and human rights in Australia. Significant effort has been made to ensure collaborative, participatory approaches were used in developing the Guide.

    Policy development is continuous and The Equality Project welcomes feedback from policy professionals, political parties and community organisations. Click here to direct your feedback

    Download the Guide

    MORE:
    The Equality Project Ltd
    Email: mail@theequalityproject.org.au
    Website: www.theequalityproject.org.au

    Connecting LGBTIQ+ communities around Australia, The Equality Project is on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.