NAVIGATION

NAVIGATION

WAC | RAISING | Knowing, Doing and Being for young Aboriginal women

[Edited extract from public address]

Providing a holistic education and boarding experience for young Aboriginal women in the middle years of schooling (Years 7-12) who come from Aboriginal communities in urban, regional and remote Australia.

Worawa provides a curriculum, student management and general learning environment that offers a real alternative to mainstream educational institutions. The residential component changes the “6-7 hour a day and then return home” approach of the conventional school to broader concept of care and development. It enables the implementation of an Education – Culture –Wellbeing Model. Students live and study in a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters positive cultural identity and individual potential.

Worawa provides a unique model as an alternative to mainstream approaches through an integrated Education, Well-Being and Culture programme. Worawa uses ‘Two Way’ Learning; that is a combination of both mainstream education and Aboriginal culture, knowledge, values and belief.

Watch short videos
Support by Donating

MORE:
Worawa Aboriginal College (WAC)
Address: 60-80 Barak Lane, Healesville Victoria 3777
Tel: 03 5962 4344

ASIANBOSS | RAISING | Funds to keep Asian story telling global | 25 January 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

Asian Boss is a media company with a mission to bridge social and cultural gaps between Asia and the West. 

Delivering the most authentic insight on the latest news and trends from Asia and in the process, challenging you to stay curious, think critically, and take action to bring the world closer together.

From 2015, reporting capabilities were built up from more than 6 Asian countries and even managed to attract like-minded investors who were willing to back us while we focused on creating content.

Then COVID-19 changed everything.

Consider donating to keep the sharing and discovering untold human stories that are rarely found on mainstream media. 

Donate via Gofundme

MORE:
Asian Boss

BOITE | PERFORMING | The Fig Tree Replanted | Sunday 21 February 2021 | 2.30pm and 6.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A live concert featuring a dozen world-class Australian performers from Greek, Jewish, Italian and other backgrounds.

The Fig Tree Replanted is a reinterpretation of The Fig Tree, one of The Boite’s most successful artistic productions in its 40-year history. It was based on the book of short stories by beloved Melbourne author Arnold Zable, who tells tales of migration, displacement and belonging.
“We are a nation of Indigenous peoples and immigrants, a new world with an ancient past, a land of many melodies” Arnold Zable.
Where: Hellenic Museum 280 William Street, Melbourne twice and live streamed once on Sunday 21 February 2021.

Cost:
  • MatinĂ©e: 2.30pm | Tickets $20
  • Gala: 6.30pm | Tickets $45/$35
  • Live Stream: 6.30pm | Tickets $15
Access: Wheelchair, Auslan and Closed Captions

Bookings: online through Trybooking

MORE:
The Boite
Tel: 03 9417 3550
Email: boite@boite.com.au
Website: https://www.boite.com.au

In collaboration with Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and the Hellenic Museum

JHCM | COMMEMORATING | International Holocaust Remembrance Day | Wednesday 27 January 2021 | 7pm AEDT

[Edited extract from public address]

Join us for the first Australia-wide commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

An online event to illuminate ways that we can all be a light for humanity in the darkness, through the inspiring words of Holocaust survivors and leaders in society.

Notable speakers include:
  • Prime Minister the Hon. Scott Morrison MP
  • The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP
  • Senator The Hon. Penny Wong
  • The Hon. Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG
  • Holocaust Survivor Olga Horak OAM
  • John Gandel AC, Chairman of Gandel Philanthropy
  • Gideon Reisner, CEO of Stand Up
Holocaust survivors from across Australia will participate in a moving candle lighting ceremony to ensure that the memory of the 6 million murdered in the Holocaust, is never forgotten.

Join us to heed the action to shine our own ‘light’ on intolerance and injustices that continue to prevail.
  • Where: Online broadcast
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: Register now or at time online through FanForce TV.
MORE:
Jewish Holocaust Centre Melbourne (JHCM)

In collaboration with Holocaust Museums across Australia


NCJWA | TALKING | Justice with Australia's Indigenous Women | Tuesday 26 January 2021 | 8-9.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A truly incredible panel who will educate us on Indigenous women's issues, both past and present, and what we can do as a community to support them.

Indigenous justice is the responsibility of all of us. 
Begin 2021 by hearing about the position of Indigenous women, learning their stories and their truths. But knowledge is only the first step.
Join us to learn about the challenges of Indigenous women, both past and present, directly from inspiring Indigenous women.
MORE:
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA)
Address: PO Box 2220, Caulfield Junction, VIC 3161
Tel: 03 9523 0535

VMC | UPDATING | Community on Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, Local History grants, translated resources and more | Wednesday 20 January 2021

[Edited extract from public address]

The Victorian Multicultural Commission would like to offer sincere condolences to our Indonesian community. As the impacts of Friday 15 January's earthquake on Sulawesi island unfold, our thoughts are with you at this devastating time. 


Message from the Chairperson

Here in Victoria, we once again see a running streak of days with no new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, and we can be proud of our contribution towards a world-leading level of testing. But we must remain vigilant and continue to get tested, maintaining Victoria's COVIDSafe summer restrictions.

While we are enjoying a safer summer, we can also start to look towards more lasting community recovery, and I am pleased to share details of two grant programs that provide Victorian communities with support to preserve and share our many cultures - the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund and the Local History Grants Program.

This week we also share information on how to participate in shaping Victoria's first ever whole of government LGBTIQ+ Strategy, as well as an opportunity for young people to contribute their views to the Commission for Children and Young People on how the pandemic is continuing to impact them.

And finally, but very importantly, we provide translated material from Partners in Wellbeing for their free well-being coaching, and from the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria​ to assist people experiencing family violence.

Stay well and look out for each other,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund | applications close 3pm, 15 February 2021

The 2020-21 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) offers grants to Victoria’s culturally diverse communities to help them maintain, upgrade and renovate community infrastructure - ensuring that multicultural communities can celebrate, preserve and share their traditions and promote social cohesion in our state.

The Fund is available for eligible infrastructure projects that are ready to proceed and can be completed by 31 December 2021.

Grants are available in two streams:
  • Small: Grants up to $100,000 for upgrades and renovations. 
  • Large: Grants between $100,001 - $500,000 for larger projects, extensions and new builds.

Local History Grants Program | applications close 9 March 2021

Local and community history is an important part of Victoria’s memory. The Local History Grants Program encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians.

2019-20 recipients included the Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria, North Cyprus Community of Victoria, Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas, and The Albanian Australian Islamic Society - each awarded between $2,000-$11,000 to preserve and share our multicultural history.

A free information session for communities will be held online at 6pm, 21 January, registration is required.

Help shape Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Strategy | submissions close 17 February 2021

Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed foundations of the state’s first ever whole of government LGBTIQ+ Strategy.

The LGBTIQ+ Strategy will drive the Victorian Government’s continued efforts to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ communities for years to come.

Based on consultations with more than 800 people and organisations, the Government has proposed a vision for equality and key areas for potential change in systems, services and policies which can help fulfill it.

Now, the Government is seeking further feedback to ensure these reflect your own visions and ideas for the final LGBTIQ+ Strategy, which is set for release in mid to late 2021.

Understanding young people's experience of the pandemic

In September 2020 the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) shared what they had heard during consultations with Victorian children and young people, and those that support them on the impact of COVID-19. The insights gathered have informed the CCYP's work during the pandemic.

The CCYP have now released a new survey for children and young people that will be open throughout the pandemic to help the Commission stay directly informed about children and young people's experiences of COVID-19, to help understand the ongoing impact and continue to advocate for them.

We encourage you to share this survey with children and young people in your networks. Even if they have filled out a CCYP survey previously, they are welcome to fill it out again. Children and young people’s situations can change, and it is important to keep listening to their views.

Free health and well-being support

Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government and is being delivered by EACH, Neami National and the Australian Community Services Organisation (ACSO) across Victoria.

Free coaching is available to improve well-being, develop strategies to cope and provide emotional support when and as you need it - for individuals and for businesses.

The Partners in Wellbeing website is available in 6 languages, with promotional posters available in 15 languages available to download from the link below.

Translated resources from Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria​

To assist people experiencing family violence, and professionals providing support to migrant and refugee communities this summer and the holiday season, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) has translated its #AreYouSafeAtHome resources into Vietnamese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Hindi.

Translated flyers are available on the DVRCV website as well as translated images for sharing on social media.

If you are a service provider working with clients who have identified experiences of family violence, being linked in to your local Family Violence Regional Integration Committee can assist you with connections and referrals to specialist family violence and other key support services in your area.

AO Celebrates Australia Day​

You are invited to an exclusive AO Australia Day event as we reflect on our history, respect our diverse cultures and celebrate our nation’s place in the world.

Held at the Birrarung Marr Hilltop, up to 600 people from diverse communities and front line workers from across Melbourne can sit back, relax and enjoy the best of what Melbourne has to offer - with a diverse offering of delicious food, great Victorian wine and beer and fabulous live stage entertainment.

Australian tennis legends and international tennis stars will deliver valuable messages of resilience and respect while joining us virtually to give thanks to our frontline workers for all they have done with keeping Victorians and Australians Safe.

Every ticket includes a meal voucher, coffee voucher and ice-cream voucher and can be purchased using the exclusive link below. 
  • Places are strictly limited. 
  • Adults - $10
  • Children under 18 - Free 
  • Gates open at 1pm, 26 January 2021. 

This is a COVID safe event presented in partnership with the National Australia Day Council, fully endorsed by the Victorian Government.

    Coronavirus hotline


    MORE:

    Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
    Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
    Tel: (03) 9651 5901
    Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
    Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au

    CoPP | THRIVE | Creative Grants Funding for Deaf & Disabled artists 2021 | applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021

    [Edited extract from public address]

    Applications are open for THRIVE – Creative Grants Funding for Deaf & Disabled artists 2021.

    The THRIVE Creative Grants program is a partnership between City of Port Phillip and Arts Access Victoria. The THRIVE grant aims to increase the diversity of people who access the Council's programs.

    It will assist Deaf and Disabled artists to:
    • Develop their professional skills
    • Achieve their creative goals.
    • Present work as part of a festival

    Grant Specifications:
    Applications are open to Deaf and Disabled artists who live in Victoria.
    Applications opened Monday 18 January 2021 | 9am
    Applications close Tuesday 9 March 2021 | 5pm

    Information session | Wednesday 27 January 2021 | 2pm
    City of Port Phillip and Arts Access Victoria will conduct an information session via Zoom with Auslan interpretation.
    Meeting ID: 839 1198 6648 Booking link

    Grant Objectives:
    • The THRIVE grant aims to be accessible to everyone. It will assist Deaf and Disabled artists to:
    • achieve Artistic Excellence
    • show leadership by creating great art and audience experience. And empower others to create
    • develop skills and experience for their Empowerment and Capacity Building
    • increase Access and Equity by breaking down barriers for artists and audience; and
    • enhance their Visibility through developing networks.
    How to Apply​
    Available on the THRIVE grant web page.

    MORE:

    City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
    St Kilda Town Hall | 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
    Tel: ASSIST 03 9209 6777 and ask to speak to Cathy Horsley

    CoPP | DAWNING | Australia Day and We-Akon Dilinja Indigenous ceremony | Tuesday 26 January 2021 | 6am

    [Edited extract from public address]

    As the sun rises on Tuesday 26 January, join us for a special livestreamed event at Alfred Square, St Kilda to commemorate and celebrate the culture of the First People of this land.

    The Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council, supported by the City of Port Phillip and the National Australia Day Council, is organising the We Akon Dilinja morning of mourning ceremony.

    First hosted in 2020, We-Akon Dilinja is a ‘mourning reflection’ ceremony recognising the journey and experience of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung people and language group. This ceremony is part of the City of Port Phillip’s 2021 Australia Day celebrations and is presented in collaboration with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council.

    We-Akon Dilinja will be presented in harmony with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at St Kilda Hall where attendance will be restricted to invited guests only.

    Where: Online, check this page closer to the event date for more details and a link to the livestream from Alfred Square in St Kilda
    When: 26 January 2021 | 6am

    MORE:
    Community Building and Inclusion
    City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
    Address: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Victoria 3182
    Contact: Todd​ Condie, Indigenous Policy Officer
    Tel: 03 9209 6818

    CoPP | THIS | Free Community Training, Mentoring and Grants | January 2021

    [Edited extract from public address]

    Free Community Training essions for City of Port Phillip community groups and organisations.

    How to host a COVID-safe activity or event

    Are you planning to run an activity and event but need help on staying COVID-safe? This training session will assist you in understanding what needs to be considered and implemented for the recommencement of your operations, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

    Where: Thursday 4 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
    Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
    Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking

    What's Next? Preparing for Recovery and Revisioning

    As restrictions are being eased, now is the time to think about what, and how to engage with your members and stakeholders during these next stages.

    This session will help community groups to consider a plan for moving forward and will help you to think about what you need to reinvent or pivot to ensure the services you offer are relevant and stay relevant for your community.

    When: Thursday 11 February 2021 | 10am-12pm
    Where: Online - link to be provided upon registration
    Bookings: RSVP online through TryBooking

    Council Plan Workshops - Expressions of Interest Open

    The City of Port Phillip are bringing people together from across the municipality to help shape a vision and a new plan for our City's future.

    We want to have deeper conversations with you around developing our vision and priorities, understanding our challenges and how we might create some shared solutions.

    We'll be holding a number of workshops and we want you to be involved.

    Expressions of Interest close on 31 January 2021 and anyone over 18 can register, but spaces are limited.
    Express your interest

    Port Phillip Neighbourhood Connectors - Workshop and Mentoring Program

    Are you interested in building community, making new friends and running fun activities where you live?

    Neighbourhood Connect are offering free individual mentoring and workshops, as well as the support, tools and tips to create firstly a gathering of neighbours and then an ongoing group.
    Register now, places are limited.

    Cultural Development Fund Recovery Grants | Applications open Monday 25 January 

    The City of Port Phillip is supporting a new round of arts project grants that will support local artists, groups or arts and related organisations to develop creative projects that engage our community during COVID-19 recovery.

    For more information, contact Cultural Development Fund's Sharyn Dawson, on email: cdf@portphillip.vic.gov.au or Tel: 03 9209 6165

    MORE:

    City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
    99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

    VMC | UPDATING | Community on Event grants, youth employment report, Honour Roll of Women, translated information on your rights, hardship support and more | Wednesday 13 January 2021

    [Edited extract from public address]

    Thanking every member of the community who has been working hard to do the right thing and keep all Victorians safe. If everyone does their part, we will be able to connect again with our interstate and international family and friends before too long. 


    Message from the Chairperson

    A very happy new year from all of us here at the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

    I hope that you have been able to spend time with loved ones and enjoyed the more relaxed COVIDSafe summer restrictions. My thoughts go out to everyone who has been impacted by border restrictions in recent weeks.

    This week we are pleased to share details of the current funding round for Multicultural Festivals and Events, which supports community organisations to celebrate their culture in an online or face to face format.

    Last year we commissioned a report on youth unemployment, with a focus on recovery in the employment market for multicultural young people.

    Also this week we share details of how you and your community can nominate for the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women, find new translations on Victorians' rights, access the Extreme Hardship Support Program, make a submission to the Australian Government's permanent migration program, and contribute to international research into media literacy education.

    Thank you for continuing to share this information and resources with your multicultural and multifaith networks.

    Wishing you a safe and peaceful year ahead,
    Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

    Multicultural Festival and Events grants | applications close 3 February 2021 @ 3pm

    The Multicultural Festivals and Events Program has opened to help diverse communities come together in a COVIDSafe way to celebrate their culture and traditions. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver multicultural festivals and events in either an online or face to face format between 1 March and 30 June 2021.

    Funding is offered in two streams:
    Community information sessions are being offered online through to 21 January, to support project planning and the application process - registration is required.

    Meet Me in the Middle - Employment of young multicultural people

    The Victorian Multicultural Commission has commissioned a report centred around youth employment, with a particular focus on exploring insights directly from multicultural young people.

    COVID-19 disrupted the Australian and global economies significantly, with data showing young Victorians are most affected by this economic downturn. With young people from multicultural communities already facing additional barriers in relation to the employment market, the pandemic has increased their risk of disengagement due to a contracting Victorian economy.

    The report highlights the challenges and opportunities confronting young people from multicultural backgrounds within the current and post COVID-19 Victorian employment market. Further, the report identifies opportunities for targeted supports that can assist young people from multicultural backgrounds in obtaining meaningful and sustainable employment in the future.

    2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women | nominations now open, closing 31 January 2021

    Nominate the inspirational women in your life for the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

    For the first time, this year's Honour Roll will include a special category – Leading Through Disaster – to recognise those who have demonstrated leadership in the community through the 2020 bushfires and the pandemic.

    The Honour Roll is proud to reflect the diversity of women across all ages, faiths, ethnicities, sexual identities and disabilities. Since 2001, more than 600 women have been inducted into the Honour Roll for their significant and lasting contributions to Victoria, Australia and beyond – the annual tradition has become just one way we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of women in our lives.

    Translated information about your rights

    We saw clearly throughout 2020 how important it is to communicate with as much of our community as possible. This means recognising the incredible diversity of language and culture we are fortunate to enjoy here in Victoria.

    With this in mind, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has been translating important information about our rights into ten languages, plus Auslan and simplified English, available now for sharing.

    There are laws to protect people from unfair behaviour and VEOHRC helps people who have been treated unfairly.

    This new translated information explains what VEOHRC does, the rights that are protected by law in Victoria, and how VEOHRC can help.

    Extreme Hardship Support Program

    The Extreme Hardship Support Program provides emergency financial assistance to people who cannot access Commonwealth income support. It is available to people on temporary and provisional visas and undocumented migrants, who have zero or very limited savings, income or community support.

    From 1 January 2021, all international students experiencing extreme financial hardship can apply, even if they have previously received assistance through ISERF.
    A set of communication resources is provided below for sharing this information with your networks.

    Public Submissions to Australia's 2021-22 Migration Program | submissions now open, closing 29 January 2021

    Australia's permanent Migration Program is designed to achieve a range of economic and social outcomes. The Migration Program is planned annually, with program settings announced as part of the Federal Budget each year.

    Each year the Department of Home Affairs undertakes consultation to inform the make-up of the Migration Program, including advice from states and territories, government agencies, industry, academia and the public.​

    The Department is now inviting public submissions as part of the 2021-22 Migration Program planning process. ​

    Understanding media literacy needs and experiences

    The National Media Literacy Research Project is calling for participants for focus group discussions that will inform a research initiative aimed to assess the current state of media literacy education in both the United States and Australia.

    The research will address information gaps relating to the media literacy values, practices and needs of the citizens, with findings being presented at a National Media Literacy Conference in July 2021.

    If you are an organisation that provides services for aged care, disabilities, CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, they would like to hear your thoughts on the media literacy needs of these groups.

    Coronavirus hotline


    MORE:

    Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
    Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
    Tel: (03) 9651 5901
    Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au
    Website: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au

    GEIFN | MIXING | Media | January 2021

    Welcome

    May this find you well and kindly treated.

    Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Assyrian calendar 6770 as we prepare to farewell the year that was and proceed into Gregorian New Year 2021.

    Let us consider how in a globalised world New Year depends on the country of origin, ethnic background or calendar of the people.

    For example: In countries Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In countries China, Korea and Vietnam celebrations are late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, whilst Tibetans usually celebrate about one month later.
     
    Let’s begin by sharing a timely aspiration:
    "Now may every living thing, young or old, weak or strong, living near or far, known or unknown, living or departed or yet unborn, may every living thing be full of bliss."
    Attributed to the Buddha (c563-c483 BCE)
    Otherwise, the following monthly curation from publicly available information is offered below for consideration.


    Topics

    • Guest Sings
    • Street Jives
    • Wisdom Reconciles
    • Media Writes
    • TED Talks
    • Music Challenges
    • Acknowledgments


    Guest Sings

    Approx 5 min presentation
    Linden Park Primary School - I am, you are, we are Australian



    Street Jives

    Approx 2 min presentation
    Sesame Street: Helping Kids Resolve Conflicts



    Wisdom Reconciles



    Media Writes

    Approx 5 min reads

    Intro
    Benjamin Law talks dicey topics politics, death and sex with Nat explaining how "Smashing gender norms, Nat's What I Reckon does it one cooking video at a time” via WA Today

    Laura Hampson explores reality-based self identity, purposeful living and reflective listening, revealing "What losing my job in the pandemic taught me about self-worth” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Stephen A Russell explores a funnier side to disability, visability and finding love, reviewing a new film showing why "Thomas Banks is used to having romantic doors slammed in his face” via The Age


    Intra
    Adam Carey explores a family tradition of embracing learning, reporting how "'Amazing': Three generations of Boon Wurrung women graduate together” via The Age

    Amelia McGuire explores place, connecting and belonging, revealing the thinking behind why "Loneliness can be countered by knowing just six neighbours, study finds” via WA Today

    Amanda Hooton explores a mixed marriage, cool heads and adapting to change, revealing why "'It helped that we were both passionate about books': the Bega shop owners writing a new life chapter” via The Sydney Morning Herald


    Inter
    Jim Bright explores introspection, connection and belonging in meaningful ways, reasons why "Looking inwards and outwards for a path going forwards” via The Age

    Susan Carland explores emotional and complexity maturity, reasoning why "Tension doesn’t make us fall apart. Rather, it keeps us together” via The Age

    Explore experience, culture unfused with good intentions, reviewing how an "Awkward moment leads to 40-year friendship – and a new album from Yo-Yo Ma” via WA Today


    Multi
    Liam Mannix explores the race against time and connecting the dots, shining a light on "Marvellous Melbourne: how our scientists led the COVID fight” via The Age

    Melinda Houston explores individuality, public expression and performance as "Stan Grant searches for identity in One Plus One” via WA Today

    Jacqueline Maley explores perils in addressing entrenched societal inequality before bedtime, declaring why "My five-year-old wanted to read about systemic misogyny. I just wanted her to go to sleep.” via The Brisbane Times


    All
    Gary Nunn explores inner, outer and sub conditions to clarity, understanding and decision making, writing "What it actually means to 'go with your gut’” via The Age

    Ross Gittins explores prospects of productive economies post-pandemic, predicting how "More working from home will transport us back to the future” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Sherryn Groch explores intersectionality between assigned sex, experiential gender and societal attitudes, explaining "Why do gender pronouns matter and how do you use them?” via The Brisbane Times


    Togather
    Ella Archibald-Binge explores valuing resiliance, understanding place and using privilege when shining a light on a "Power generation: emerging Indigenous leaders on overcoming adversity – and their next steps” via The Age

    Cara Waters explores collective efforts to combat social media fear-mongering, conspiracy theories and unproven health treatments, writing of the "‘No sense to them’: Tackling COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on social media” via The Sydney Morning Herald

    Dan Bilefsky explores culture, reengineering visibility and representing multiculturalism through a reflective lens, citing many reasons to celebrate why "This is not your grandparents’ Messiah” via The Age


    Nobly
    Carolyn Webb explores a family who identified a need, defined their limits and just got on with it, writing “'It's selfless': One family's gift of love to Melbourne's homeless” via The Age

    Nathan Despott and Chris Csabs explores a deepening understanding within society of gender, sexuality and identity, writing "Victoria’s conversion bill is world-leading legislation” via The Age

    Peter FitzSimons explores intentions, words and actions, rallying behind reasons why "Indigenous language anthem at the Test was a nation-changing moment” via The Sydney Morning Herald



    Music Challenges

    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 tool for acknowledging evidence based Truth and a show of proof that we are working together towards improved and more equitible futures?
    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

    institute
    [in’stih’tute]
    From Middle English: from Latin institut- = established, from the verb instituere, from in- = in, towards + statuere = establish, set up, place.
    1. an organization having a particular purpose, especially one that is involved with science, education, or a specific profession. Ie, the Institute of Architects. Ie, a research institute. 
    2. (archaic) a commentary, treatise, or summary of principles, especially concerning law. Ie, Coke's Institutes of the Laws of England. 
    3. introduce or establish (a scheme, undertaking, or policy). Ie, the state instituted a national lottery. Ie, the award was instituted in 1900. 
    4. begin (legal proceedings) in a court. Ie, the spouse intended to institute divorce proceedings. 
    5. appoint (someone) to a position, especially as a cleric. Ie, the children were instituted to the clergy. Ie, a testator who has instituted his daughter heir. 

    restitute
    [re’stih’toot]
    From Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin restituere = restore, from re- again, intensify, concentrate + statuere = establish, set up, to place.
    1. the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner. Ie, the Mabo Act established legal precedence to fairly restitute land rights to original custodians of the land. 
    2. recompense for injury or loss. Ie, the defendant was ordered to restitute $10,000 in damages. 
    3. the restoration of something to its original state. Ie, the medical team tried hard to restitute the patient's damaged mucosa. 
    4. (Physics) the resumption of an object's original shape or position through elastic recoil. Ie, the coefficient of substances that restitute.

    constitute
    [con’stih'toot]
    From late Middle English: from Latin constitut- = established, appointed, from the verb constituere, from con- = together + statuere = establish, set up, to place.
    1. be (a part) of a whole. Ie, single parents constitute a great proportion of the poor. 
    2. combine to form (a whole). Ie, there were enough members present to constitute a quorum. 
    3. be or be equivalent to (something). Ie, their failure to act constituted a breach of duty. 
    4. give legal or constitutional form to (an institution); establish by law. Ie, the superior courts were constituted by the Judicial Acts 1873–5. 

    [Practice]

    Optional
    -- Chant Mantrastyle

    Human development is an institute in constant need of renovation. History shows there is no greater inhumanity than what humans have done and continue to do to ourselves. The past has been done and can't be undone, so where ever necessary there arises an opportunity to restitute. When this is done we can constitute learnings, applications, evidence, experience and awakening wisdoms from it. The future hasn't been determined yet, is full of potential and influenced by what we do now. Now is being present: maintaining course, adjusting speed or altering direction as required by the situation. The most important step is the first step, without this, there is no progress. The second and subsequent steps make a journey for self while clearing a path along the ground for others to follow.

    Why? Why not?
    Start today. 
    As the case may be.
    Or not.




    Acknowledgments

    Reconciliation
    Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin NationRespect 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.

    Invitation to Support Content Creators
    The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.

    Caretaker Disclosure
    Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.

    This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy). This email invites a sharing of countless 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 the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.

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