GEIFN: June 2022

PHAAA | CALLING | All Artists to Join Our Upcoming Youth Healing Initiative!

[Edited extract from public address]

Youth Healing Workshops

‘The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.’
– Pearl S. Buck

The workshops will be facilitated by our secretary and fellow artist Caroline Proctor.

Each session encourages us to focus and meditate together on a new vision for Youth.

Paint and draw using collage, mandala, symbols, and the written word to describe our future desired outcomes and visions.

Where: Mary Kehoe Community Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park VIC 3206
Considerations: Creations can be presented at our Healing the Youth exhibition on 18 September or you can join the group artwork.
Bookings: places are limited. Register online through Eventibrite

‘Healing the Youth’ Art Exhibition | 18/9/22-18/10/22

Inviting artists to exhibit on themes to inspire youth with hope of a future to make their dreams come true and follow their hearts. Through this exhibition, we wish to bring in light to give chances and a voice for a brighter future – to be who they aspire to be.

Planetary Healing Artists will have the opening of the exhibition at the peace festival that takes place on 18 September. We welcome community to come together in unity for peace and celebrating International Day of Peace. Participating artists will be invited to speak about their artwork if they wish.

Complete Submission forms and email us
Download Submission Form (PDF)

2022 Planetary Healing Artists Peace Festival | Sunday 18 September 2022

Save the Date 18 September 2022 as invitations will be sent soon via email soon to past participants and volunteers of previous events that we’ve had over the last 11 years.

Where: Mary Kehoe Community Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park VIC 3206.

Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia (PHAAA)

Address: PO Box 1638, St Kilda South VIC 3182

Tel: 0415 552 488

Email: info@planetaryhealingartists.org

Website: www.planetaryhealingartists.org

GOVV | UPDATING | Pandemic Response Victoria | Friday 24 June 2022 | from 11.59pm

[Edited extract from public address]

At 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022, COVID-19 related restrictions eased.

Masks must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes – but in line with the recent AHPPC statement, will no longer be required at airports. Masks are also still required in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.

Positive cases must still isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but may now leave home to drive a household member directly to or from education or work without leaving their vehicle. They can also leave home to get medical care, a COVID-19 test, or in an emergency, including the risk of harm.

Workers who interact with a vulnerable person will still require three COVID-19 vaccine doses. This includes residential aged care and disability care, healthcare, and custodial and emergency services, including police.

Government imposed third dose mandates in education, food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation sectors will be lifted. In line with other jurisdictions around Australia, vaccination policies will be the responsibility of individual workplaces.

As almost 95 per cent of Victorians 12 and older have had two COVID-19 doses, rules requiring general workers to work from home, unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions.

Visitor caps to care facilities, including residential aged care and disability are removed, with residents able to see any number of people as long as they test negative on a rapid antigen test that day. If a test is unavailable, a person can only be present for limited reasons such as end-of-life visits. Centres may introduce their own visitor rules to respond to local risk.

Additionally

You can leave home if there is an emergency.
You can leave home if there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need to leave home, you must wear a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

Other ways to stay safe

Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
Get vaccinated.

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.
For up to date information, Department of Health's website in English or
Other Languages
Read 18/6 Statement from Minister for Health Martin Foley

Relief and Community Support links:

Office of the Premier

State Government of Victoria (GOVV)

Address: 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Victoria 3002 Australia

Website: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au

VMC | UPDATING | Refugee Week celebrations, the last week of our Photography Exhibit, and more | Tuesday 21 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

This week, the VMC is proud to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of refugees in Victoria, in honour of Refugee Week 2022.

Message from the Chairperson

Refugees and people seeking asylum are an important part of the multicultural fabric of our state, and the VMC will continue to work closely with and advocate for these communities.

On Saturday, myself and VMC Deputy Chairperson Bwe Thay attended the Connecting Community festival and Refugee Week celebration organised by the Refugee Communities Association of Australia. It warmed our hearts to hear a powerful address from newly arrived refugees from Ukraine to our Federal Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles. It was a reminder to all of us that everyone has a right to seek safety.

To continue the Refugee Week celebrations, on Monday 20 June 2022 the VMC was delighted to host the Victorian Refugee Awards and honour an outstanding group of Victorians who arrived in Australia as refugees or asylum seekers. We honoured recipients for being leaders in their communities, whether through a business, community service, personal achievement or youth engagement.

As a refugee myself, it is a great privilege to recognise others in the community who have overcome significant barriers and are now using their platforms to serve others. It was especially exciting to honour both 2022 and 2021 recipients of the Awards - the latter who unfortunately missed out on an in-person ceremony last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

On the topic of restrictions, please read the important changes to COVID-19 restrictions which take effect from Friday 24 June 2022. The Acting Chief Health Officer has advised that masks must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares and planes. I encourage everyone to take the time to understand changes to COVID-19 health advice, to ensure we keep our fellow Victorians safe this winter.

Finally, I'd like to thank our Regional Advisory Council members who spend the last few weeks attending and collaborating in meetings across the state. We are grateful for the time you have put into this commitment, and are looking forward to sharing your insights and feedback with relevant stakeholders.

To those attending Refugee Week celebrations this week throughout the state, or spending time with loved ones - take care, keep warm, and stay COVID safe.

Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

VIC | RCA | CELEBRATING | Refugee Week | 19-25 June 2022

Refugee Week is Australia's peak annual activity to celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to our country.

The aim of celebrations this week is to educate, create a better understanding between different communities and encourage successful integration to enable refugees to live safe and empowered lives.

This Refugee Week, we encourage you to:

Learn about the recipients of our 2022 Refugee Awards
Download social media templates, classroom resources, and educational videos from the Refugee Council of Australia
Follow the VMC on social media for facts about refugees and people seeking asylum

ERM | CELEBRATING | Eastern Region Refugee Week | Saturday 25 June 2022 | 11am-1.30pm

This Refugee Week event has been organised to strengthen relationships and understanding between multicultural and refugee communities, Traditional Owners, and the wider community of the Eastern Region of Melbourne (ERM).

Included in this celebration is an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony, stories from refugees about their journey to Australia, an art competition and other performances.

A light multicultural lunch will be provided.

VIC | VMC | EXHIBITING | photography exhibition | open until Sunday 26 June 2022!

The VMC is proud to invite you to attend our photography exhibition, Capturing Culture: Multicultural Victoria in Focus, now open at the Immigration Museum.

Following a competition, shortlisted entries from four categories were selected to form this exhibition. Winners of the competition were announced on 9 June at a special event hosted by the VMC in the Immigration Museum Atrium.

In addition to enjoying the work of talented multicultural photographers, visitors to the exhibit this week will have the opportunity to vote online for the entry they believe should win a People's Choice Award.

Follow the VMC on social media to see who wins the People's Choice Award!

Visit the exhibition and vote

MELB | OTM | ENGAGING | School holiday music program | 27 June-1 July 2022 | registrations now open

On Track is an exciting hands-on music program that gives students a rare opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading music education artists and industry specialists.

The carefully curated 5 day program engages students through a series of creative workshops. Students will learn the skill of storytelling through writing song lyrics, beat making and film clip production.

Students don’t need any song writing or musical experience – just a passion for music and an eagerness to learn and express themselves.

Where: Melton Indoor Recreation Centre.
Register

CCV | HEARING | Your say: share your experience of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic | survey submissions close 23 June 2022

Were you treated for or diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic? Or did you care for someone with cancer during the pandemic?

A new survey from the Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) seeks to understand how COVID-19 affected cancer patients, their loved ones, and their healthcare.

By drawing on people’s lived experience we can learn what worked well, what didn’t work well and make recommendations for improved cancer care for all Victorians.

Complete survey

VIC | GOV | ASSISTING | $250 power saving bonus | two weeks left

Eligible concession card holders have two weeks left to access the current Victorian Government Power Saving Bonus

Visit the Victorian Energy Compare site to find a better deal on your power, and you may be eligible to apply for the new bonus payment from 1 July 2022.

User data shows that seven out of 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with typical annual savings of $330 in the first year of switching alone. Combined with the two Power Saving Bonuses, Victorian households could be up to $830 better off.

Learn more

VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Promoting regional startups | expressions of interest close 21 July 2022

Expressions of interest are now open with grants of up to $300,000 on offer for programs that promote startup entrepreneurship to regional Victorians.

Local councils, business chambers and regionally based innovation hubs are encouraged to apply with the aim of creating more startup activity in regional communities.

The programs should champion regional innovation, consider the challenges and opportunities that exist for regional startups and also look at ways to build and connect with local communities.

Learn more

VIC | CCV | OFFERING | New bowel cancer screening for linguistically diverse people

Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) has developed new online resources in simple English to support linguistically diverse Victorians learn about bowel cancer screening.

The resources were developed to target people with low English language proficiency and people who speak English as a second language.

One of the resources is a 10-minute video, uploaded to the Cancer Council YouTube channel. You can watch the video now, to learn from experts about bowel cancer screening tests.

Watch video

VIC | CSV | TRANSLATING | How to Report a crime - videos in 11 languages

Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) is proud to share a video on how to report a crime, now available in our 11 priority languages: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The How-To Report Videos have been developed through Ethnolink, a third-party multicultural translation service.

Crime Stoppers Victoria is committed to accessibility, and will continue to provide accessible safety advice and crime prevention tips to multicultural communities.

Watch videos

AUST | AGMC | HEARING | Your say: on end-of-life care for the multicultural LGBTQIA+ community | submissions open until Friday 15 July 2022

A survey delivered by the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) and Palliative Care Victoria seeks to learn how they can improve their services to support clients, families, carers and communities during end-of-life care.

End-of-life care is a time and a service that creates extra anxiety and sadness for multicultural & multifaith (MCMF) LGBTQIA+ people. Many people feel existing services do not understand their needs, concerns, and how to support their various overlapping identities.

Multicultural and multifaith LGBTQIA+ people who are receiving or thinking about end of life care, as well as providers of care to these communities, are encouraged to complete the survey.

Take survey

Coronavirus hotline

Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Coronavirus in-language information

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)

Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tel: (03) 9651 5901

PWR | UPDATING | The Right to a Healthy Environment, the Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue, and More | Friday 17 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

ENDORSING | Call to Recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment as a Basic Human Right at the United Nations

In observance of World Environment Day 2022, the Parliament of the World’s Religions honored our commitment to sustainability by standing with the UN Human Rights Council in calling for the UN General Assembly to adopt the right to a healthy environment as a basic and universal human right.

We recognize the interdependence of all human rights and assert that the Right to a Healthy Environment is fundamental to all others.

Learn More

SAVE THE DATE | Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue | Thursday 30 June 2022

Join an interactive discussion hosted by the Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue on Climate Change. What aspects of these traditions contribute to factors that imperil life on the planet? Just as important, how might these traditions enable us to realize our highest human potential, the deep expression of compassion and love for each other, especially the most vulnerable among us — human and non-human — who bear the brunt of the suffering?

SAVE THE DATE | Monthly Members Meditation & Meet-Up | Sunday 26 June 2022

Join the Monthly Member Meditation and Meet-Up. June's mediation is brought to you from the Parliament archives. The Lake Worth Interfaith Network (LWIN) facilitates a Global Energy Meditation (GEM), featuring a multi-faceted approach to meditation. The five presenters offer a glimpse into meditation as practiced by different religions, specifically Buddhism, Sikhism, Indigenous Tradition, Christianity, and New Age Spirituality.

Following the meditation, the space opens up for members to introduce themselves and engage in dialogue.

WATCH NOW | STHLM+50 Climate Hub ft. Kehkashan Basu

On 5 June 2022, Parliament Trustee Kehkashan Basu had the opportunity to interview Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme at the STHLM+50 Climate Hub. The Climate Hub was hosted as part of the Stockholm+50.

Watch

WATCH NOW | Ukraine and the World: Balancing Global Compassion

On 26 May 2022, Parliament Vice Chair Rev. Dr. Scott Stearman, who represents the Baptist World Alliance to the United Nations, hosted a special webinar for the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University sharing about how the invasion of Ukraine stresses food insecurity, access to international funding programs, and sustained advocacy across the world.

Watch

The work of the Parliament is only possible with the support from individuals like you.

The Super Saver Rate for the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions ends on Thursday 30 June 2022. Don't miss the world's premier interfaith Convening in the city of Chicago.

The general admission rate increases by $100 on 1 July 2022, secure the lowest registration rate for the Convening today!

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)

Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA

Tel: (312) 629-2990

VMC | UPDATING | Free family violence webinar, a Diploma of Governance scholarship and More | Wednesday 15 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

This weekend is set to be filled with many exciting events held across Victoria to celebrate the 2022 Refugee Week.

Message from the Chairperson

I look forward to meeting many of you at these events and beyond.

At the VMC, we are especially looking forward to celebrating our 2022 Refugee Awards Monday 20 June. We are excited to recognise many outstanding people who arrived in Victoria seeking asylum or as refugees - all are leaders in our communities and incredible contributors to our State.

Our newsletter this week has a lot of additional items to note outside of Refugee Week. I'd like to especially draw your attention to the recently announced Emerging Stronger Community Grants Program and a part-scholarship to complete a Diploma of Governance. Both are wonderful opportunities for multicultural leaders in Victoria.

Finally, I'd like to extend my congratulations to the 29 Inductees in the 2022 Multicultural Honour Roll, and the 24 finalists and winners of the Capturing Culture Photography Competition - all of whom have been honoured in the last two weeks.

Their work is inspiring and I am proud to be part of these efforts to elevate the contribution and participation of Victorians with culturally diverse backgrounds and faiths.

Until we next meet, take care and stay safe.

Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll - photos now available!

On 31 May 2022, our Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. Ros Spence inducted 29 local champions to the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.

Photos from the awards night at the Arts Centre Melbourne are now available online and on social media! Please feel free to tag yourself and your guests, and relive a wonderful night of celebration.

View gallery

North Richmond Community Health | Refugee Week celebration | Saturday 18 June 2022

North Richmond Community Health is celebrating Refugee Week with a community event to honour the Vietnamese community in Richmond.

Enjoy live entertainment, traditional performances, a karaoke competition, and delicious food! All are welcome to attend, and no RSVP is required.

For more information contact Thien Giang at 0413 865 756.

Free family violence webinar | 21 June 2022 | arrive 2.55pm for 3pm

Join the Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP on Tuesday 21 June for a webinar to launch the Faith Leader's Practice Guide and Toolkit for family violence.

This toolkit looks at the role of faith leaders and communities in responding to and preventing family violence, sharing the best of Australian and international research on the topic.

Where: Online
Cost: Free
Bookings: registration is required. Register online through Eventbrite

New community volunteering grants | applications close 9am Monday 18 July 2022

Applications are now open for the $1 million Emerging Stronger Community Grants Program which will support volunteers to build stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities.

Applications for grants of up to $80,000 are open for projects to re-engage volunteers, broaden the volunteer base, and strengthen volunteering in local communities.

The program is a key component of the Victorian Volunteering Strategy launched in May, which encourages people to give volunteering a go, or get back into it, after a significant decline in volunteering when the global pandemic hit in 2020.

Successful applicants will be announced in August.

Learn more

Nominations open for Senior of the Year Awards | nominations close Friday 29 July 2022

Nominations are now open until the end of July for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

For more than 20 years, the awards have highlighted the role of seniors who inspire others as mentors, educators, role models, leaders – as well as their impact in supporting diverse causes and communities across the state.

This year, Victorians are encouraged to nominate those aged 60 and above and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians aged 50 years and above.

Categories include the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for promoting the benefits of cultural diversity.

Learn more and nominate

Scholarship for the Diploma of Governance

Founded in 2019, CALD2LEAD works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to award emerging and existing leaders with high calibre leadership development program scholarships.

Currently, CALD2LEAD along with the Institute of Community Directors are offering a part-scholarship to complete the Institute's Diploma of Governance.

The Diploma of Governance is a nationally recognised course offered entirely online. Students receive first-class governance training specifically tailored for the not-for-profit sector.

Learn more

Multicultural Film Festival 2022 | submissions close 20 June 2022

Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a multicultural background? Do you produce short films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion?

If any of the above applies to you, then consider entering your film for the 2022 Multicultural Film Festival, run by the VMC in partnership with Swinburne University.

Select films will be shown at the premier screening at ACMI Cinemas in Melbourne in August.

We'd like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for this event, Commonwealth Bank, Segmento, Jobs Victoria and the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Learn more and submit

Coronavirus hotline

Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Coronavirus in-language information

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)

Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tel: (03) 9651 5901

CAEN | MEETING | Coexister – Interfaith initiatives and meeting of peace-builders | Sunday 19 June 2022 | 7-8.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Come & meet 4 inspiring young French women visiting Melbourne this week on a Peace-Building mission

Join a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim and an Agnostic – all interfaith and peace activists in France!

Floriane, Marie, Maud and Radia are happy to meet you all to share the learnings of their wonderful journey! For 10 months, in 13 countries, these four young advocates are exploring interfaith initiatives and meeting hundreds of peace-builders that are really making a difference in their own country - and the world.

Read more about the tour
Where: East Melbourne Synagogue, 488 Albert Street, East Melbourne (1 minute walk from Parliament Station, Lonsdale/Spring St exit)
Bookings: RSVP and inquiries: catalystenterprises@hotmail.com

Catalyst Enterprises (CAEN)

Email: catalystenterprises@hotmail.com

Facebook

FCP | UPDATING | Love in Full Colour

[Edited extract from public address]

The Full Colour Project aims to tackle the disproportionately high rates of suicidality amongst the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly young people.

We want to see mandatory programs and policies embedded in schools and workplaces to ensure that LGBTIQA+ people are consistently safe, respected and included.

We know that being queer doesn’t cause mental health challenges – but being excluded and discriminated against sure does.

Filmaker Suzi Taylor says "creating the Full Colour Project is a culmination of many of my own experiences in work and life. Before working in journalism, I was a teacher and loved working with young people - so safe, inclusive education is close to my heart. I’ve also lost loved ones to suicide. As those who’ve seen Love in Full Colour will know, one of our participants in that film tragically took his own life also. For the last few years, I’ve worked as an activist and filmmaker in the union movement, and have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most effective and innovative change-makers in the country."

Schools and workplaces have a duty of care to LGBTIQA+ folk, and lives are at stake when that care is not taken.

Other ways to support the project

If you’re not in a position to donate, there are other valuable ways you can show your support…

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and share our posts. The more interaction we get, the greater our reach. That helps us increase our community of supporters.
Email your friends and family with a link to sign up to this newsletter. It means they will receive a free link to watch the first film, Love in Full Colour and can keep in touch with our news. And again, it will help us build up our grassroots community around the project.
Approach the people in your life who might be in a position to donate and tell them what this project means to you. That could also be your employer - we're open to teaming up with well-aligned partners.

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes!

In big news, Suzi and The Full Colour team have just spent eight wonderful days filming our first round of interviews with our Full Colour participants - catching up on 10 years of stories and experiences. There have been big belly laughs, huge surprises and a few tears. Also some delicious catering from Liz and Andy (my folks) which kept our spirits and energy levels up no end. We travelled from Tullamarine to Warrandyte, Hawthorn to Footscray, turning living rooms upside down and bemusing at least four different cats as we filmed ‘master’ interviews. These have been funded through Script Development grants from Screen Australia and VicScreen.

The next step is to cut a trailer from what we’ve shot, and draft a script treatment that persuades the screen agencies to cover the costs of the rest of production. That’ll allow us to travel to Townsville to film Steph and Wodonga for Erin, and to cover things like a certain wedding this September, and other key events in people’s lives over the next 12 months.

In the next newsletter, I'll introduce some of our talented crew, including DOP Waqar Ali, our Executive Producers Sue Maslin and Diana Fisk, and our production co-ordinator Sam Kwan - among others. As always, we'll post updates on the socials.

Watch Love in Full Colour (SBS version 44mins)

The Full Colour Project (FCP)

Website: https://www.suzitaylor.net/the-full-colour-project

VMC | UPDATING | Our last COVID-19 briefing, upcoming Refugee Week events and more | Wednesday 8 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Message from the Chairperson

Winter has well and truly arrived! I hope all of you are staying warm and keeping dry.

As we experience this rapid change of weather, it is important that we take measures to protect ourselves and others. This includes the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, wearing a mask where required and staying home if you are unwell.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and vaccinations, I warmly invite you to attend the last of the VMC and Department of Health's joint COVID-19 briefings, next Tuesday 14 June from 7-8pm. If you would like to attend, please register in advance via the link in the newsletter below.

Victoria's COVID-19 measures continue to keep our community safe, and are especially important given the upcoming 2022 International Refugee Week. There are a number of exciting events being held across the state, and I hope to see you at some of these celebrations.

A celebration I am especially looking forward to this month is the Victorian Refugee Awards, on Monday 20 June. These awards are proudly coordinated by the VMC and highlight the many contributions that those who arrived as refugees and people seeking asylum make to our state The VMC is proud to honour their achievements.

I look forward to continuing to see multicultural communities lead the way in community engagement, leadership and support.

Until we next meet, take care and stay safe.

Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson

Final COVID-19 briefing | Tuesday 14 June 2022 | 7-8pm

We invite you to join us for our last COVID-19 Briefing, held in partnership with the Department of Health, and facilitated by Department staff Dr. Thomas Schulz, Senior Medical Advisor and James Florent, Executive Director of Testing and Vaccination.

We will discuss the following topics:

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Department of Health updates

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join.

Subsequent briefings after this session will expand discussion beyond COVID-19 to general issues of health and wellbeing for multicultural communities.

SisterWorks Refugee Week Fundraising Gala | Saturday 18 June 2022 | 6.30-10.30pm

Support SisterWorks' vision to economically empower all migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker women and celebrate their work.

The SisterWorks Fundraising Gala will take place on the eve of Refugee Week – a national celebration of the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.

The Gala will be an unforgettable evening of diversity and enrichment, with special keynote speakers.

Where: Immigration Museum in Melbourne, 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Buy tickets

Connecting Community Festival and Refugee Week celebration | Saturday 18 June 2022 | 10.30am-3.30pm

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) is pleased to host the "Connecting Community Festival And Refugee Week Celebration". Join RCAA for a great day of fun, cultural music and dances from 10:30am-3:30pm.

Where: Drill Hall in the Multicultural Hub, Melbourne CBD.
Event details

Regional Victorians of Colour event | Saturday 18 June 2022 | 12noon-2pm

To celebrate this year’s Refugee Week, Regional Victorians of Colour are partnering with Moving Feasts for a day of celebration and reflection.

The Moving Feast will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Djara Elders, Afghan BBQ prepared by Alfa Kitchen Bendigo, Henna Painting, music and a community conversation with elders of the refugee communities in our region.

Where: Long Gully community garden, Greater Bendigo
Who: No RSVP is required, and all are welcome!
Event details

Refugee community sponsorship program information session | Friday 24 June 2022 | 1pm AEST

Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia together with Amnesty International Australia and UNHCR invite you to wrap up Refugee Week by learning about Australia's ground-breaking new community sponsorship program for refugees.

The recently announced Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot is inspired by the successful Canadian refugee sponsorship program and enables everyday Australians, community groups, faith organisations, clubs and businesses to take the lead role in welcoming and supporting the settlement and integration of UNHCR-referred refugees from 'Day 1' of their Australian journey.

This community-led approach has the potential to expand and improve refugee resettlement and marks an exciting new chapter in Australia's humanitarian migration program.

Join this Zoom event to hear from those with lived experience of providing and receiving community-led support along with CRSA, Amnesty and UNHCR representatives.

Where: online
Bookings: register online through Zoom

Eastern Region celebration | Saturday 25 June 2022

Come together for a Refugee Week celebration to honour the diverse communities in the Eastern region of Melbourne.

This event promotes togetherness and is an opportunity for healing by sharing and connecting through culture, arts and music. It is also an opportunity to bridge understanding and learn about the rich history and cultures of the area's First Nations people.

Activities will include an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony, storytelling from refugees, and a series of wonderful performances!

A light multicultural lunch will be provided.

Where: Central Ringwood Community Hall
Learn more

Play Learn Grow - Free tips from early childhood experts

Play Learn Grow is a free text message program that supports parents and carers of children aged two and three with their child’s wellbeing, learning, and development at home.

Developed by the Victorian Government in partnership with early childhood parenting experts, the program provides parents and carers with practical information, advice, and support. It also includes fun and easy activity ideas to do at home!

Participants will receive three personalised text messages a week, developed by early childhood education experts. Text messages will cover reading, playing, talking, and self-care, and will be available in six languages – English, as well as Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Simplified Chinese and Karen.

Participants can opt-in and opt-out at any time.
To opt-in, text PLAY to 0428 606 027 to subscribe – it’s free!
Learn more

Headway - the free small business wellbeing initiative

Business Victoria is supporting small business owners, their employees and trusted advisers with helpful tools and services through Headway – a wellbeing initiative for small businesses.

A range of free services are available including business advice, financial counselling, and mental health and wellbeing support.

If you know a small business owner, or are one yourself, get your free advice today!

Learn more

Changes to senior secondary education in Victoria

From 2023, a new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means that the VCE will recognise different students equally.

As a result, students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work.

Teachers and careers counsellors are available to answer questions and to support students as they make decisions about their final years at school.

Learn more

Professional health advice in your language

Multicultural Health Connect is a hotline that can be used to find health services such as doctors, hospitals, and community health centres.

You can get free health advice from a nurse, and learn more about COVID-19 including managing the virus and isolating.

All health advice will be provided in your language and from staff who understand and respect your culture.

The hotline is available 11.30am-8pm, 7 days a week - including public holidays.
Call the hotline on 1800 186 815.
Learn more

Ethnolink launches bespoke interpreting service

Leading Australian multicultural communications agency, Ethnolink, has appointed Karine Bachelier to lead its newly created interpreting services division.

After a six-month pilot period which included extensive stakeholder engagement, the decision was made to officially launch Ethnolink’s interpreting service comprising on-site, video, telephone, and conference interpreting solutions.

Interpreting bookings will be offered for a range of settings including, but not limited to, courts, legal, medico-legal, healthcare, business, and conferences.

Learn more

Multicultural Film Festival 2022 | submissions close Monday 20 June!

Are you an aspiring filmmaker with a multicultural background? Do you produce short films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion?

If any of the above applies to you, then consider entering your film for the 2022 Multicultural Film Festival, run by the VMC in partnership with Swinburne University.

Select films will be shown at the premier screening at ACMI Cinemas in Melbourne in August.

We'd like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for this event, Commonwealth Bank, Segmento SBS, Department of Transport and Jobs Victoria.

Learn more and submit

Coronavirus hotline

Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Coronavirus in-language information

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)

Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tel: (03) 9651 5901

ASRC | CELEBRATING | Seeking Asylum: Our Stories–In Residence | Thursday 23 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Join ASRC at Seeking Asylum: Our Stories–In Residence in celebration of the book, the wonderful contributors and be part of something really special.

Held during World Refugee Week, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and celebrate the book contributors and hear them share their stories.

The spotlight will be solely on the contributors, including the much-loved Aheda who most of you will know as part of the ASRC Catering team. Aheda is a Chef, Palestininan cuisine traditionalist and a refugee. Aheda has been seeking asylum in Australia since 2018 and has dreams of one day opening a food truck to share her love of traditional Palestenian food and culture.

Aheda, among the additional 20+ book contributors will be at the event and hope you can join in the festivities.

Proceeds from ticket sales cover the costs involved in putting this important event together and ensuring we acknowledge the contributors in a meaningful and dignified way.

As part of your ticket, you will also receive a copy of the book Seeking Asylum: Our Stories, which you can collect and have signed by the book contributors at the event. The book is an important step in amplifying refugee voices and helping to create a more welcoming and compassionate Australia for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Join in celebration and honouring of these important stories that everyone should hear.

Where: Immigration Museum's Long Room.
Cost: Each ticket costs $55, which includes canapés (inspired by the cultures of people seeking asylum) served by ASRC Catering alongside refreshments from our friends at Goodwill Wine and Hawkers Beer.
Bookings: online through Humantix

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is an independent not for profit whose programs support and empower over 7,000 people seeking asylum each year to maximise their physical, mental and social wellbeing. As a movement we mobilise and unites communities to creating social and policy change for people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Melbourne (ASRC)

Address: 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC 3011 Australia

Tel: 03 9326 6066

Donation Hotline: 1300 692 772

Email: admin@asrc.org.au

Website: asrc.org.au

PWR | ENDORSING | Call to Recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment as a Basic Human Right at the United Nations

[Edited extract from public address]

Parliament of the World’s Religions Endorses Call to Recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment as a Basic Human Right at the United Nations

In observance of World Environment Day 2022, the Parliament of the World’s Religions is honoring our commitment to sustainability by standing with the UN Human Rights Council in calling for the UN General Assembly to adopt the right to a healthy environment as a basic and universal human right. We recognize the interdependence of all human rights and assert that the Right to a Healthy Environment is fundamental to all others.

The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Over the past 20 years, the effort to include The Right to a Healthy Environment among other basic human rights and fundamental freedoms has been growing ever-stronger. Today, the Right to a Healthy Environment is recognized as an essential human right in law or policy by more than 80% of the member states of the the United Nations, by several states in the United States, and by more than 1300 civil society organizations around the world.

In October 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 48/13, declaring the Right to a Healthy Environment to be a basic human right, and calling for the UN General Assembly to pass a formal resolution recognizing it as such. The General Assembly’s vote is expected in the summer or fall of 2022.

It is critical that the General Assembly pass the Right to a Healthy Environment with the largest possible majority. We call upon the Governments of the Member States to actively support the UN Human Rights Council’s Resolution. It will be vital to add your voice on behalf of this universal human right and once it is introduced we will be back in touch with details, key contact information, suggested language for letters and emails, and emerging developments at that time.

The text of the Parliament Trustees’ own resolution affirming and fully supporting the recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment, and how individuals and communities can get involved in the interfaith efforts to support this right are available here. Please consider including a link to this announcement on your own outreach sites and communications to let others in your community know about the coming interfaith efforts and helping to ensure that the Resolution is adopted.

“Human Rights are indivisible and all depend on a healthy and sustainable environment. It's critical that the General Assembly recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment as a basic Human Right with the largest possible majority. We're calling on the Governments of all Member States to actively support this Resolution."
David Hales, Co-Chair of Climate Action for the Parliament

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)

Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA

Tel: (312) 629-2990

Ageism Awareness Session - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 15 June

COPP | THIS | City of Port Phillip Training Sessions and more | June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Connecting and strengthening communities through inclusion and partnerships.

Ageism Awareness Session | Wednesday 15 June 2022 | 11am-12noon

This session is part of the City of Port Phillip Community Training Calendar 2021-2022.

Ageism Awareness Session for Community Organisations and Volunteers

15 June 2022, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Join members of The City of Port Phillip’s Older Persons Advisory Committee (OPAC) to learn about ageism, a key driver of elder abuse.

Now in its 22nd year, OPAC works with Council to advocate on all matters relating to the health and wellbeing of older residents.

Join us to learn about what ageism is and find out what you can do to address ageism in the community.

Where: Training Room - Ground Floor Carlisle Street Entrance, St Kilda TownHall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182

Cost: Free

Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking

Post session, participants will be sent:

Ageism Awareness tools and resources
Ageism Awareness Session Evaluation

WEBINAR | Chat with a Coordinator Employment Q&A session | 21 June 2022 | 5.30-6.30pm AEST

Are you finishing school and want to find the right job?

Join the @BrotherhoodofStLaurenceNDIS for this webinar as they present an overview of employment options for young people with disability and answer your questions.

The team will discuss NDIS employment supports, post-school employment options and tips for a successful transition to work.

Where: online
Cost: Free
Bookings: Online through Eventbrite

WORKSHOPS | Smartphone Stories: an invitation to share your story, your way! | Saturday 18 June OR Sunday 19 June 2022 | 9am-5pm

The City of Port Phillip is hosting two ‘Smartphone Stories’ filmmaking workshops on 18 and 19 June from 9am to 5pm. Each one day workshop will teach you to make a short film on your phone.

These two workshops are specifically for multicultural community members (interpretation is available by request):

Make films on your phone!
Learn Skills | Make Films | Your Phone | Your Voice

Smartphone Stories is a fun, interactive project that teaches participants ways to tell stories using a smartphone. Whether a comedy, drama or documentary, participants attend practical workshops and learn the skills to produce, write, direct and edit a film made entirely on a mobile phone.

Mentoring support will be available, and participants will have the opportunity to showcase their film at local events and online.

Where: Liardet Street Community Centre, corner Liardet and Nott Streets, Port Melbourne
Cost: Free to participate
Bookings: places are limited. Register online at Smartphone Stories

For more information, contact Diversity Officer Sandra on 0478 305 401 or email.

WALKING | The Spirit of Port | Sunday 26 June 2022 | 2-4pm

Join Janet Bolitho and visit architecture, heritage, communities and places reflecting belief and faith and service around Port Melbourne.

This event is presented by the City of Port Phillip Arts and Heritage team.

Access: wheelchair accessible with some assistance.
Cost: Free
Bookings: online through Trybooking

GRANTING | 2022 Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship | applications now open, closing Monday 18 July 2022

The Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship (RBFVAF) is awarded to a single recipient once every two years. The Fellowship aims to support a contemporary visual artist with a commitment to excellence.

The City of Port Phillip invites applications for an acquisitive award of $30,000 in support of professional development and excellence in contemporary visual art.

2022 Rupert Bunny Foundation Special Project Grants: applications now open

The City of Port Phillip invites applications for visual arts projects of up to $10,000 to be undertaken within the City of Port Phillip.

For more information and an application form
or call the Curator on 0403469985 or email

GRANTING | Palais Theatre Community Fund - Round 7 Applications Are Now Open!

The Palais Theatre has established a Community Fund to provide support to enhance a vibrant and creative St Kilda and City of Port Phillip community. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community infrastructure, activities and residents within the City of Port Phillip.

The Fund is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations who are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC). The project must be in St Kilda or the wider City of Port Phillip and benefit the City of Port Phillip residents.

If you are an individual or unincorporated organisation you may be able to seek funding from the Palais Theatre Community Fund by using an auspice, provided the project meets all the other eligibility requirements.

For more details about the Fund and how to apply

TALKING | Lifeview Residential Care Information Sessions | 22 June and 20 July 2022

Want to know more about aged care? Learn about services and supports available to you, how to use My Aged Care, and other general guidance for both home and residential care, with Gill from our Foundation Partner, Lifeview Residential Care.

Gill will be at the Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, offering chats over a coffee. All discussions are confidential and without obligation. Simply drop by the Pride Centre lobby for a chat, or book in advance by calling Narelle on (03) 9572 9600.

For more about Lifeview Residential Care

TRAINING | Victorian Pride Centre and Star Health Tour and Information Session | Monday 20 June 2022 | 2-3.30pm

This session is part of the City of Port Phillip Community Training Calendar 2021-2022.

Join a member of the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) team as they take you on a tour of the Pride Centre, which incorporates spaces that are not normally open to the public. Learn about the building’s design, the resident organisations inside the Pride Centre, and bookable event and work spaces, while also having an opportunity to explore the Pride Gallery.

The Star Health Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub on Fitzroy Street supports the increased demand for mental health services, and to relieve pressure on existing specialist and general practice services.

The service provides short to medium term support to anyone having a difficult time or feeling overwhelmed and is available to individuals of any age and is accessible for all Victorians, regardless of visa status.

Consumers can receive psychosocial and wellbeing support for up to 6 months. Generally appointments are weekly to fortnightly. Star Health have an assertive outreach approach where they can meet consumers in their office (Fitzroy Street, St Kilda), their home or the community

Where: The Victorian Pride Centre and Star Health, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Cost: Free
Bookings: essential, online through Trybooking

CALLING | Entries for Port Phillip Writes: Seniors’ Festival Writing Awards 2022 | submissions now open, closing Friday 29 July 2022

Tell a story…

You can submit fictional stories or poems on any topics, or a non-fiction piece about life in the City of Port Phillip.

Get writing and share your story or poem

Open to all City of Port Phillip residents, workers and Library members aged 55 years and over.

All entries will be published in the Port Phillip Writes publication. Entrants will receive a certificate and two copies of the publication. Outstanding entries are eligible for an award!

Participants will be advised as to how we can celebrate the Port Phillip Writes Awards in October 2022. We will be able to update this at the beginning of September 2022.

For more about Seniors Festival - City of Port Phillip

CALLING | Submissions for Reconciliation Writing Competition 2022 | entries close Friday 2 September 2022

Get Up. Stand Up. Show Up

The Reconciliation Writing Competition organised by the Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation is open to all Victorians. Our theme is the 2022 NAIDOC theme Get Up Stand Up Show Up, which reflects a proud history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People organising and fighting for their rights and is an ongoing call to action for everyone.

All styles of writing are encouraged, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Work must be original. Open to all Victorians except PPCFR committee, judges and their families.

Word Limits

Adults - 1500 words or 50 lines of poetry

Year 9-12 Students - 600 words or 30 lines of poetry

All winning entries will be published in a booklet which will be available at the Awards Ceremony.

Judges

Wiradjuri Author, Poet & Academic Dr Jeanine Leane Yorta Yorta Writer & Broadcaster Bryan Andy

Prizes

Adults

1st $1000 donated by Wilson Agents
2nd $600 donated by Benson Saulo, Australian Consul-General in the United States & Dr Kate O’Brien
3rd $300 donated by Demos Property Services

Year 9-12 Students

The Andrew McCutcheon 1st Prize $1000 donated by Future Leaders
2nd $600 donated by Paul Licuria, Board Member & former player, Collingwood Football Club
3rd $300 donated by Deb Stewart, Academic

Winners will be notified on 4 October 2020 and invited to the Awards Ceremony to be held on Friday 14 October.

Submit entries along with your name and for students, your school and year level via email
For more information, contact Rosemary Rule on 0418 675 734 or visit

CELEBRATING | Refugee Week | Wednesday 15 June 2022 | 7-9.30pm

Space2b invites you to an evening of art and belonging. Join Tasneem Chopra (OAM) as she leads a Q&A panel with five resilient and inspiring creatives who have overcome amazing odds to become the people they are today. They will share with us, their journeys and stories of home and belonging. We are also blessed to have poetry readings from St Kilda Primary School students who share their innocent but insightful views on home and belonging. Our future looks bright.

Flavours of Syria canapés included and drinks available at bar prices. Profit from this event will help Space2b support people seeking asylum, refugees and newly arrived migrants become financially and personally independent through creative enterprise. Thank you for your support.

Where: St Kilda Primary School (Manabi Building enter via Chapel Street opposite Space2b - 144 Chapel st, St Kilda)
Cost: $20-$30
Bookings: online via Eventbrite

TESTING | Hearing, Free Tests in Port Phillip | Monday 27 June 2022

Hearing Australia is a Government funded hearing health provider who has been caring for Australians for over 70 years, helping thousands of children, adults, pensioners and veterans connect with their loved ones every week.

Visit the Hearing Australia bus and you can receive a free 15 minute hearing check, speak with Hearing Australia's friendly staff about good hearing health, find information on a range of common hearing issues.

Hearing Australia will provide hearing checks to any interested adults visiting the bus on the day at any of the locations listed below.

Now, more than ever, good hearing is important to keep in touch with your loved ones and stay connected to the world around you.

Where:

9.30am-12noon | Southport Community Centre/Liardet Community Centre, Corner Liardet St & Nott St, Port Melbourne
1pm-4pm | Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay St, Port Melbourne Victoria 3207

Cost: Free
Bookings: please call: 8610 4300

WEBINAR | National Standards of Volunteer Involvement Training Workshop | 17 August 2022

Provided by Volunteering Victoria, this workshop guides participants through the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (2015), Australia’s best practice roadmap for volunteering professionals.

Topics covered include: developing and reviewing of organisational policies, attracting and retaining volunteers and how to gain recognition and commitment to volunteering across the broader organisation.

Where: online
Cost: FREE (supported by VMA funding)
Bookings: essential, online via Volunteering Victoria events calendar.

MORE:
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Email: news@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

MESAC | WALKING | Winter Solstice Beachside | Sunday 19 June 2022 | meet 9.55am for 10am start

[Edited extract from public address]

Join this return of MESAC's annual winter solstice walk beachside, from McGregors Rock, (top end of the sanctuary opposite McGregor Ave, on Beach Rd, Beaumaris), to the Ricketts Point Tea House car park.

The walk is about a kilometre long and lasts about an hour. At this time of the year a wind jacket and footwear suitable for the sand and some reef time, is recommended.

Subjects discussed along the way will, as usual, include our local geography and erosion, (Prof John Buckeridge), some Aboriginal history, (Ray Lewis) and our local fossil heritage (Murray Orr).

Where: Meet on the footpath, top of the steps down to the beach. Parking in McGregor’s Rd near the start of the walk, and Haydens Rd at the end, (near the Tea House), is free. Parking in the public car parks north and south of the Tea House is about $5 an hour for non-Bayside residents.

Considerations: Communicating beachside with wind and wave noise and more, can be difficult at times. Event proceeds despite any adverse weather or tidal conditions

Cost: Free
Bookings: numbers are limited to 35 registrations. Register online via Trybooking

Marine Education Science and Community (MESAC)

Address: P.O Box 7228, Beaumaris, VIC 3193 Australia

Email: MESACoffice@gmail.com

Website: www.mesac.org.au

PWR | UPDATING | A Call to US Congress on Gun Reform, It's Time to Talk, & More | Friday 3 June 2022

[Edited extract from public address]

Resisting Despair, Addressing Extremism and Recommitting to Non-Violence

The Parliament of the World’s Religions joins in mourning the lives lost in Laguna Woods, Buffalo, and Uvalde; we stand resolute with the wounded victims, their loved ones, and the communities most affected...

Now more than ever the Parliament urges the interfaith movement around the world and all individuals of faith, conscience, and goodwill to commit to action against supremacist ideology, hate speech, violence, and extremism.

Furthermore, we implore political leaders and law enforcement officials to acknowledge the systemic threat of gun violence, racism, and violent extremists against the most vulnerable in their communities. We call on the United States Congress to reform the laws around access to assault weapons. If we cannot protect our children, who can we protect? The time for change is NOW. There is no justifiable excuse for inaction on this issue.

Read full statement

Parliament Inaugurates It's Time to Talk

On Tuesday 24 May 2022, the Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue on Climate Change hosted the official launch of It's Time to Talk, a social media campaign that very simply asks: What is it of your Buddhist or Catholic tradition that compels you to confront the climate crisis?

The It’s Time to Talk initiative incorporates social media to inspire Buddhists and Catholics to join an ongoing dialogue that manifests the prophetic voices of these traditions and that nurtures the courage to act

Join the conversation, watch the official campaign video and host your own conversation using the hashtags #ItsTimetoTalk and #BuddhistCatholicDialogue

Did you miss the official launch of It's Time to Talk? Want to explore resources, the latest community videos from the campaign, and register for the monthly dialogues?

Learn more

Parliament Executive Director Joins Inauguration of Home of Harmony

On 21 May 2022 the Parliament's Executive Director, Rev. Stephen Avino, joined the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago and representatives of the world's religions for the inauguration of the Home of Harmony, a new place for cultivation of the interfaith movement.

The inauguration kicked off with a peace walk led by a banner that read, "Come, Let Us Make This World a Heaven" and was followed by speeches inspired the theme of "messages of harmony" from their respective traditions delivered to over 300 attendees.

#InterfaithNow

Pope Francis notes Kazakhstan's contribution to Harmony and Dialogue from eureporter
Interfaith leaders join protest outside NRA meeting in Houston from The Presbyterian Outlook
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion to construct Interfaith Library thanks for Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund from Bendigo Advertiser
W.Va. Interfaith Ministry Working To Bring Refugees To Charleston from WV Public Broadcasting
Interfaith Coalition Erased Medical Debts for More Than 2,000 People in Chicago, Inspired by Jewish Custom from Philadelphia Jewish Exponent

The work of the Parliament is only possible with the on-going support from generous individuals like you.

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)

Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA

Tel: (312) 629-2990

PWR | CALLING | For Resistance to Despair, Addressing Extremism and Recommitting to Non-Violence

[Edited extract from public address]

On Sunday 15 May 2022, a gunman opened fire at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, killing one person and wounding five others as the congregation celebrated a former pastor in their sacred space.

Authorities are calling this attack a “politically motivated hate incident.”

A hate incident, a trivial misnomer for the ever growing global threat of violent extremism, racism, and supremacist ideology. Only the day before across the USA in Buffalo, New York an 18-year-old who had shared a White supremacist “ replacement theory” online attacked a predominantly Black community shooting 13 people and killing ten.

Then, a few days ago, 19 children and 2 adults were shot to death in Uvalde, Texas at the school where they were supposed to be learning safely.

At the 1993 centenary Convening of the Parliament, the religions of the world came together and agreed upon their shared ethical traditions. The Parliament endorsed the Declaration Towards a Global Ethic. On its very first page, 4 paragraphs in, it states that “we condemn…the insane death of children from violence.” Nearly 30 years later, this is as true as ever.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions joins in mourning the lives lost in Laguna Woods, Buffalo, and Uvalde; we stand resolute with the wounded victims, their loved ones, and the communities most affected.

We also invite our global community to endorse the call we made in 2016 to resist despair and recommit to nonviolence. In the midst of all this horror – and as we face threats to freedom and human rights around the world – we CANNOT afford to fall into despair and apathy.

Now more than ever the Parliament urges the interfaith movement around the world and all individuals of faith, conscience, and goodwill to commit to action against supremacist ideology, hate speech, violence, and extremism.

Furthermore, we implore political leaders and law enforcement officials to acknowledge the systemic threat of gun violence, racism, and violent extremists against the most vulnerable in their communities. We call on the United States Congress to reform the laws around access to assault weapons. If we cannot protect our children, who can we protect? The time for change is NOW. There is no justifiable excuse for inaction on this issue.

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)

Address: 70 East Lake St., Ste 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA

Tel: (312) 629-2990