GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | June 2018

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Amanda Hooton explores a working partnership of equals, meet “The duo who have investigated more than 2000 domestic violence deaths” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/the-duo-who-have-investigated-more-than-2000-domestic-violence-deaths-20180523-p4zgz5.html

Joe Hinchliffe explores truth of lived experience, and working together towards reconciliation, revealing how “Sorry Day monument honours stolen generation, marks meeting place” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/sorry-day-monument-honours-stolen-generation-marks-meeting-place-20180526-p4zhqa.html

Paulyne Pogorelske explores individual freedom, public expression of discordant views and importance of electing officials who act in public interest, citing hallmarks for trustable “Faith” via The Canberra Times
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/faith-20180525-p4zhlv.html


Intra
Jessica Irvine explores minimum wage, jobs growth and market profitability, “The ramifications of these hearings have never been greater” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/the-ramifications-of-these-hearings-have-never-been-greater-20180527-p4zhta.html

Clare Boyd-Macrae explores old-school safety first, job satisfaction, social purpose and cultivating civic pride, citing example of “Tram conductors an extinct species, briefly brought back to life” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/tram-conductors-an-extinct-species-briefly-brought-back-to-life-20180525-p4zhj1.html

Neha Kale explores connectivity, fluidity and trust, revealing how “Rafael Bonachela's ab [intra] connects with emotion” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/dance/rafael-bonachelas-ab-intra-connects-with-emotion-20180515-h102pn.html


Inter
David Woodbridge explores how smarter technology to overcome no vision, reporting “For David, smart devices are more than just a convenience” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/technology/for-david-smart-devices-are-more-than-just-a-convenience-20180515-p4zfeh.html

Amrit Dhillon explores technology breaking down gender barriers, revealing the trailblazing in “Driving up women's standard of living in India” via WA Today
https://www.watoday.com.au/world/asia/driving-up-women-s-standard-of-living-in-india-20180518-p4zg7y.html

Palko Karasz explores a reimagined fate for shelter built well and to last, reconnecting community with purpose as “Iconic red phone box makes a comeback in Britain” via The Canberra Times
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/europe/iconic-red-phone-box-makes-a-comeback-in-britain-20180523-p4zgyu.html


Multi
Sarah Berry explores the liberating value of constructive idleness, reconnecting with own voice, revealing “How boredom helped me find purpose in my life” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/how-boredom-helped-me-find-purpose-in-my-life-20180523-p4zh04.html

Lea Delaria explores identity, humour, love and acceptance, giving the back story of how “My father inspired my love of jazz” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/comedy/lea-delaria-my-father-inspired-my-love-of-jazz-20180524-p4zh6l.html

Annabel Crabb explores how in paradise realms, food goes from being a thoughtfully prepared staple to instant packaged entertainment as “Dishing up Australia's dining past: How food has shaped us through the decades” via goodfood.com.au
https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/news/australias-dining-past-how-food-has-shaped-us-through-the-decades-20180525-h10j31


All
Muxina Konarova explores plastic waste and alternative treatments to reduce waste and generate usable biproducts, arguing “A solution for the recycling crisis: turn plastic into energy” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/a-solution-for-the-recycling-crisis-turn-plastic-into-energy-20180515-h1033w.html

Konrad Marshall explores the role of team sports crafting emotional balance in their players, revealing “How vulnerability became sport's winning weapon” via The Canberra Times
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/how-vulnerability-became-sport-s-winning-weapon-20180514-p4zf72.html

Matt Wade explores technology, influence and being left out of counting, reflecting upon “How much is Facebook and Google worth to you?” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/the-economy/how-much-is-facebook-and-google-worth-to-you-20180518-p4zg74.html


Togather
Robert Nelson explores different views of historical events, purposeful story telling and allowing reconciled truth to have public airing, reviewing “Colony, Australia 1770-1861- Frontier Wars at the NGV” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/review-colony-australia-17701861-frontier-wars-at-the-ngv-20180430-h0zfy3.html

Michael McGirr explores advantages of a global reaching text, accessory of empire, call for justice and orderly living and theology, revealing “The Bible in Australia review: Meredith Lake's big story of the big book” via The Canberra Times
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/books/the-bible-in-australia-review-meredith-lakes-big-story-of-the-big-book-20180509-h0zuxt.html

Benjamin Law explores “Dicey Topics: OzHarvest's Ronni Kahn talks about politics, religion and money” via WA Today
https://www.watoday.com.au/national/dicey-topics-ozharvest-s-ronni-kahn-talks-about-politics-religion-and-money-20180521-p4zgkv.html


Nobly
Kylie Northover explores religious expression, outreach and Outback “Untold Australia: Outback Rabbis” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/our-pick-of-free-to-air-tv-untold-australia-outback-rabbis-20180509-h0ztnr.html

Tony Wright explores causes, affects and consequences of integrated student-centered education focused on societal benefit, declaring “Not basket-weaving: How tech schools saved kids and built Australia” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/not-basket-weaving-how-tech-schools-saved-kids-and-built-australia-20180517-p4zfw9.html

Rachel Lane explores purposely designed village centered share housing, inviting us to “Meet the residents living in an 'aged care micro-town'” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/money/super-and-retirement/meet-the-residents-living-in-an-aged-care-micro-town-20180518-p4zg2s.html


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TED TALKS
Approx 20min presentations

Sayu Bhojwani: Immigrant voices make democracy stronger

Alexander Betts: Why Brexit happened — and what to do next

Elizabeth Loftus: How reliable is your memory?


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GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

Sam Tsui & Casey Breves - Stand By You / Stand By Me MASHUP
https://youtu.be/COx8yUO59dc


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STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street, Charlize Theron and Abby: Jealous
https://youtu.be/nJmr2UnAeLU


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WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 30 min presentation

Found In Translation (30 mins)
Australian Story: The Attwood family share their life centred around and dealing with living and loving a person with Aspergers.
https://iview.abc.net.au/programs/australian-story/NC1701Q033S00#

PPLS | PERFORMANCE | Luke Captain: Songman | Thursday 31 May 2018 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Luke Captain Meriam Le is a musical performance in celebration of National Reconciliation Week.

Luke is from Murray Island in the Eastern Group of the Torres Strait Islands. He is cultural advisor, singer song writer, film maker and actor and strong advocate for Torres Strait Island inclusion. His songs reflect his home and zogo – spirit of his ancestors.

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

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through EventBrite

MORE:
City of Port Phillip Council
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

WIN | FILM TALK | All Saints: Film Screening | Refugee Week Saturday 23 June 2018 | 3-6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Come share an inspiring true story of displacement, discomfort, faith and discovery. 

A film showing a pastor's first assignment is to close a church and sell the prime piece of land where it sits. He is challenged when the Church starts to welcome refugees from Burma.

The story gives focus to the experience of refugees (the Karen) in a new country and the challenge a faith community has in deciding which need takes priority.

Trailer

Mark Htoo Saw, a relative of those featured will share reflections on the refugee experience and to relate themes of the story to experience in Australia. Come share an inspiring true story of displacement, discomfort, faith and discovery.

This is an opportunity for faith communities to come together in support of refugees at a time of need. We show through our actions that our varied traditions welcome and support the stranger in our midst.

Refugee Week is always held from Sunday to Saturday of the week which includes 20 June (World Refugee Day).

Where: Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church, 235 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing, Vic 3019
The venue has a seating capacity for 160 guests. 

Cost: $5 (adults) | Children free | Refreshments will be provided

Bookings: Please click here.

MORE: 
Wyndham Interfaith Network
Wyndham Community & Education Centre
Laurence Gray
Tel: 03 9742 4013

A collaboration with Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church and Karen Congregation of the Werribee Baptist Church.

PPCFR | CALLING WRITERS | Don't Make History a Mystery writing competition | entries CLOSE 24 August 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Open to all adults, secondary and primary school students from Victoria, this year's judging panel includes author Tony Birch and academic Clare Bradford. 

The competition offers a $4,200 prize pool across one adult and five student categories.

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

MORE:
Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation Inc. (PPCfR)
Email: writingcomp2018@gmail.com
Website: www.ppcfr.org

SKFM | Indigenous films | Wednesday 23 May 2018 | 7.45-9.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join David Batty as he reflects on 35 years of filmmaking in remote Aboriginal Australia. 

View rarely-screened gems from his vast archive of work interspersed with personal anecdotes in this interactive screening moderated by Batty’s close friend, writer Jim Buckell.

After kick-starting his career in Alice Springs in the 1980s, David was instrumental in establishing the first television production unit at the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA). He continued to make films with and for Aboriginal people for the next four decades, culminating in his latest production Black As which has reached more than 100 million viewers.

From the Warlpiri Sesame St, to the iconic Bush Mechanics series, get behind the scenes insight into Batty’s uniquely Australian narratives with universal appeal.

Classification Notice: As films featured in the St Kilda Film Festival are unclassified, persons under the age of 18 will not be admitted.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Cost: $20/$17 full/conc

Bookings: Online through Ticketmaster http://www1.ticketmaster.com.au/event/1300547CC413C12D

MORE:
ST Kilda Film Festival
Website: stkildafilmfestival.com.au

SMCC | COMMEMORATE | National Sorry Day | Friday 25 May 2018 | 12.30-2.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A community lunch with Aboriginal Elders and friends.

Cost: Gold coin donation

MORE:
South Melbourne Community Centre
1 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne

Tel: 9699 8804

CoPP | RAISING | Flag | Monday 28 May 2018 | 11am-1pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Featuring a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

Cost: Free

MORE:

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Tel: 9209 6502
Email: tcondie@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

CoPP | CELEBRATING | Mabo Day | Monday 4 June 2018 | 11am-2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A feature performance of traditional Torres Strait Islander dance.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda

MORE:
City of Port Phillip (CoPP)
99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Tel: 9209 6502

Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

S2b | ENGAGING | Citizens of the World | Wednesday 6 June-Friday 29 June 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Six artists from refugee backgrounds focus on the idea of belonging in a new country.

Hours: Tuesday-Monday 10am-5pm; Satruday 10am-2pm

Where: Space2b, 144 Chapel Street, St Kilda

Cost: Free

MORE:
Space2b Social Design
144 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Website: www.space2b.com.au

GAP | THEATRE | Which Way Home | Tuesday-Wednesday 19-20 June 2018 | 7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

An Aussie road trip comedy 80,000 years in the making.

Tash and her Dad are going on a road trip. Home to country, where the sky is higher, and the world goes on forever.
It’s a long way from the wide streets and big old houses of Tash’s childhood. Two Black faces in a very white suburb. Dad still thinks he’s the king of cool, but he’s an old fella now. It’s time for Tash to take him home.

ILBIJERRI Theatre Company tells stories about what it means to be Indigenous in Australia today.

Infused with humour and heart Which Way Home draws on writer Katie Beckett’s own memories of growing up with her single Aboriginal father.

Where: Gasworks Theatre

Cost: Full $45; Concession $40; Under 30 $40; Group (6+) $30

Bookings: Online through Gasworks http://www.gasworks.org.au/event/which-way-home/

MORE:
Gasworks Arts Park (GAP)
21 Graham Street, Albert Park VIC 3206
Tel: (03) 8606 4200
Email: frontdesk@gasworks.org.au
Website: www.gasworks.org.au

CoPP | SUSTAINING | Port Phillip

[Edited extract from public address]

The average Victorian household throws out of $2,200 worth of food per year.

Most household waste can be avoided by better planning of meals and the right storage of food.
In an average household garbage bin, the contents are 8% green waste, 17% recyclables, 30% organic and 45% Rubbish - meaning 55% of the contents could be diverted from land fill.

Start a compost or worm farm for food scraps.

Even if living in an apartment, by implementing a few simple changes could reduce what is sent to landfill by half.

MORE:

Sustainable Port Phillip

City of Port Phillip (CoPP)

99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, Melbourne VIC 3182
Tel: (03) 9209 6690
Email: enviro@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: www.sustainableportphillip.com

POV | BUILDING CITIZENRY | Civics curriculum professional development

[Edited extract from public address]

Teachers are invited to register for a new professional development program on the civic curriculum. 

Being offered free of charge by the Victorian Parliament, it can be delivered in metropolitan or regional areas, or at Parliament House.

Each program will be tailored to meet the year level being taught, from years 3-12, and is available for VCE legal studies. To register and more information, see contacts below.

MORE:
Parliament of Victoria (POV)
Education
Email: educationinfo@parliament.vic.gov.au
Tel: 8682 2655

GOVA | OPENING | More doors for Australians

[Edited extract from public address]

The Australian Government has recently introduced a series of measures to help Australians at all stages of life find the right home. 

This includes helping first home buyers and downsizers, building new infrastructure to help boost housing supply, and providing ongoing support to homelessness services so we can help those who need it most.

With general advices and specific information for different categories of seekers:

• Looking to buy my first home
• Own my home
• Foreign Investor
• Looking to or currently renting out a property
• Renting
• Social and Public Housing

MORE:

Australian Government (GOVA)
Website: homeownership.gov.au

JMA | LAUNCH | Love & Legacy Exhibition Open Day | Sunday 6 May | 10am to 5pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join in the fun and free open day to celebrate the launch of Love & Legacy. Throughout the day there'll be a mix of activities including arts and crafts, music and food. An open day highlight will be a storytime session with a special-guest grandmother from another cultural background.

“Yes there is a traditional Jewish grandmother. I do believe that. I’m one of them!”
Rahel Vivat, one of the grandmothers featured in Love & Legacy.

Love & Legacy, is a new and exuberant exhibition, celebrating Jewish Australian grandmothers. It launches with a free open day on Sunday 6 May, and begs the question – what does the Jewish Grandmother in the 21st century look like?

Featuring stories of grandmothers from diverse Jewish backgrounds – orthodox to secular, from India to Egypt to Poland and beyond – our exhibition honours the complexity of the role of the grandmother in contemporary Australian society. Love & Legacy also details the many ways cultural knowledge, shared histories and family traditions are kept alive from one generation to the next, providing a space to celebrate and fully acknowledge the achievements, contributions, experience and knowledge of our grandmothers.

The exhibition includes interviews and commissioned portraits by photographer Elli Bardas of the following women – Lady Anna Cowen, Barbara Ajzenberg, Hazel Kelly, Genia Janover, Renata Singer, Rahel Vivat, Claire Aghion and Claudine Berman, Nechama Werdiger, Carol Schwartz and Lee Ann Basser.

Curator Juliette Hanson says “It has been a real privilege to meet the women whose experiences are at the heart of this exhibition. They all have amazing life-stories and such varied perspectives on their role as grandmothers and on the role of women more broadly. This exhibition provides a warm reminder of how strong grandmothers can be, what they have overcome, and what they continue to give to our community.”

Prepare to be dazzled by this moving, joyful and surprising exhibition. Love & Legacy will elevate the Jewish grandmother to the status she well deserves – leaders of our community, givers of life and knowledge, powerful supporters of family and loved ones. So celebrate your grandmother, and join us for this heartfelt exhibition, honouring our bubbes, our bubbies, our savtas, our nannas and our grandmas.

Cost: No bookings required. Free open day celebrating the launch of Love & Legacy

MORE:
Jewish Museum of Australia (JMA)
Address: 26 Alma Road
Post: PO Box 117, St Kilda 3182
Website: www.jewishmuseum.com.au

Part of the Multicultural Museums Victoria 'Grandmothers' project

VAWSU | INVITATION | Victory Day Celebration | and | LAUNCH | No-one Forgotten, Nothing Forgotten | 9 May 2018 | 6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Celebrate the cessation of military conflict and witness personal stories from turbulent times. 

Films are based on the true stories of the Second World War veterans, living among us today.

Victory Day Celebration Concert featuring Alan Kogosowski, Vered Harel, Rada Tochalna and many more…

Where: Glen Eira Town Hall

Cost: Free

MORE:
Victorian Association of World War II Veterans from the Ex-Soviet Union (VAWSU)

Supported by NCJWA, ANZAC Centenary and State Government Victoria

UNVESAKVIC18 | COMMEMORATION | Modern-day Multicultural Celebration of the Buddha’s Birth Enlightenment and Passing | Saturday 12 May 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Buddhists and friends from around Victoria, Australia and the world to celebrate one of the most important days in the Buddhist Calendar. Commemorate together the Buddha’s universal peace message for the world.

SANGHA DANA | Arrive 9.45am for 10am
Lunch Offering to Buddhist Monks and Nuns
Where: St Peters Eastern Hill Anglican Church Hall, 15 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne

PROCESSION & FRIENDSHIP WALK | 12.15pm for 1pm
Free vegetarian lunch packs available.
Traditional Drummers, Buddha Floats, Flags, Lanterns, the colours of Victoria’s Buddhist Community
Where: Assembling at Parliament Gardens Reserve, corner Nicholson Street Extension (opp Her Majesty’s) & Albert Streets, East Melbourne. Public car parking nearby. Opp Parliament Station. Walk Spring Street and Collins Street to Melbourne Town Hall

COMMEMORATION | 1.30-3.30pm
• Veneration of Buddha Relics
• Chanting & Blessing from various Buddhist Traditions and languages
• One Community
Guided Meditation
• Interfaith Messages
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston & Collins Streets

Cost: Free

MORE:

Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak Inc (UNVesakVIC18)

Email: secretary@unvesakvictoria.org.au

Website: http://unvesakvictoria.org.au

This event has been kindly sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Melbourne and other kind donors.

PPLS | AUTHOR TALK | Yvonne Fein: Choose Somebody Else | Thursday 17 May 2018 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Yvonne Fein, author and daughter of holocaust survivors, as she discusses her enthralling, entertaining and compelling collection of short stories redolent of the great Yiddish storytelling traditions in tone and style.

The author will be appearing in conversation with author and teacher Lee Kofman.

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

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through EventBrite

MORE:
City of Port Phillip Council
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

REAU | CELEBRATING | National Reconciliation Week | 27 May – 3 June

[Edited extract from public address]

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme for NRW 2018 is Don’t Keep History a Mystery.

This year, we invite Australians to Learn, Share, and Grow – by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.

Make reconciliation part of your story, and your future.

MORE:
Reconciliation Australia (REAU)
Website: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

PWR | ANNOUNCING | Second line-up of luminaries who will address the global interfaith stage | 1-7 November 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

2018 Parliament of the World's Religions Luminaries Are Creating a More Just, Peaceful, and Sustainable World

Today, we are honored to release the second line-up of keynote speakers who will take the stage at the Parliament of the World's Religions, sharing with both assembly and plenary audiences what it means to lead grassroots and global collaborations with people of faith and conscience to achieve a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

Among them: two of 2017's Nobel Laureates steadfastly fighting for the abolition of nuclear weapons, Canada's first Jewish woman and refugee to serve as Justice on its Supreme Court, the eminent Archbishop of Toronto, the United Nations Principal Representative for the Baha'i faith, a beloved Swami whose work touches India's forgotten, an author whose words on religion and compassion have echoed around the world through 45 languages, a Sikh activist and scholar setting new standards for the dignity and rights of all peoples in democratic society, the Episcopal leader who is taking grassroots Interfaith leadership to new heights and new nations for the United Religions Initiative, and the Muslim educator and social entrepreneur who has provided aid and educational opportunities to countless vulnerable and oppressed children.

Join us, once again, in welcoming to the Parliament of the World's Religions these exceptional living examples of the promise of inclusion and the power of love.

Learn More About the Voices of PoWR Speakers at the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions

Register

Help us to do good.

Make a Gift to the Parliament

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60601
Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org/

GEIFN | REPORTS | BMIN | TOUR | Place of Worship: Australian Islamic Centre of Newport | Victorian Mosque Open Day

[Report is compiled from multiple public addresses, multiple sources made over multiple publication dates]

The Brimbank & Maribyrnong Interfaith Network (BMIN) took part in the second annual Victorian Mosque Open Day. A bus of about 40 participants visited the Australian Islamic Centre of Newport. 

The Mosque Open Day is state-wide annual event, run by Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Victorian Government (Office of Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion).

A bus tour to Newport Mosque – “perhaps the first truly contemporary Australian mosque … is an architectural and social marker of a new perception of Islam in Australia (see more at NGV)”.

The Newport Islamic Society (NIS) has been active in serving the community since it was established in 1989. Quickly outgrowing the former Salvation Army hall, they purchased a neighbouring property for women’s only space to eventually outgrow this on big worship days with congregants spilling out into carparks, then streets.

An initiative of NIS, many years in the making, The Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) serves the growing Muslim community (more than 10,000) and for now is the largest under the Southern Hemisphere. Completely self-funded.

The Centre is designed by Australian architect Glen Murcutt in collaboration with Hakan Elevli and built by Haddara Constructions. It comprises a unique Mosque, library, Gym & fitness centre, educational centre, restaurant & café, activity rooms, offices, community spaces and Imam’s residence.

Visitors were told of special features that went into the design, and some of the thinking behind the finished result. The removal of minarets and domes, a feature of particular Turkish Islam, to appease local neighbours concerns, local bylaws regarding noise, and a negotiated relocation to an alternative location.

The main Prayer Hall includes special light wells, filled with coloured glass of a palette of 4 colours: Blue (Heaven), Green (Earth), Red (Struggle of Living) and Yellow (Realising Grandeur). Muslims do not have a Central Authority, each individual has a direct connection to Allah, and all is needed to “make a Mosque” is 3 adherents needed to assemble to prayer. 

Unfinished concrete walls are a symbol of the everyday imperfect nature of humanity. A glass wall on the public side is open, inviting and transmitting transparency to local communities. On a sunny day, the glass wall on the moat side allows reflected luminescence from the water into the walls and ceiling of the Prayer room. All glass walls can be opened to allow airflow and natural cooling through the heat of Australian Summer.

On this day, interested parties could dress up in veil, have hands painted in Henna and their names written in calligraphy with Arabic translation. Snacks upon arrival, a sausage sizzle/drinks post-tour provided generously by hosts. Bus pickup from two locations generously provided by Brimbank & Maribyrnong Councils.

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Hosts, Organisers, Volunteers and Participants working to share, build collaborations, celebrate diversity and foster team approach to addressing today's society. Received with gratitude.

MORE:
Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network, Maribyrnong City Council
Tel: (03) 9688 0452; Email: info@bmin.org.au
Website: http://www.bmin.org.au

GEIFN | GOES | VESAK Multicultural Friendship Dinner 2018 | Saturday 7 April 2018 | 6-9.30pm

[Report is compiled from multiple public addresses, multiple sources made over multiple publication dates]

An evening of delicious multi-cultural vegetarian banquet and fun that is the "Vesak Friendship Dinner”. Raising funds for this year's Victorian United Nations Day Vesak Commemoration and Celebrations - Sat 12 May in Melbourne CBD.

An assembly of over 600 people, Ordained Sangha, Lay Sangha, friends supporters and non-Buddhists alike. A wonderful occasion to see living exemplars of what founders taught.
An experience of wonderful delights of Chinese Vietnamese vegetarian hospitality, demonstrations by a range of migrant groups encompassing monastic chanting and performance including song, instrument-playing and dance.

On the surface, a humble dinner looks like an INTRAfaith occasion: different congregations of the one religion (Buddhism) coming together.

But look a bit deeper, and its also:
INTERfaith (different language/ethnicities/cultural groups coexisting);
MULTIfaith (different religions/generations/genders/backgrounds actively engaging in a shared higher purpose; ie, inclusion of Acknowledgement of Country, sharing space, place, company, performance, purpose and time);
TOGATHER: determined, consistent, sharing a goal to assemble with a higher sustainable purpose (ie, large strong Sangha/Congregation with surplus sharing with smaller or less well established Sangha, fundraising for Victoria’s VESAK Commemoration)
NOBLY: The Buddha’s embodiment and wish for a world of happiness, peace, harmony and understanding.

GEIFN used this occasion to bring together a contingent of 20 individuals, most arriving at 6pm for an informal walk and chat around sculptural garden.
The event, succinctly described by a GEIFN guest:

“We had a great time...as judged by energy expenditure through talking and laughing and energy intake through amazing food. Thanks for your generosity.”

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Hosts, Organisers, Volunteers and Participants working to reduce misunderstandings, build collaborations, celebrate diversity and foster team approach to addressing today's society. Received with gratitude.

MORE:
Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak Inc (UNVESAKVic)
Email: secretary@unvesakvictoria.org.au;
Website: www.unvesakvictoria.org.au

GEIFN | MEDIA | Mix | May 2018

MEDIA WORDS
Approx 5 min reads

Intro
Clare Boyd-Macrae shares her view of living in “Faith: Be open to the unexpected moments of grace” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/faith-be-open-to-the-unexpected-moments-of-grace-20180414-p4z9mg.html

Benjamin Law shares lived experience, endurance, and every day life matters through discussing “Dicey Topics: Christine Forster on death, money and bodies” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/nsw/dicey-topics-christine-forster-on-death-money-and-bodies-20180410-p4z8p5.html

Matt Wade explores lessons learned from a family commitment to low carbon-footprint living, reporting “An Australian family living in the slums of India has come home with an important message” via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/environment/climate-change/an-australian-family-living-in-the-slums-of-india-has-come-home-with-an-important-message-20180413-p4z9hi.html


Intra
Kristie Kellahan explores a Sydney example of disengagement being transformed into sustainable reasons for being collectively proud, budding “Students discover the garden of life” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/business/careers/students-discover-the-garden-of-life-20180411-p4z8zw.html

Tony Wright explores an example of reconciling past with changing times, reflecting value of sharing memory, lessons, timing, purpose and rituals, try “A long way from the smoke, with room to breathe” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/a-long-way-from-the-smoke-with-room-to-breathe-and-to-remember-20180426-p4zbsi.html

Greg Baum explores sex, religion and performance results, reasoning “Who wins in the hormone race?” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/athletics/the-hormone-race-20180427-p4zc4c.html


Inter
Nassim Khadem explores gender differences, redressing workplace and retirement equity, prosecuting “Want to boost the economy by $60b? Get more women into jobs, says KPMG” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/the-economy/want-to-boost-the-economy-by-60b-get-more-women-into-jobs-says-kpmg-20180424-p4zbfp.html

Michael Short explores remuneration, comparative disadvantage and social justice, prosecuting to “Want to boost the economy? Give the underpaid a wage rise” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/want-to-boost-the-economy-give-the-underpaid-a-wage-rise-20180412-p4z95a.html

Megan Backhouse explores an unsung migrant who applied scientific process in the back yard, reviewing a book “Celebrating Melbourne's housewife naturalist” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrating-melbournes-housewife-naturalist-20180404-h0yb2l.html


Multi
Christine Long explores some of the challenges faced by returned service personnel entering civilian life, revealing “After the army: career and finances challenges in civilian life” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/after-the-army-career-and-finances-challenges-in-civilian-life-20180416-p4z9vr.html

John Collett and Caitlin Fitzsimmons explore treechangers leaving bright lights big smoke for star lights and high skies, sharing how “'I feel like a different person' moving from the city to the regions” via The Canberra Times
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/money/planning/i-feel-like-a-different-person-moving-from-the-city-to-the-regions-20180425-p4zboz.html

John McDonald explores symbolism, iconism, passing of time and hidden or lost meaning, describing his experience of “Indisputable masterpieces, The Lady and the Unicorn leave us pondering the imponderables” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/indisputable-masterpieces-the-lady-and-the-unicorn-leave-us-pondering-the-imponderables-20180416-h0yth5.html


All
Miki Perkins explores expanding our horizons of State Care to reflect current societal norms and improve individual outcomes, calling out “Victoria, you need a lesson in parenting” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victoria-you-need-a-lesson-in-parenting-20180426-p4zbt2.html

Philip Huggins explores de-light in everyday gratitude, giving reasons to “Take a moment to appreciate everyday miracles” via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/take-a-moment-to-appreciate-everyday-miracles-20180426-p4zbv2.html

Harold Mitchell explores paving the way from colonialism, conducting good neighborly relations and building lasting mutually beneficially relationships, declaring “Bogor not Bali shows Indonesia's huge potential” via WA Today
http://www.watoday.com.au/business/the-economy/bogor-not-bali-shows-indonesia-s-huge-potential-20180419-p4zajv.html


Togather
Bruce Elder explores fusing identities, ancient traditions and collaborating for modern times, presenting “Gurrumul's final gift: Australia's most original recording?” via The Sydney Morning Herald
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/gurrumuls-final-gift-australias-most-original-recording-20180412-h0yo27.html

Nina Hendy explores gender, tools and sharing a female perspective of “What it’s like to work in a male-dominated industry” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/small-business/male-dominated-industry-tradie-lady-engineer-furey-20180419-p4zahj.html

Carolyn Webb explores fleeing from conflict, resettling and seeds for sweet success, celebrate with “The Syrian refugees who run a Lygon Street pastry shop” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-syrian-refugees-who-run-a-lygon-street-pastry-shop-20180412-p4z9bl.html


Nobly
John Silvester explores transformative results to Society that is informed by a dedicated and collaborative few looking back, revealing how “From tragedy, coroners work to bring us lessons and laws” via The Brisbane Times
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/from-tragedy-coroners-work-to-bring-us-lessons-and-laws-20180426-p4zbu1.html

Kirsten Grieshaber explores how overcoming ignorance is an ongoing work-in-progress, uniting visibly for a common good as “Germans don Jewish skullcaps to protest anti-Semitism” via The Age
https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/germans-don-jewish-skullcaps-to-protest-anti-semitism-20180426-p4zbo0.html

Lee Tran Lam explores a growing trend in more mindful eating, chefs getting onboard and compassionate chewing, declaring “The vegan revolution is here: Meat-free plant-based dining hits mainstream” via Goodfood.com.au
https://www.goodfood.com.au/eat-out/news/the-plant-based-revolution-meat-free-dining-goes-mainstream-20180411-h0ymgb


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TED TALKS
Approx 20min presentations

Mae Jemison: Teach arts and sciences together

Stuart Firestein: The Pursuit of Ignorance

Michael Shermer: The pattern behind self-deception


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GUEST SINGS
Approx 5 min presentation

Emmylou Harris - One Big Love
https://youtu.be/LnzXIYqkqS0


-----------------------------
STREET JIVES
Approx 2 min presentation

Sesame Street's Maya Rudolph and Elmo: Brainstorm
https://youtu.be/G27o1OTHo2o


-----------------------------
WISDOM RECONCILES
Approx 5 min presentation

Tim Rhys-Evans: Only Boys Aloud

VMC | CALL FOR ENTRIES | My generation: stories of everyday multiculturalism Film Festival | now open, CLOSE 11.59pm Tuesday 24 April

[Edited extract from public address]

An invitation to showcase what multiculturalism means to your generation through the lens of everyday stories.

We're setting a challenge for filmmakers to use creative and original storytelling to enact powerful solutions to the questions of our time. Challenging us to look no further than the community around us, for the answers may be closer than we think.

Two weeks to enter your story of everyday multiculturalism. The VMC Film Festival is open for submissions and there are just two weeks left to enter a short film with your powerful story.

Films can be documentary-style or tell a fictional narrative, and films which were originally created for another competition or purpose will be accepted.

Shortlisted entries will light up the big screen at ACMI on Thursday 24 May.

In an age when  identity, race, faith and immigration politics dominate global headlines, we ask filmmakers , young and old: how has multiculturalism shaped our society in Victoria?

At this critical juncture of history,  what role do we want multiculturalism to play in our state’s future identity? And how do we get there?

Competition details:

• Entries are welcome from anyone living in Victoria. Whether you are an established or aspiring filmmaker, or just have a powerful story to share, we invite you to submit short films of three to 12 minutes.
• Submissions will be judged in two categories – under 25s and over 25s – and there will be great prizes .

Why: The VMC seeks narratives told by or about Victorians from all cultural backgrounds, and supports the work of emerging filmmakers from multicultural communities across Victoria.

When: Entries close Tuesday 24 April at 11:59pm. Visit culturaldiversityweek.vic.gov.au to find out more and to submit your entry.

Film Festival Tickets
Shortlisted films will be screened at the VMC Film Festival at ACMI at 7.30pm on Thursday 24 May 2018. Come along to enjoy a night of inspiring local films,  celebrate with the winners and vote for the People’s Choice Award!
Tickets will cost $10 and will be on sale in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates and help spread the word to your networks.

MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Level 9, 1 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 7017 8171
Website: multicultural.vic.gov.au

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

VMC | GRANTING | Multicultural Festival and Events | open now, CLOSE 11.59pm Thursday 26 April 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Encouraging participation of the whole Victorian community in festivals and events to celebrate and embrace our vibrant multicultural diversity.

Are you organising a multicultural festival or event that will take place between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019?

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) encourages you to apply for a grant through the Victorian Government's Multicultural Festival and Events Program.

How much?
There are three streams of funding available:

• Small - $10,000
• Medium - $10,001 - $50,000
• Large - $50,001 - $100,000

Multi-year funding up to four years will be considered for: 

• events based in metropolitan Victoria that have been successfully delivered and funded by the Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion (MASC) Division and/or the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) for the last five years or more
• events based in regional Victoria that have been successfully delivered and funded by MASC and/or the VMC at least once before in the last three years.

Who?
You are eligible to apply if you are an organisation that:

• is a not-for-profit entity; and
• has a current Australian Business Number (ABN); and
• is registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic).

Victorian primary and secondary educational institutions are also eligible for funding under the School Grants stream, set to open in August 2018. Events must be held in March or April 2019 to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week (16 – 24 March 2019).

Where?
For more information and to apply, visit the multicultural.vic.gov.au website.

Information Sessions
The Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division is currently hosting grants information sessions for community groups interested in applying for any MASC grants. The remaining sessions are:

• Thomastown 

10 April 2018, 6.00pm
Barry Road Community Activity Centre - 36 Barry Road, Thomastown VIC 3074

• Shepparton 

11 April 2018, 1.30pm
Goulburn Ovens TAFE - 152-200 Fryers Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630

• Dandenong 

12 April 2018, 6.00pm
Dandenong Central Senior Citizens Centre - 10 Langhorne Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175

To register your interest in attending a session, email community.grants@dpc.vic.gov.au with the following information:

• Name
• Organisation
• Number of attendees
• Location of information session you wish to attend
• Any accessibility or interpreter requirements

MORE:
Community Grants
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Level 9, 1 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: 1300 366 356
Email: community.grants@dpc.vic.gov.au
Website: multicultural.vic.gov.au

PPLS | WORKSHOP | Seniors' Creative Nonfiction with Lee Kofman | Sunday April 29th | 10.30am-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Aged 55+ years and with a life rich story? 

If so, join writer, blogger and teacher Lee Kofman for a workshop on writing creative nonfiction. Creative nonfiction is a broad, exciting genre that includes such popular sub-genres as memoir, personal essay, travel writing and much more.

Learn about different elements of creative nonfiction and some of its common principles: situating the writer’s self, turning real people into characters and writing vividly.

Who: For attendees aged 55+ only.

Considerations: Please bring a snack as there will be no break for lunch during the workshop.

Get inspired to enter the upcoming Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival Writing Awards!

Cost: $6

Where: St Kilda Library Commmunity room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Vic 3182

Bookings: Essential. Online through EventBrite

MORE:

City of Port Phillip Council
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

CoPP | PLANNING | For Future Older Persons Care: Who Speaks For You When You Cannot? | Monday 30 April 2018 | 10am-12noon

[Edited extract from public address]

An Annual Forum to assist planning your future care and have your preferences known and respected. 

If you were very unwell and not able to communicate your preferences to others, who would speak for you? What would you want them to say?

Advanced care planning helps to ensure that your loved ones and your doctors know what your health care and personal preferences are. That can give everyone peace of mind.

Advanced Care Planning Australia Volunteer Community Ambassadors will provide easy to understand information about what advance care planning is, how it may benefit you and how to do it.

Where: St Kilda Town Hall (portico entrance), corner Brighton Road and Carlisle Street

Inclusions: Q&A, morning tea and all attendees to this free forum receive a complimentary information kit.

Cost: Free

Bookings: RSVP by Tuesday 24 April, ASSIST tel 03 9209 6777; Email rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

MORE:
Older Persons Consultative Committee (OPCC)
City of Port Phillip
Website: http://portphillip.vic.gov.au/older_persons_consultative_committee.htm

KIN | TOURING | Places of Worship | Wednesday 30 May 2018 | 9am-4pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A bus tour to places of worship providing an opportunity for the public to learn about different faiths. 

Tour participants will be able to see different places of worship and ask questions in a respectful and supportive small group environment. This will be a great opportunity to have a small guided tour, ask questions, and experience different faiths in a welcoming environment. Modest clothing worn in all Places of Worship would be appreciated.

This year two Community buses will be available (a 21 seats and an 11 seats buses) to accommodate more community members.

Bus Pick-up Point at 8.45am: Council Building, 34 Brindisi Street, Mentone 

The Tour will collect the participants at Mentone Council building at 8:45am and will include the following places of worship:

• ECKANKAR Community Centre (Moorabbin)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Moorabbin)
• Yun Yang Temple – Include: visit of the temple and optional park walk and meditation session. (Narre Warren)

Cost: Free. Please BYO lunch - dessert and drinks provided by Kingston Council

Bookings: Essential, places on the buses are limited. RSVP: 7 May 2018. Elisabetta Robecchi elisabetta.robecchi@kingston.vic.gov.au | 03 9581 4783

MORE:
Kingston Interfaith Network
Elisabetta Robecchi
Email: elisabetta.robecchi@kingston.vic.gov.au
Tel: 03 9581 4783

INTERSECT | SURVEY | Improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people from multicultural and diverse faith backgrounds

[Edited extract from public address]

Together we seek to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people from multicultural and diverse faith backgrounds by hearing about people’s experiences in accessing services and in seeking support. 

Concurrently we are exploring the levels of awareness and knowledge services and community leaders may have about the health and wellbeing needs, supports and barriers LGBTIQ+ people from multicultural and diverse faith backgrounds may experience.

We are gathering this knowledge to better create resources inclusive of help sheets, training and e-modules to enhance culturally safe and culturally inclusive practice for all LGBTIQ+ people.

We would love you to be involved in any way you can.
We are offering multiple consultation methods to better inform our work.

• Consultations include online surveys for both service providers and lived experience, individual consultations, facilitation of small group and broad participant forums.
• We will be sharing these events in the next week as we launch our consultation phase to listen to and take note of stories and experiences from communities.
• We welcome any questions or greater involvement in the project.

Contact us to get involved! By participating you are contributing to a deeper understanding of how intersectional identity influences principles of culturally safe care.

MORE:
LGBTIQ+ Intersect Project Team.
Silvana Izzo
Email: silvana.izzo@svha.org.au
Website: http://www.vtmh.org.au/news/intersect-project

LGBTIQ+ Intersect, is a collaborative project between GLHV@ARCSHS, La Trobe University (GLHV) and Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) that aims to develop resources for service providers, community leaders and other advocates and allies working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people from multicultural and diverse faith backgrounds. Funded via a two year Harmony Grant from the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion, as Out in the CaLD. Both organizations have long histories of advocacy, community engagement and sector development within a human rights framework.

CoPP | GRANTING | Community Meals Subsidy Funding 2018-2019 FY | APPLICATIONS OPEN Tuesday 3 April, CLOSE Sunday 29 April 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Subsidies are available for the provision of healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate meals by local community groups and community organisations. 

This program promotes social inclusion and community engagement by encouraging the contribution and participation of older residents, residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ community, people with disabilities and people with complex needs.

Information session for new applicants
New groups and organisations are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session to find out more about the program:
When: Wednesday 4 April 2018
Time: 10 am (please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in)
Where: Training Room, St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda
RSVP and enquiries: 03 9209 6441 or meals@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Interpreters are available if requested.

More City of Port Phillip’s grants information can be found at:
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/funds_grants.htm
Community Meals Subsidy Grant Guidelines are available in English. Translations are also available in Russian and Greek. To obtain these or if you have any other needs, please contact Anna Lew Ton on the details below.

Applications can be submitted online at https://portphillip.smartygrants.com.au/ from Tuesday 3 April to 5pm on Sunday 29 April 2018.

MORE:
City of Port Phillip
Food Services, Diversity & Inclusion
Anna Lew Ton, Team Leader
Email: Anna.LewTon@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Mail: Betty Day Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9209 6441
Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

The City of Port Phillip acknowledges support by the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Home Support Program and the Victorian Government’s Home and Community Care Program.
“Although funding for the Community Meals Subsidy Grant has been provided by the Australian Government and Victorian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government or the Victorian Government.”

VMC | GRANTING | Regional Community Resilience Projects | open now, CLOSE 5.00pm Friday 6 April 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Community organisations in rural and regional Victoria can now apply for funding to develop projects that help to prevent violent extremism and tackle factors that cause community division. 

Between $30,000 and $120,000 funding is available per application.

Projects should respond to one of the following aims:

1. Develop innovative projects and partnerships which address the conditions that underlie violent extremism
2. Respond to tensions caused by right wing, ISIS-inspired and other violent extremist narratives
3. Enable critical and constructive dialogue about factors that undermine social cohesion and may lead to violent extremism.

Who: Community organisations can partner with peak bodies, local councils and universities. Projects should be community or youth-led.                                                           

Details/Applications online.

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

GRUN | CONFERENCE | Sustainable Peace and Development in a Polarising World: Inaugural Commonwealth Conference | Monday 9-Wednesday 11 April 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

A conference exploring the normative and practical leadership roles of faith communities, universities, and the Commonwealth of Nations itself with theme: “Sustainable Peace and Development in a Polarising World: Perspectives and Contributions from the Commonwealth of Nations.”

The globe is witnessing a period of tumultuous change. Driven by factors such as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, political and economic upheavals of Brexit, US withdrawal from international leadership coupled with the rise of Chinese transnational organisations, persistent international terrorism, and widening political and social polarisation, this wave of change is restructuring how the world works.

What is the role of the Commonwealth of Nations in these changing times?
Based on the successful precedents of events organised in conjunction with the G20 and G8 Summits, it is clear that input from a broad range of voices strengthen international decision making. This conference will assemble experts from around the Commonwealth as part of the activities surrounding the Commonwealth Games on the Australian Gold Coast in April 2018.

When:
Monday 9 April: 4.30-9pm
Tuesday 10 April: 8.30am-9:00pm
Wednesday 11 April: 8.30am-6pm

Where: Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue (N35), Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Nathan, QLD 4111

Cost: $50-$100

Inclusions: Conference Sessions, 2 x Dinners (Monday and Tuesday), Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea Exclusions: Wednesday dinner, accommodation and travel

Bookings: More information and registration online through EventBrite.

MORE:

Griffith University (GRUN)
Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue
(N35) Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Nathan, QLD 4111

WIN | ENGAGING | Youth Leadership Camp 2018 | Tuesday 10-Thursday 12 April 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

A Wyndham Interfaith Network residential experience Tuesday 10th –Thursday 12th April (3 days/2 nights) during 2nd week of April school holidays at Whitehall Guesthouse in Queenscliff. 

Faith communities with a link to Wyndham can nominate 5 young potential leaders (between 16-25 years old) to join others.

The total number of places for young people is 30.

It is also possible for a faith leader to accompany the young people from their community as an observer and additional support.

The camp is Co Ed with males and female accommodated on different floors of the facility.

The camp will be facilitated by Wyndham CEC, the Gandhi experiment and Victoria Police. It will be active, creative, reflective and fun.

Themes include:

• Building understanding;
• Responding to challenge
• intercultural skills;
• World’s religions; and,
• Organising social action

Support and follow up will be available for young people to plan activities on leadership or social action.

Where: Whitehall Guesthouse, 11 Learmonth St, Queenscliff VIC 3225

Cost: Free. All costs are covered.

MORE:
Wyndham Interfaith Network
Laurence Gray
Tel: 03 9742 4013
Email: laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au

A collaboration with Victoria Police, The Gandhi Experiment, Wyndham Community and Education centre Inc and the State Government of Victoria.

PPLS | SUSTAINABLE | Gardening For Apartments and Small Spaces | Wednesday 11 April 2018 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Come along and learn tips, tricks and simple solutions to make your garden seem bigger. Overcome constraints and grow a functional sustainable garden that is good for you and the environment. 

This talk by Richard Rowe from Sustainable Gardening Australia will cover design for balconies and small gardens, working with constraints, organic waste recycling options, growing in containers and pots, vertical gardening, soil and potting mixes and water smart gardening.

Did you know the City of Port Phillip Council is also delivering a series of hands on, interactive workshops and talks to share sustainable living tips with our community? Whether you want to reduce your energy consumption, explore waste free living or speed date a sustainability expert, we’ve got you covered. Learn the practical tips to live the smart life today and sign up to attend our workshops.

Check out the Sustainable Port Phillip calendar!

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

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through EventBrite

MORE:
City of Port Phillip Council
Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
Tel: 9209 6655
Email: library@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Website: https://library.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Home

BaIN | TOUR | Place of Worship: Our Lady Ta' Pinu Shrine | Saturday 14 April 2018 | 9.30am-2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join this Guided tour of shrines and Way of the Cross with viewing of the Chapel of Adoration.

The communities that have a presence at the shrine include the Maltese, Italian, Filipino, Hispanic, Sri Lankan, Indian, Portuguese, Slovenian, Vietnamese, Polish and Indonesian.

Bus pick-up Location: Ballarat Regional Multicultural Centre, 145 Victoria St, Ballarat East

Considerations: Must be able to walk up hill. BYO lunch.

Cost: $5 for travel, plus a donation of choice at the shrine

Bookings: RSVP by Tuesday 10 April, Margaret 0400 650 234, Maureen 0418 383 802

MORE:
Ballarat Interfaith Network (BaIN)
Website: http://interfaithinballarat.blogspot.com.au

BMIN | TOUR | Place of Worship: Australian Islamic Centre of Newport | Victorian Mosque Open Day | Sunday 15 April 2018 | 10.30am-1.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

All aboard for Newport Mosque – “perhaps the first truly contemporary Australian mosque … is an architectural and social marker of a new perception of Islam in Australia (see more at NGV)". 

This visit will include guided tour lead by the mosque architect, the renowned Australian architect Glenn Murcutt.

Bus Pick-up Location: 
10:30am Sunshine: in front of VISY Cares Hub, 80B Harvester Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
10:40am Footscray: Footscray Town Hall, 61 Napier St, Footscray VIC 3011
Bus returns: to both locations by 1.30pm.

The Brimbank & Maribyrnong Interfaith Network (BMIN) taking part in the second annual Victorian Mosque Open Day. A bus of up to 45 participants will visit the Australian Islamic Centre of Newport.

The Mosque Open Day is state-wide annual event, run by Islamic Council of Victoria’s (ICV) is supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Victorian Government (Office of Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion).
​
Considerations: The tour includes BBQ lunch provided at the Newport Mosque.

Cost: This is a free event.

Bookings: Register online through EventBrite.

Those with their own transport can meet the BMIN group at the mosque at 11am. The Mosque is located at 23/31 Blenheim Rd, Newport.

MORE:
The Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network
Maribyrnong City Council
Tel: (03) 9688 0452
Email: info@bmin.org.au
Website: http://www.bmin.org.au

MUC | ENGAGING | Men of Faith | Sunday 15 April 2018 | 5.30-8pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join in discussion with Men of Faith Forum. Hear how five different men live their faith, impacting and shaping lives:

• Islam
• Sikhism
• Buddhism
• Christianity
• Judaism

After such an amazing night hearing from our Women of Faith Forum back in January, we are doing it all over again.

Everyone - women and men, any faith background, those searching for faith too - are invited to come and share in conversation, listen to these amazing stories and ask some questions with these five men sharing their life journeys from their different faiths.

Where: Murrumbeena Uniting Church, 117 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena VIC 3163

MORE:
Murrumbeena Uniting Church and The Sonder Collective
117 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena VIC 3163
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1552861928097144/

A collaboration with The Sonder Collective, a Youth and Young Adults collaborative Ministry

WIN | TOUR | Places of Worship Tour | Tuesday 17 April 2018 | 9am-2pm

[Edited extract from public address]

All aboard the bus into friendship,  stopping Crossroads Uniting Church, Church of Scientology and Quang Minh Buddhist Temple.

Bus pick-up Location: 
Crossroads Uniting Church, corner of Duncans Rd and Synnot St, Werribee VIC 3030
Drop off: this location by 2pm

Tour visits:
10-11.15am: The Church of Scientology, 231 - 251 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032
11.45am-1pm: Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, 18 Burke St, Braybrook VIC 3019

Considerations: Remove shoes at entrance to the Temple
Light lunch to follow

Cost: Free. A vegetarian lunch will be provided

Bookings: RSVP by Thursday 12 April. Online through Trybooking

MORE:
Wyndham Interfaith Network
Laurence Gray
Tel: 0401 337 696
Email: laurenceg@wyndhamcec.org.au

PPLS | PERFORMANCE | Ultrafox - French Gypsy Jazz | Thursday 19 April 2018 | 6.30-7.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Experience hot swinging jazz, tender lyrical ballads, French melodies, gypsy waltzes and original compositions.

Experience Ultrafox, one of the finest swing bands in Australia. Seeking their inspiration from the famous “manouche swing” of The Hot club of France.

Featuring Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli of pre-war Paris, their music is characterised by the muscular hard driving swing of gypsy style acoustic guitars laced with lyrical yet fiery solos.

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

Cost: Free

Bookings: online through EventBrite

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

MIN | UNITING | Faith Against Drugs | Wednesday 2 May 2018 | 11am

[Edited extract from public address]

Drugs are a problem that affect all nations, races and religions. Drugs take away our children’s future, happiness and health. 

We can work together to tackle the drug problems in our communities, come join us and get the tools you need to help your community!

Presentations: 

• What different faiths say about drugs. How to Say “No” to the Drug Culture.
• The Truth About Drugs. Making Grassroots Drug Education Work in Your Neighborhood. Free educational materials provided!
• Real People, Real Stories. People’s real experiences with drug addiction - find out why kids start taking drugs, and what can help them decide not to

Where: Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton, Vic 3337

Inclusions: Light refreshments served.

Bookings: RSVP: 0410 534 476, email: jason@drugfreeambassadors.org.au

MORE:
The Melton Interfaith Network
Website: http://www.meltoninterfaith.com/

In partnership with Foundation for a Drug-free World. Supported by the Melton City Council.

PWR | ILLUMINATING | Champions of Change | Toronto Ontario | 1- 7 November 2018

[Edited extract from public address]

Recognizing immense value religious, spiritual, and secular constituencies together offer the world's movements of peace, justice and sustainability. Several change agents from global institutions are planning to address the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions.

Hear from keynote speakers who will share across the assembly stages their insider's look at some of the most complex challenges we face as humanity today, and how they, and interfaith communities, have and will continue to make a difference.

Between now and November, our journey to Toronto will be filled with joyous news and soul-shaking reminders of the imperatives we share in coming together at the Parliament.

Join us in welcoming to the Parliament of the World's Religions these exceptional living examples of the promise of inclusion and the power of love.

Ms. Christiana Figueres
The Parliament of the World's Religions welcomes for the first time Ms. Christiana Figueres, Convenor of Mission 2020 and Former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to our Climate Action Assembly stage! A  daughter of Costa Rica, Figueres is especially renowned for her achievements in leading the Paris Climate Agreement at the COP21 conference in 2015.

Payam Akhavan
A Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague and 2017 Massey Lecturer, Payam Akhavan will be featured in the Assembly on Countering War & Violence in his first appearance at the Parliament of the World's Religions. Akhavan is a McGill University professor of international law whose career in human rights has been shaped by his own experience of religious persecution. A member of the Baha'i faith, he fled from Iran to Canada in the 1970's.

Armene Modi
A gender justice champion noted for her intervention programs serving adolescent girls living in rural villages in the Pune region of India. As founder of the not-for-profit Ashta No Ka, Modi utilizes innovative means of education and empowerment that redirects the lives of young women from the paths toward early marriages toward using their voices to promote changemaking shifts for women in their communities.

Subhi Nahas
A survivor refugee of the Syrian Civil War and LGBTQIA+ advocate - has a message that will electrify the Justice Assembly stage of the 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions.  As founder and Chair of the board of the organization SpectraProject.org. Nahas dedicates his advocacy to supporting LGBTQIA+ refugee populations whose lives are critically endangered by extremist groups throughout the world.

Ms. Habiba Dahir
A Nairobi-based program officer for Women in International Security – Horn of Africa (HoA).  Habiba is driven by her passion to promote the increased participation of women in peace processes towards achieving a conflict-free horn of Africa. Her research and programming actively focuses on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), particularly in post-conflict African regions. Originally from Somalia, Habiba's family migrated to Kenya to escape the conflict. Since then, her interfaith advocacy work in peace and security has driven her across the globe. The Parliament of the World's Religions is proud to feature Habiba as a keynote speaker in its 2018 Next Gen Assembly in Toronto.

Hugh Locke
President and co-founder of the Haitian-based Smallholder Farmers Alliance, his first-ever Parliament address will take place as a part of the 2nd Women’s Assembly. Hugh Locke began his career directing a nation-wide tree planting program for Katimavik, Canada’s national youth service organization, before going into development work with governments, NGO’S, corporations, and UN agencies focused on social, environmental, and economic programs.

Downloadable Request for Proposal PDFs

Each includes the primary request for proposals and the submission guidelines for the specific track and program. Download Program Track PDFs below.
To review all program track RFPs, please click here to begin downloading.

Help us to do good.

Make a Gift to the Parliament

MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions
Address: 70 East Lake Street, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60601
Website: https://parliamentofreligions.org/

GEIFN | REPORTS | HCWPRLM | DIALOGUE | The Beginning and Origin of all things | Saturday 24 March 2018 | 4-6pm

[Report is compiled from multiple public addresses, multiple sources made over multiple publication dates]

Civic, Religious, Community Leaders and Guests assembled at 36th WARP Office to address The Beginning and Origin of all things.

Discussing questions:

1. Should there be record about how mankind and all things began in the scripture?
2. Is the present appearance of mankind and all things in the world the same as its appearance from the very beginning?
3. What is the purpose of the existence of all things and mankind? 
4. Are we living in accordance to the purpose recorded in the scripture?

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are referred to more frequently as The Abrahamic Religions. They all accept the tradition of a god, Yahweh/God/Allah, that revealed himself to the prophet Abraham.

The Presbyterian and Global Ministry representatives discussed the Christian view of a Creator God taking 6 days with the 7th as day of rest.

The Islam representative talked of the Koran's describes life as shortening from 1,000 years to merely 100 years and Prophet Mohammed’s visitation to 7 heavens to receive deeper understandings at each level before proceeding to the next.

The Abrahamic traditions all embrace that there has been a historical “fall from Paradise/Grace/Mercy” so the purpose of an individual’s life is to return to “being in a state of enduring Grace” or being "at one with Divinity/God/Allah".

As that is a commonly available narrative in Australia, more attention will be supplied here to provide a glimpse of various different Buddhist views.

Over 2,600 years ago, in Ancient India a Hindu Prince Siddhārtha Gautama was born. His conception, birth and childhood was surrounded by auspicious circumstances. Ensconced in Palace life, providing certain conditions were met, he was destined for future scholar warrior king. Instead, at age 29 after a series of 4 insights (referred to as The Four Noble Sights), the prince abdicated his responsibilities for a 6 year pilgrimage as an apprentice to wandering sages and forest ascetics to find a lasting end of Suffering. Becoming Enlightened, the former prince became commonly referred to as Buddha (Sanskrit: Awakened One), historical Buddha (as today’s history commonly speaks of), or Buddha Sakyamuni (Buddha of the Sakya Clan),

It was some time after his bodily death before the teachings were recorded at what became known as The Great Assembly. It was here, for the first time among his wide and diverse disciples, students and adherents:

• discovered the Buddha had taught many different things to many different students, in different languages, counting over 84,000 different teachings
• that if the teachings could be considered as pathways, then the teachings could be sorted into 3 schools/pathways/vehicles: Theraveda (Pali: School of Elders or First Ones), Mahayana (Sanskrit: Great Way) and Vajrayana (Sanskrit: Thunderbolt, Diamond or Lightening Way)

The Buddha’s primary teaching: The Four Noble Truths. Here explained as: 
To live is to feel. To feel means we can feel pleasure, pain and indifference. We mistake this experience for real, attach to expected outcomes and from this Confusion create more Suffering. We are born and die into an endless sea of Suffering (Pali: dukkah; Sanskrit: Samsara), continuing in an unbroken loop/circle until choosing to end the Suffering (Pali: Nibbana; Sanksrit: Nirvana; English: Enlightenment) by Awakening Mind.

So to be an informed Buddhist, before quoting, researching, practising Scripture, we must first settle on whose Buddha, whose scriptural language and whose scripture?

To simplify, a sample of 3 diverse views are offered.

1. Some traditions view the origin of pre-Buddha things as the cosmic interaction of Vishnu, Siva and Brahma. Brahma opening his eyes is the beginning of life, living and universe. Brahma closing his eyes is the end of that universal existence. This period is known as a kalpa (Sanskrit: eon, Age). In this version, Buddha, having became Enlightened, was implored by Brahma to engage in daily world to teach others about Suffering, its Causes, Antidotes and realisability of freeing themselves from their individual Suffering. Essentially, Creator God first, Paradise 2nd, human 3rd.
2. Another view is a result of primordial conditions coming together on their own accord. Once in place, now overseen by a Jade Emperor and Heavenly Palace populated with Gods, Goddesses, Angels and Fallen Angels, and Human Earth and Demon Underworld. Building on the success of the introduced Original Scriptures (Version 1), especially selected are 3 x Heaven-Appointed and 1 x King-Appointed ambassadors. Waiting until the time to unite to undertake a Journey to the West to get Version 2. Essentially, Creatorless or Spontaneous Universe, Gods and Angels vs Demons playing endless game of chess with Earthly Humans as pieces.
3. Another view is all concepts are flawed, human conceived tools to point to the unlimited and enduring, but we must start somewhere. So things are just simply the way things are. Beginning-less and coming together as a result of conditions that came together to make that result. Staying while conditions agree, modifying or ceasing as conditions change. There is individual and collective responsibilities, choices and consequences. Individual life is precious, fragile and finite with time of death unknown. Being born, living and dying into a sea of unlimited Suffering, until individual aspirants wish to break the cycle. In this version, Buddha, having became Enlightened, liberated Brahma from universal responsibility squarely onto the shoulders of individual-self-determination. In this view, Humans, Animals, Gods, Demi-Gods (sometimes called War Mongers) and Hungry Ghosts suffer under the weight of their respective burdens and are deserving of liberation.

Regardless of the guide, guidebook or vehicle, the purposes of role-models, scripture and rituals is for individuals to realise within themselves an open-heartedness that comes from deeply understanding Truth, spontaneous joyfulness that comes from omnidirectional kindness, with evenhandedness that comes from growing non-selfishness. All aspirants are directed to free themselves from their Suffering, and grow blessings by sharing surpluses with a greater number of beneficiaries for longer term societal benefit.

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Organisers and Participants working to reduce misunderstandings, build collaborations, celebrate diversity and foster team approach to addressing today's society. Received with gratitude.

MORE:
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light
Ivan Tan, Regional Director of Victoria
Email au@hwpl.kr
Website http://www.hwpl.kr/