There’s never been a better time to be the hero. LGBTIQA+ communities need us!
We are just over 3 weeks away from GiveOUT Day and now we need individuals to step up by encouraging their networks to GiveOUT. Today we highlight how everyday heroes can help to make GiveOUT Day the gift that keeps on giving!
Matched-funding magic is just one half of GiveOUT Day’s uniquely impactful model. The other half of this abundance equation is Peer-To-Peer funding.
Peer-to-Peer funding is when an individual seeks donations on behalf of their chosen organisation who needs support. By signing up as a GiveOUT Day Champion you will get a personal fundraising page and become a Peer-to-Peer fundraising hero!
As a Champion you will share your fundraising profile with your networks, amplifying the voice of your chosen community and ensuring the cause closest to your heart has its fundraising needs met.
Check out one of our first Champions of GiveOUT Day 2023, Laura Cripps! Laura has chosen to be a fundraising Champion for The Pinnacle Foundation.
All donations made through Laura’s personal fundraising link will go directly to The Pinnacle Foundation and be matched by GiveOUT!
Sign up early to win extra cash for your organisation!
The first three champions to raise $500 on their profile get a $500 boost, and champions who sign up before 5 October go in the draw to win a $500 boost.
Your mission as a Champion can be as simple as sharing your personal fundraising link to your social media and encouraging your networks to donate to your chosen cause.
Every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar so even a small handful of donations from your friends, family and colleagues can make a MASSIVE impact on the project you choose to Champion.
Encourage your networks to donate via your Champion page
Greg Gould: Champion In Honour Of Simon Dunn
Earlier this year, the world lost Simon Dunn, one of our community’s most beloved and powerful trailblazers. Simon used his voice to amplify the work of both GiveOUT Day and The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, acting as an Ambassador for the two organisations.
Continuing Simon’s legacy of ending stigma and discrimination, his dear friend and GiveOUT Day teammate Greg Gould returns as a GiveOUT Day Ambassador and as a Champion for The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s GiveOUT Day fundraising campaign.
Greg, one of the rainbow community’s most cherished performers, has written and recorded an original song, Save Me A Seat, to celebrate Simon’s rich life and work and as the Official Anthem for GiveOUT Day 2023. All proceeds from the downloads of the track on iTunes will be donated directly to The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
You can help give Greg’s song Save Me A Seat wings to fly this GiveOUT Day by pre-ordering on iTunes. Proceeds from all pre-orders will be donated to BGF.
"It was really important for me to be part of GiveOUT Day this year. I've been a proud ambassador for the past 2 years alongside the late Simon Dunn and I wanted to carry the torch for him this year in loving memory of our beautiful friend. GiveOUT Day is vital for our community and a great way to support our charities and organisations.
I have written a song for Simon called “Save Me A Seat”... I hope it can help anyone grieving the loss of someone they love and connect them with their loved one. Like the lyrics of the song say… their ‘spirit lives on’."
Here we highlight two incredible GiveOUT Day participants and their vital work supporting Autistic children and vulnerable young people.
Aspect Australia is the country’s largest education service provider for children on the autism spectrum. Aspect is fundraising to provide much-needed LGBTQIA+ education regarding gender expression, sexuality and sexual education to autism-specific schools.
Open Doors Youth Service supports vulnerable young people aged 12-24 who identify as LGBTIQA+ Sistergirl & Brotherboy. Supporting over 1000 youth in South East Queensland per year, Open Doors is fundraising for their largest annual event, Queerosity.
Do you know an LGBTQIA+ organisation based in South Australia? Give them a nudge and make sure they sign up for GiveOUT Day ASAP! This year, we are excited to have a total of $17,500 in matched funding specifically for South Australia organisations, thanks to a generous $10,000 contribution from Fay Fuller Foundation and $7,500 from The Wyatt Trust.
“LGBTQIA+ projects are consistently under-supported within the philanthropic funding landscape. GiveOUT Day is such a valuable opportunity to not just support these charities and organisations but to raise awareness of the incredible value of the work they do with the Rainbow Community.” – Niall Fay, Chief Executive, Fay Fuller Foundation
“The Wyatt Trust is pleased to partner with GiveOUT as a way of supporting the strength of LGBTIQ+ communities, and hasten the path to equity and financial inclusion.”
– Stacey Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, The Wyatt Trust
VIC | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Farm Sanctuary
Wow the support for John and Debbie of J&D's Farm Sanctuary has been phenomenal! They are just $1k away from being able to care for all of their special needs rescues for the long haul.
Daisy the calf who has bowed back legs and was born into the dairy industry. She would have had a terrible fate without their sanctuary.
After rescuing 6 male calves only a few days old who were due to be culled within 24 hours, sanctuary life has changed a lot! But with our help, they can expand to care for all their new arrivals.
“Sanctuary life has become unrecognisable, there is not a moment to stop at all – there are so many mouths to feed, medicine and special attention to be given, John and I are simply run off our feet – but we must go on for the sake of these animals who were simply born the wrong sex, species, or had something wrong with them – meaning they were not valued and were to be disposed of.”
Let’s make their day by helping them raise the last little bit they need!
AUST | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards metal detectors for Ukrainians
For all the western tanks and armoured vehicles given to Ukraine, the fate of the counteroffensive may well lie in the steady hands of sappers.
They are the ones who are helping to find and deactivate land-mines, which involves unscrewing the mine’s fuse, the sappers have to avoid a gruesome array of Russian booby traps.
Here, paramedics carry an injured Ukrainian serviceman who stepped on an anti-personnel landmine.
Nathan Burraston is urgently raising funds for a 7th shipment of metal detectors straight to Ukrainians on the ground to save lives.
The density of the minefields is now “insane”, according to Oleksiy Danilov, a senior Ukrainian security official, who estimated there were as many as four mines per square metre along the front line.
Be a part of the community of support for Ukrainians helping to make their country liveable again.
Secure your seat and celebrate 10 years with Space2b. ONLY 30 tickets left! This milestone occasion promises to be an evening filled with laughter, live music and captivating performances. Includes 3-course dinner and drinks are available for purchase.
GATHERING | Laneway Festive Market | Sunday 3 December 2023
Space2b is super excited to be partnering with the wonderful Jorge and Susana from The Urban Creatives. The pair are venturing Southside to run a not to be missed festive shopping market for you all to enjoy in our colourful laneway behind Space2b. For artisans and makers, book below.
SHOWING | See The Sky Exhibition | 5–30 September 2023
"See the Sky" is a focused exhibition celebrating the beauty of skies. Artist Tim Gallimany prompts viewers to reflect on their constant surroundings, emphasizing the allure of various sky shades. Whether through a window or a painted canvas, the exhibition offers a chance to experience this beauty even without a direct view.
CALLING | Artists for Space2b Affordable Art Show | submissions close 12 November 2023
IT'S BACK for another year! Open to both emerging and established artists, the Space2b Affordable Art Show is an exhibition that celebrates the power of creativity and the expression of joy, in the lead up to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Led by artist Rahila, this workshop will encourage you to embrace the ever changing form of nature, exploring and experimenting with ink and organic objects. Come and enjoy the time to creatively play with pattern and mark-making using ink. Materials provided.
Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia
With training, learn new skills with our team & make a difference
We are looking for a series of volunteers who have a keen interest in being involved with Space2b, want to acquire new skills and share existing expertise with our team.
Volunteering is a flexible and great way to develop skills, connect with your local community, make new friends and be a part of something bigger.
Available Positions:
SEO Expert
Call for Events
Online Cafe Support
Sewing Mentors
Grant Writers
No skills required, just ability, desire & dedication
GiveOUT supports Australia saying YES in the upcoming Referendum for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice
LGBTQIA+ people understand the significance of a public vote about their lives, and the importance of allies in advocating for change. It is time for the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Australian people as a whole, to stand in solidarity with our First Nations communities, including our Brotherboys, Sistergirls and other LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At GiveOUT, we know that there is no substitute for the wisdom of lived experience when it comes to designing policies and programs.
“As an organisation that exists to address systemic disadvantage, and provide impacted communities the resources they need to drive their own solutions, GiveOUT fully supports this much needed reform to ensure First Nations people are recognised in the constitution and are given a voice on the issues and interventions that impact them.” – Georgia Mathews, Chair of GiveOUT
Polls have demonstrated that over 80% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people support a Voice to Parliament*. We call upon our LGBTQIA+ friends and allies to join this historic movement and vote ‘YES’ in the Referendum. We must take this important step toward a fairer future for this country.
At an important moment in history, Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) strongly supports the upcoming national vote about adding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (The Voice) to the Australian Constitution.
VTMH aligns with the principles of unity and understanding promoted by Reconciliation Australia, and we also endorse the stance taken by St Vincent's Health Australia on this matter.
VTMH sees this as a big chance to bring people together and make things better. We know that health and wellness are connected to making things right between different groups of people in Australia. VTMH thinks this vote can make real changes and respect the different viewpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Leaders at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions Offer Urgent Call for the Amazon
On Wednesday 16 August 2023, the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative and the Parliament of the World’s Religions hosted a critical discussion on Indigenous peoples, their spiritualities and the shared moral responsibility across faiths to protect the Amazon and the rights and cultures of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
Moderated by Lewis Cardinal and Zaya Guarani, this assembly featured keynotes from some of the most prominent Indigenous leaders of the Amazon sharing the urgent call to protect the forest and the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, as well as highlighting the vital role of multilateral interfaith action to support the critical and often dangerous work of the leaders of the Amazon.
Explore the Main Stage Sessions at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions
At the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, the voices of local and global luminaries answered the call to conscience to defend freedom and human rights as part of our Main Stage programming.
Hear keynotes from luminaries like Mayor Brandon Johnson, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Rev. William Barber II; enjoy performances from diverse cultures and inspiring ceremonies addressing the critical issues facing our world.
Media Coverage of 2023 Parliament Shares Call to Conscience to 2.5 Billion
Seen and covered across the world, the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions captivated the news and religion sections of powerful news brands as a global media event. The internationally reaching print and online stories for newspaper, TV and radio saw reporters covering for distinguished news names bring 2023 Parliament to platforms including the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Washington Post, Religion News Service and prestigious national and religious media from Chicago Tribune to the The Times of India.
Special Feature | A Call to be Vigilant: The Reverend James Lawson’s Message for Defending Human Rights and Freedom
by Prof. Veena R. Howard, Ph.D. Professor of Asian Religious Traditions in the Department of Philosophy at California State University, Fresno, she also holds the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma.
The late Congressman John Lewis offered the highest praise to the Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. when he called him the “architect of nonviolent movement of the United States of America.” In a recent conversation with me, the Reverend Lawson reflected on the focus of the 2023 Parliament, “A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom and Human Rights.”
Lawson praised the Parliament for this theme, which calls on people of faith [and no faith] traditions to defend precious freedom and human rights. He told me that in the United States, securing freedom and basic human rights required hard work, sacrifice, and millions of Americans’ defiance of the racist Jim Crow laws and other xenophobic and sexist systems. He reminds people to remain alert of the insidious structures of violence, what he calls, “racism, sexism, militarism, and plantation capitalism,” which hold the power to deprive fellow humans of their rights, dignity, and freedom.
On In Good Faith, we talk with believers from all walks of faith and hear their experiences told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief as we learn from each other.
Nonprofit Leadership Online MA and Certificate at MSU
Expand your nonprofit skills! Connect and engage with MSU’s Religious Studies faculty to deepen your understanding of religious knowledge in a nonprofit context, while enhancing grant writing, fundraising, and ethical leadership skills.
MORE:
Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
A full day, in person forum, will include dynamic presentations from a variety of community projects, a Q&A session, musical performance, and keynote speakers; Nyadol Nyuon, Sue-Anne Hunter, and Mary Crooks, all captured in stunning detail by graphic recorder Debbie Wood.
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH), supported by the Darebin Intercultural Centre, invites you to join us as we showcase work undertaken by women to strengthen mental health and wellbeing in their communities.
Who should come?
Consumer, carer and community members, mental health practitioners, educators and leaders, and health and community workers with an interest in mental health are invited to register
Where: Preston Shire Hall, Entry via 286 Gower St, Preston, Victoria
Cost: $100 per ticket. Morning tea, lunch & refreshments provided
UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September
UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 14 June 2023
GEIFN | Aspiring Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods
1. UN | COMMEMORATING | International Day of Peace | 21 September
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.
This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”
2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 observance of the International Day of Peace coincides with the SDG summit (18–19 September) to mark the mid-point milestone.
The SDGs aim to bring us closer to having more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence. But without the buy-in and contribution of a wide range of actors including the 1.2 billion young people alive, the goals will not be achieved. We invite you to join the United Nations’ call to take action for peace: fight inequality, drive action on climate change, and promote and protect human rights.
2. UNHCR | UPDATING | Forcibly Displaced, Refugees & Stateless | Figures at a Glance | 14 June 2023
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, other forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
At the end of 2022 as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced.
35.3 million refugees comprising 29.4 million refugees under UNHCR’s mandate and 5.9 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate.
62.5 million internally displaced people
5.4 million asylum seekers
UNHCR personnel
UNHCR's workforce is the backbone of operations. At 31 December 2022, there were 18,879 employees, of whom around 91 per cent are based in the field.
We work in 137 countries and territories, with personnel based in a mixture of regional and branch offices and sub and field offices. Our teams work hard to help the displaced, specializing in a wide range of disciplines, including legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs and health.
How is UNHCR funded? UNHCR is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions, with 75% from governments and the European Union. 3% comes from other inter-governmental organizations and pooled funding mechanisms, while a further 21% is from the private sector, including foundations, corporations and the public. Additionally, we receive a limited subsidy (1%) from the UN budget for administrative costs, and accept in-kind contributions, including items such as tents, medicines and trucks.
UNHCR was launched on a shoestring annual budget of US$300,000 in 1950. But as our work and size have grown, so too have the costs. Our annual budget rose to more than US$1 billion in the early 1990s and reached a new annual high of US$10.714 billion in 2022. For up-to-date information about UNHCR’s financial needs visit our Global Focus website.
Our yearly budget supports continuing operations and supplementary programmes to cover emergencies, such as the Ukraine crisis, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the Pakistan floods as well as large-scale repatriation operations.
3. GEIFN | Aspiring Global Engagement in Friendlier Neighbourhoods
GEIFN exists to promote harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions by global engagement in friendlier neighbourhoods.
GEIFN was formed in early 2011 with representation from many faith groups. Currently in caretaker mode with Carey Rohrlach attending.
Promoting harmony and respect for faiths, values, cultures and traditions in our shared community.
Providing opportunities for dialogue, understanding, harmonious interaction, co-operative community service and events that highlight positive contributions in the community.
Demonstrating respect for others belief’s, cultures and traditions. This desire arises from our common humanity and our being people of faith.
Recognising neighbours, that we have responsibilities to ourselves, community and the world.
Encouraging citizens, all to put aside intolerance, prejudice and divisiveness to attain peaceful and fruitful co-existence.
Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Port Phillip, Glen Eira and surrounds are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation.
Respecting past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savour and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully in our place called home.
This annual supplement is a curation from information in public domain. Thankyou to all the many exemplars who have shared their aspiration, experience and results to be the peace making they wish to see in the world. Received with gratitude.
In This Section
a) Badges
b) Photocards
c) Coffee Mugs
d) Contemplations
e) Inspirations
f) Sharing Downloadable PDF Statements
g) Update Your Contact Details
h) Community Engages
i) Acknowledgments
j) Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering
Consider obtaining and distributing from the growing range of collateral below. (Any receipts go towards production costs and ongoing service provision.)
a) Badges
For equity: YES, I am
Description: Size: 56mm diametre, safety-pin clasp Pack Contains: 20 Cost: $40 per pack Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
OR download free digital version here for adding to your documents:
What is reconciliation? “Of people spending 60,000 years wiped out by illness and violence in a land rich with creature and plant life, spirit forms and respect... The wish to say sorry, to honour, to respect land, ancestors, people... What is reconciliation? It is a beginning. A process. Healing.” – Ajahn Thanasanti, Australian Buddhist nun
Description: High quality high gloss 1 sided on photographic paper Individual Size: 15x10cm Pack Contains: 10 cards Cost: $6 per pack Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
View 1: Lost Piece in the midst of Desire, Envy, Anger, Pride and Confusion? View 2: Found Peace: If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.
Description:
White ceramic 325ml mug with wrap-around image
Pack Contains: 1 Mug
Cost: $25 ea until stocks last
Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
d) Contemplations
Take Away Contemplation: (Daily, before meals or anytime)
We give thanks for the precious nature of life.
We give thanks for the precious nature of the lives of those we care for and who care for us.
We give thanks for the precious nature of the many interconnected conditions that come together today to allow us to enjoy this place, this company, this purpose, this potential, this time.
We give thanks for the precious nature of all Teachers, Teachings and Opportunities to Share.
We give thanks for the precious nature of my/your/our life.
May all beings enjoy such benefits or if not, have less Suffering until planting the seeds for growth.
For the benefit of all, thankyou.
Contemplating Departure: (Daily, after meals or at the closing)
Please forgive me For anything I did or said Or failed to do or say, That hurt you or upset you, Whether I did them intentionally or unintentionally
I forgive you For anything you did or said Or failed to do or say That hurt me or upset me, Whether you did them intentionally or unintentionally
May all live in Peace, Wellbeing and Happiness
Description: High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet Individual Size: 21x10cm Pack Contains: 12 leafs Cost: $6 until stocks last Includes Postage to Australian Addresses
Be Aspiring, Change View: Found Peace. If it was easy then everybody would be enjoying it.
Beat Time, Check Source: Re:lig:ion = again/back : join/unite : energy
Description: High quality laserprinted 2 sided leaflet Individual Size: 21x10cm Pack Contains: 12 leafs Cost: $6 per pack Includes Postage to Australian Addresses OR download free digital version here:
Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of Cities of Port Phillip and Glen Eira are the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrungpeoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions. May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Invitation to Support Content Creators
The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.
Caretaker Disclosure
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.
This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.
It is not personal, it just the way things are.
j) Dedicating Merit and Best Wishes for Less Suffering
Tinna Tinh gives a modern interpretation of Vajrasattva (Diamond Mind or Enlightening Attitudes) mantra
City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival is an annual celebration running through October. The festival recognises the valuable contribution people aged 55+ have made and continue to make to our community.
All events listed in this program are free of charge unless stated otherwise.
To celebrate, our libraries have a range of events for seniors to explore and enjoy. Our library programs are designed to get you into writing and sharing your stories with the world.
All of the events are FREE, but we ask you all to make a booking for catering purposes.
How to get involved and make a booking?
If you would like more information or to make a booking for any event, please contact:
Elvis is back in the building for Seniors Festival Launch Party | Sunday 1 October 2023 | 1–3pm
Rohan Hammit is famous for his Saturday afternoon residency at Claypots in St Kilda. He sings and shakes through the fabulous Elvis era paying homage to the king with songs including Blue Suede Shoes, Suspicious Minds, Polk Salad Annie and many more!
Backed by a group of superb musicians and wearing the famous elaborate jumpsuits of the Vegas years, Rohan and band re-defines the word excitement with a high energy show that is simply electrifying. Celebrate positive ageing with an afternoon of live music. Come dressed in your best rock and roll look.
Where: Middle Park Bowls Club, Canterbury Road, Middle Park
Art Attack | Monday 2 October 2023 | 10am–12noon
Bring out your inner creativity! In this introduction workshop you will have the opportunity to create art by learning different techniques. No prior art experience necessary. This Art Attack workshop is delivered by Creative Arts Therapist Zoe Arnott.
Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay Street Port Melbourne
Memoir Writing | Thursday 5 October 2023 | 10–11am
Susan-Gaye Anderson, who worked as a presenter in the early pioneering days of television, will share her skills and tips on writing to help and motivate you to create your own lasting memoir or personal fiction.
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Getting Your Writing Out There | Thursday 5 October 2023 | 11.30am –12.30pm
Image Join established authors Elizabeth Quinn and Graeme Simsion (author of the Rosie Project) in exploring the avenues available for older emerging writers in getting their voices heard.
Get advice on working with blogs, to newsletters, to news outlets, publishing companies and more.
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Create a Digital Story | Wednesday 11 October 2023 | 10am–12noon
In this online workshop, learn new skills like how to capture and upload images, add images to Word documents and other digital techniques using your phone or computer.
Please bring a memento or photo with a story in mind that you would like to capture and share.
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Friends with a Firie and Coffee with a Cop | Wednesday 11 October 2023 | 2–4pm
Join us for a session with representatives from Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria who discuss feeling safe in public spaces and other tips for older people to be prepared for emergencies and home security.
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Seniors Festival Writing Awards | Friday 13 October 2023 | 3.30–5pm
Join us for this enjoyable session of literature including the announcement of the of the Judges Awards. Special guests will read selections of writers’ entries.
Light refreshments included.
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street St Kilda
One on One Device Advice
Need some help getting started with your new phone, laptop or tablet? Or just need some help navigating the latest apps?
Book in a 30-minute appointment and have your tech questions answered by our friendly digital team! We can assist you with basic troubleshooting, tricky questions and set-up of your devices.
Where and Where:
Port Melbourne: Mondays, 11am–12noon
St Kilda: Wednesdays, 1–2pm
Give us a call on 9209 6655 with any questions or use one of the links below to make a booking directly.
On Wednesday 20 September, the Premier made a big announcement about a landmark package to boost housing supply and affordability in Victoria.
The report Victoria’s Housing Statement – The Decade Ahead 2024-2034 sets a bold target to build 800,000 new homes across the state over the next 10 years.
There is a link to the detail of this program below and I encourage you to read this statement - the VMC will do the same.
We'll hold discussion sessions to increase understanding of how this will impact multicultural communities, particularly those people and larger families on the wait list for housing.
Back in our Lonsdale St office, we hosted our first community of practice session for the 2022/23 recipients of the community support fund.
This means that fourteen organisations making a difference in multicultural communities came together to collaborate, share knowledge and build networks.
Please click on the link and check out the websites for more information. And stay tuned for the upcoming Festivals and Events grants for the January to June 2024 period.
At the VMC, we always look to improve how we support the community and inform the government. This includes how we communicate and what we communicate about. If you can help us, we have created a survey for feedback on this newsletter.
The event puts the lived experience of refugees front and centre. It amplifies their voices and increases their influence and advocacy. Thank you, RCAA, for continuing to share the voice of refugees.
Please keep reading below for the latest VMC news and events. Remember to sign up for the VMC database below.
Warmly, Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | VMC | JOINING | The VMC database!
In the last couple of years, the VMC has played a significant role in supporting, engaging and informing the multicultural and multifaith communities during extremely tough circumstances, like the floods, fires and the pandemic.
In order to continue this effort, we need a robust and up-to-date Multicultural Communities Database.
Please help us by providing your organisation's contact details.
There are two questionnaires – please only fill out ONE.
You can complete a questionnaire on behalf of an organisation you represent OR as an individual.
You must complete the above questionnaire and consent to the VMC having information about your organisation to be among the first to know of relevant Governmental or community resources, awards, grants, news, events, programs, and other opportunities, including VMC-hosted events such as the Multicultural Gala Dinner.
The VMC and DFFH will contact people on the database from time to time to ask for their views on important issues.
AUST | SBS | SCREENING | MFF films on SBS on Demand
If you did not attend VMC's 2023 Multicultural Film Festival, don't worry! You can watch all the Official Selection films on SBS on Demand!
Mark your calendar, as a majority of the films will be available to watch in early October.
AUST | GOV | CALLING | Last days to make a submission to the Multicultural Framework Review | Submissions close Friday 29 September 2023
The Multicultural Framework Review is asking for submissions to help the government on how to best build Australia’s multiculturalism over the next decade and meet its needs.
You can put in a submission on behalf of an organisation you represent or as an individual.
Working together to create healthy, connected communities, where no one is left behind. Improving your work with communities.
New resources now available.
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH), have created the 'Community Engagement with Purpose' resource. The project produced a range of resources to support both mental health workers, and mental health organisations, to engage with communities.
How will you spend UN Peace Day this Thursday 21st?
Join us for a special silent UN Peace Day online vigil. Come as you are, for however long you would like to, and contribute your highest thoughts, meditations and prayers around three intentions on
peace (7.30–7.40am),
hope (7.40–7.50am), and
compassion (7.50–8am).
These will be held around a beautiful visual of our world with gentle music. Join us in contributing powerful collective moments of peace - and you are most welcome to write a message of peace too. Please register here for the zoom link - or click on the button below.
Each year the Australian Compassion Council holds a National Day of Compassion, to provide a meaningful opportunity for all Australians to participate in learning about and practicing compassion. It's always held on 21 September, on UN Peace Day. In it's third year, this year the Theme is Compassion and Deep Wisdom. The day commences with an online launch at 8.00am (AEST) with Sessions through the day exploring various aspects of deep wisdom.
You are invited to 'drop-in' to as many sessions of your choice.
The Missing Peace - Connection with the Divine: 6.30-8.00pm
This event will provide practical tools, hope and inspiration to people who feel there is a missing peace in their lives. Didi Sudesh is a spiritual leader, teacher and yogi who has profoundly touched countless lives the world over for more than 60 years.
Take care everyone. May you take moments out for yourself to take time for that quiet innate peace that rests within each one of us.... it all starts there.
May your days be filled with more than many present moments of peace.
With warmest wishes - The Calm in the City team.
MORE:
Calm in the City (CitC) Melbourne: Meditation Centre, Bookshop and Quiet Room, 256 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Vic
Calm in the City is a not-for-profit venture which listens and engages with the city communities to bring calm into the heart of the city. We respectfully acknowledge that all Calm in the City events in Melbourne take place on the lands of the Kulin nations.
As part of Metro’s commitment to making public transport more accessible for all Victorians, Try Before You Ride will be returning for 2023.
Join Travellers Aid and Melbourne’s public transport operators on 19 October 2023 at Southern Cross Station.
Attendees will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with stationary vehicles and the station with assistance from our team. There will also be opportunities to learn about safe travel on the public transport network and much more!
Where: Southern Cross Station (corner of Spencer and Collins St, Melbourne)
Cost: Free
Further details will be provided closer to event date, including how to register and event information.
Part of the St Kilda Triangle would be transformed into a 5000 standing capacity live music venue under an exciting concept being considered by Port Phillip Council.
The Council proposal, to be discussed at the 6 September Council Meeting, follows the Council recently declaring St Kilda as Victoria’s first Live Music Precinct.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the site, in a prime position on St Kilda’s famous foreshore near the Palais Theatre and Luna Park, is ideally situated to fill the big gap in Melbourne for a purpose-built indoor live music/performance venue for up to 5000 patrons.
Council is looking into the possibility of a live music venue on the St Kilda Triangle site. We'll be asking for your feedback on the feasibility work done to date in September.
A visual celebration of a decade of diverse voices, inspiring stories, and the transformative power of inclusion.
A curated collection of mixed media art created by the talented residents of HousingFirst community housing.
All works are created by residents of community housing.
Artwork will be available to purchase through the duration of the exhibition. 100% of sale proceeds go directly to artists.
Presented by HousingFirst (HOFI) & MAB
Where: Carlisle Street Arts Space, St Kilda Town Hall
Cost: Free
Bookings: essential for opening night Thursday 5 October 6-8pm, via phone (03) 9536 7888 or email. Non essential for in-person visits. Check website for opening hours.
Community Bank Elwood (CBE) offers grants and sponsorships to local organisations to facilitate their valuable activities in building and strengthening our community.
Grants and Sponsorships are made possible by the profit generated from banking services provided at the branch.
Grants vs Sponsorship
What Is a Grant?
A Grant is a sum of money provided for a specific purpose, to address a social issue within the community, aiming to drive awareness for both the social cause and the institution that has funded it.
What is a Sponsorship?
A sponsorship is a business investment in which the sponsor, (in this case Community Bank Elwood) supports an event, project, or organisation through the provision of money, goods or services in return for customer acquisition opportunities and brand recognition.
To keep up to date with Community Bank Elwood please visit their Facebook page.
Join tapestry weaver Tim Gresham as he discusses the history, legacy and the tapestries of the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW).
Established in 1976, ATW is a centre of textile excellence, specialising in the creation of contemporary tapestries in collaboration with living artists, designers, and architects.
It is the only workshop of its kind in Australia, dedicated to the production of hand-woven tapestries ensuring that specialist creative skills are kept alive.
Where: Emerald Hill Library & Port Phillip Heritage Centre, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
The rainbow's season of abundant funding is now upon us: there's never been a better time to give and receive.
Our first fabulous GiveOUT Day 2023 participants are moving off the starting line and early donations are now open to the public!
The next month is one of the most impactful times for LGBTQIA+ folk to raise funds, raise awareness, and raise the gosh darn roof in celebration of our communities and their work.
There's a way for everyone to get involved today: register your project to begin receiving; become a fundraising Champion for your chosen community; dig deep by making an early donation; or help us spread the word by sharing our socials!
Thank you! Organisations who have already signed-up are now ready to receive your donations.
Check out our incredible participants, read their stories and pick a cause close to your heart ... or spread that love around! Early donations made through the GiveOUT Day website are still eligible to be matched.
Organisations who Sign-Up earlier enjoy longer fundraising campaigns and tend to raise the most funds!
Fundraising for you project or organisation on GiveOUT Day is simple. Follow the link to our website below to check your eligibility and submit a quick & easy registration!
We’ll support your fundraising journey and ensure that you are set up for success, ready to make the most of our double donations day.
Beloved writer, comedian and podcaster Louis Hanson is using his voice to amplify ours! He joins us as a 2023 Ambassador. Thank you, Louis!
“Here’s a corny story for you: I came out 9 years ago by writing a letter and showing it to my friends at the beach. After they read the letter, I took it from them and dissolved it in the ocean. It was very dramatic, like I was in a moody Netflix rom-com, or a Lana Del Rey music video.
I’ve witnessed a lot of progress in the 9 years since that fateful beachside letter-reading day, but there’s still a long way to go before LGBTQIA+ Australians feel truly safe to express themselves freely.
Now in my late 20s, I’m passionate about helping other members of the communities who may be suffering in silence; who feel as though they, too, have to dissolve the letters they write".
Louis Hanson, GiveOUT Day 2023 Ambassador
Step into the spotlight
Let’s give our first cheer and celebrate two inspiring organisations who are first off the mark!
The Shed is a volunteer-run, peer support group for trans masculine people, including AFAB people who are non-binary, trans men, and those who are questioning or exploring their gender.
This Naarm-based family is fundraising for ongoing peer support costs, their binder program and gym club!
GV Pride is Greater Shepparton's LGBTQIA+ advocacy and social-support organisation providing support services, training & learning opportunities and social connection events.
A donation to GV Pride will assist in establishing a pride hub & mural in the Goulburn Valley on Yorta Yorta country!
GiveOUT Day’s magical matched-funding mechanism is only possible thanks to the abundant support of our philanthropic funders. We are incredibly excited to announce our first matched-funding partner for GiveOUT Day 2023.
Thanks to a generous contribution by the Sidney Myer Fund the first $60,000 donated through the GiveOUT Day platform will be matched dollar-for-dollar by GiveOUT (up to $1,500 per organisation or until the funding pool is exhausted).
“We know that the proportion of the philanthropic dollar reaching LGBTQIA+ causes and organisations is disproportionately low, and with our support for GiveOUT we want to encourage and boost support from others." – The Fund's CEO, Leonard Vary
NSW | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards relocating Hen Rescue
All the animals urgently need transport to their new home (This rescue is moving between rentals for the ninth time in 10 years.
Catherine from NSW Hen Rescue freed Belle the hen from her shackles of an intensive free range farm. Belle the hen needs a hormonal implant every 6 months to stop her laying eggs, or she will die.
“Some people have asked why we don't just re-home the animals we are caring for now, but these are our family members. I would never rehome Belle with her veterinary needs and I would never separate Belle from her best friend Isy.”
Catherine from NSW Hen Rescue has dedicated over a decade to rescuing, healing and loving ex-battery hens and other animals that society has forsaken.
But they have had to move between rentals eight times all the while rescuing thousands of animals. As you can imagine, Catherine is absolutely devastated to find out they have been evicted yet again and face another massive move.
Our donors have already helped them raise 40% of the funds they need to move all of the animals and their enclosures. There is still a long way to go, but Catherine said she feels much more hopeful now that they can get there.
Team Chuffed asks for helping Catherine relocate and keep doing this important work. They can't do it without you.
WA | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards protecting sacred Country and tribal lands
Woodside’s Burrup Hub is set to become Australia’s most polluting project ever. Ancient Murujuga rock art is at stake.
Disrupt Burrup Hub are staging a series of peaceful protests demanding no more industry on Murujuga. Yesterday, at a silent protest outside of Woodside HQ, Ballardong Noongar man Desmond Blurton said:
“They are trying to silence the truth about Woodside’s Burrup Hub from coming out. The truth about Woodside’s Burrup Hub is it is a climate, cultural and natural disaster, and we all need to speak up to protect our sacred Country and tribal lands.”
The silent protestors are calling attention to the intensifying regime of police repression and civil litigation threats against activists, all the while Woodside continues their destruction.
Toxic emissions on the Burrup Peninsula have already eroded the outer layer of the ancient artworks causing the carvings to slowly disappear.
There's still time to stop Woodside from gaining the finance and approvals for its planned Burrup Hub expansions - but we need to act fast.
Please help them protect these precious cultural artworks.
TAS | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards Equipment for Animal Sanctuary
When 32 year old Beau was rescued, he hadn’t seen another horse in 10 years! But the moment he met Dorothy, they have been inseparable.
FreeHearts Animal Sanctuary has saved thousands of animals from neglect, mistreatment and killing. They have done incredible things for old horses like Beau and Dorothy.
But for thirteen years, Jules has been cleaning her sanctuary paddocks BY HAND!
As you can imagine, it has taken a serious toll on her body. She is in urgent need of equipment for not only her health but to make sure she can keep rescuing animals.
“It’s getting so much harder to do as I get older. Soon, I don’t think it will even be possible anymore. It’s overwhelming because I can’t imagine having to say no to an animal that needs us.”
Can you chip in to make sure they can keep the paddocks open to animals with nowhere else to go?
VIC | CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds towards protecting last remaining habitats of koalas, possums, greater gliders and powerful owls
Amy is part of a group of activists and citizen scientists working desperately to save precious and endangered koalas, possums, greater gliders and powerful owls. The forest the group is trying to protect from logging is some of their last remaining habitat.
These animals have already been pushed to the edge of extinction by bushfires. The Wombat Action Group is hopeful they can protect them from more logging, but they need our help and fast!
Amy from Wombat Action Group shared that without funds to increase surveying in the forest, it's more difficult to know where and when to stop logging in its tracks.
“Honestly I don't know what to do. Unless we can somehow get this message out to everyone directly, let them know what's really happening here, I'm not sure these animals have been left with much of a chance.”
Can you help this determined group to protect these precious native animals?
