Shepparton: Gender Rights and Related Issues

Committee membersGreater Shepparton Women’s Charter Alliance Advisory Committee in collaboration with Shepparton Library, will host a view and chat event focussed on Gender Rights and Related Issues at the Shepparton Library on the Evening of Friday, 29 November.
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In Search of the Real Buddha

Shakyamuni BuddhaFor a modern Buddhist practitioner, the developed story and figure of the Buddha is a bit like a venerated piece of antique furniture, with a fine patina on it from centuries of handling by previous generations. We are also adding our own fingerprints to it. But trying to dig back to the “bare facts” of the Buddha’s life can be like stripping the patina off a fine antique—something many people would be wary of doing, since it might be disrespectful to the original. However, perhaps it is necessary, as the “antique” Buddha needs restoring, and doing so may reveal the various decorations that have been added over the centuries.
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Migrant communities keep our cemeteries alive

Cemetery by the seaThe Australian society has changed significantly since cemeteries in Victoria were planned and designed 150 years ago. But there haven’t been any major redevelopment or review of the community’s changing requirements for what happens to our bodies when we die. Here, the migrant community’s preference for cremation is having an effect.

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Making the Change to a vegetarian diet

Vegetarian plateWhether it’s for the sake of animal welfare, reducing your carbon footprint or health reasons, becoming vegetarian is an admirable decision. However, if you’re just starting out, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. (We are not advocating a vegetarian diet for any spiritual nor religious reason; it simply makes sense to be vegetarian you can reduce your carbon footprint considerably if you do this…)

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History of Remembrance Day

The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, FranceAt 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. This is commemorated every year in Australia with Remembrance Day events at cenotaphs in every village, town and city. Remembrance Day is a significant memorial in the life of Australia as a nation. The photo on the right is The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France.

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Wangaratta: The Unbreakable Farmer

The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health invite you to attend a Public Lecture Mr Warren Davies ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ at The Learning & Teaching Centre, The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health & Northeast Health, Dixon St, Wangaratta VIC 3677 at 5:30 – 6:30pm on Tuesday 19th November, 2019.  *This is a community event and there will be no charge to those who attend.
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Welcoming Each Other – Interfaith Education for Schools

Welcoming Each Other - Interfaith Education for Schools‘Welcoming Each Other: Guidelines for Interfaith Education in the Schools of the Archdiocese of Melbourne’ is a document of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Archdiocese of Melbourne which has the full support of Catholic Education Melbourne. It is a companion document to ‘Promoting interfaith relations’ and has been prepared with thorough consultation. These guidelines contain excellent reflections and considerations for those seeking to incorporate multifaith education in lessons.

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Some thoughts on Halloween

trick or treatHalloween is an unofficial holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2021 occurs on Sunday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

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Sikhs across Victoria come together to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder

Hundreds of people from all over Victoria attended Bendigo's first Nagar Kirtan.The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is being celebrated worldwide — and for the first time in Bendigo. A colourful parade with a decorated mobile Gurduara float complete with priest, hymn singing, and martial arts displays made its way through Bendigo, followed by hundreds of people from Melbourne to Mildura on Sunday.
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St Georges Road Food Festival

St Georges Road Food FestivalSt Georges Road Food Festival is an important event that helps bind those of different cultures and nations to come together in a common feast – the world on a plate. Join us at St Georges Road shopping precinct for the annual St Georges Road Food Festival which celebrates the diverse flavours and cultures that make Greater Shepparton. The Festival will take place at St Georges Road between 11AM and 4PM on Sunday 27 October.

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“Getting Good at Getting Older”: Jewish reflections on old age and new rituals for ageing

growing oldThe Torah considers old age a virtue and a blessing. Throughout the Torah, “old” (zakein) is synonymous with “wise”; the Torah commands us to respect all elderly, regardless of their scholarship and piety, because the many trials and experiences that each additional year of life brings yield a wisdom which the most accomplished young prodigy cannot equal. It describes Abraham as one who “grew old and came along in days” (Genesis 24:1)–his accumulated days, each replete with learning and achievement, meant that with each passing day his worth increased. Thus, a ripe old age is regarded as one of the greatest blessings to be bestowed upon man.

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