serving the faith communities of the Goulburn Valley
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Betul Tuna participated in the afternoon Panel Discussion: Employment enterprises – what’s successful? The following is a photo narrative which captures the spontaneity, vivacity and fun that Betul Tuna shared in her presentation on Hijack’d, a local small-business which builds on social cohesion with younger people in the community. The motto: Hijack’d, Nourish the Conversation.
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The United Nations defines a socially cohesive society where all groups have a sense of belonging, participation, inclusion, recognition and legitimacy. The most significant piece of work in Australia on social cohesion is conducted by the Scanlon Foundation.
On September 27, 2017, La Trobe University – partnering with the Shepparton Interfaith Network and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District – presented Social Cohesion in the Goulburn Valley: Looking Back, Looking Forward, a conference to revisit the issues explored in the 2007 Conference and to consider the issues facing us today going forward as a regional community.
In 2007, the Shepparton Interfaith Network in conjunction with Latrobe University and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District conducted a seminal conference with the title, Cultural Diversity and Social Harmony – The Goulburn Valley Experience at Eastbank Centre, Shepparton.
On September 27, 2017 – ten years to the day of the 2007 Conference, La Trobe University, partnering with the Shepparton Interfaith Network and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, presented Social Cohesion in the Goulburn Valley: Looking Back, Looking Forward, a conference to revisit the issues explored in the 2007 Conference and to consider the issues facing us today going forward as a regional community.
Dr. Frank Purcell, President of the North East Central Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society, examines issues relevant to social cohesion and social justice in the Goulburn Valley. While the Goulburn Valley has a history of success at welcoming new settlements and providing employment and associated services, much research is needed in order to understand settlement today, and the needs of those who are living in poverty. Dr Purcell asks, “Would a research and advocacy centre be an opportunity to strengthen that spirit of mutual cooperation which has done so much for the region up till now? Would such a centre assist both voluntary and professional agencies in this area to work together with the needy and disadvantaged to design and construct a range of bridges out of poverty?”
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Participants in the November 8, 2017, 4th Catholic-Muslim Forum “noted with satisfaction significant convergences between their respective traditions,” according to the statement released November 10, 2017, following the conference. “Such convergences constitute a motive of hope not only for Christians and Muslims but for all, favouring a meaningful collaboration for the promotion of integral human development.”
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The 2017 Remembrance Day event will be observed at the Shepparton Cenotaph on Saturday 11 November, commencing 10:30am.
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The Faith Communities Council of Victoria, in association with the Bendigo Interfaith Council and the City of Greater Bendigo, would like to invite you to the 2017 Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference.
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“TRICK OR TREAT!” the little voices shouted as the monk opened the door, then their eyes went wide. “What are you supposed to be?” they asked, looking up, amazed and befuddled by his costume.
“I am Buddhist monk!” he said, grinning. That didn’t quite register with the kids, who quickly shifted their attention to the candy on offer.
“Take more, take more!” he insisted. “We must give if we want to receive.”
Religious scholars and community bodies have called for faith to play a greater role in confronting the problem of domestic violence, saying religion is sometimes unfairly stigmatised as the underlying problem. Multi-faith leaders from around Australia are gathering in Adelaide to discuss an action plan with faith-based recommendations to support families experiencing violence at home.
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Phra Satit Thitadhammo delivered one meditation session on the morning of Saturday, 21 October at the Senior Citizens Centre, Welsford St, Shepparton. Phra Satit Thitadhammo is from the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre, Albury. He addressed the issue of mind, mind management, and methods of reaching awareness of the mind and moving beyond the mind. In this article, we consider several different types of meditation.
The word meditation covers a fairly wide spectrum of practices, from walking and eating meditation to mantra-based meditation. Some meditators find that one style works best for them—and they stick to it. Others like to experiment with the different styles. The important thing to remember is that one style isn’t better than another; they are all different and offer their own unique benefits.
As part of Shepparton’s Heritage Open Day, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District will conduct a tour of places of worship. The tour will visit several mosques and the Sikh Gurduara. The tour is free and a lunch will be provided. Bookings are required.
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Spiritual celebrations are now coming to a peak across Australia as thousands of families, individuals and communities mark a special anniversary. From Tasmania to Thursday Island, from Sydney to Broome, members of the Australian Baha’i community are holding festivities to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. In Shepparton, we greet Baha’i’s members of the Shepparton Interfaith Network and we greet all Baha’i followers everywhere on the occasion of this anniversary.
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Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs to mark different historical events, stories and myths. They all symbolise the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair. In 2017, Diwali – Deepavali will be observed on Thursday 19 October.
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The Buddhist Association of the Goulburn Valley will conduct one Meditation Session on Saturday, 21 October at the Senior Citizens Centre, Welsford Street, at 10:00 am.
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The Bendigo Interfaith Council will conduct a Tour to Places of Worship around City of Greater Bendigo on Saturday 11 November 2017 from 11am to 4pm.
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I’m uncomfortable about the principle of guru devotion, which seems hierarchical and potentially exploitive. Should I follow a guru?
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Lord Sacks is a British Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, and politician. He served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991 to 2013. As the spiritual head of the United Synagogue, the largest synagogue body in the UK, he was the Chief Rabbi of those Orthodox synagogues. Here, he writes about Yom Kippur, the most personal of festivals.
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Picnic for Peace is a volunteer run event by community members for the community with a common goal of peace, hope and unity. The 2017 Picnic for Peace – the 3rd annual World Peace gathering at the Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton – will take place on Sunday 24 September from 11am – 3pm.
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La Trobe University, partnering with the Shepparton Interfaith Network and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, presents Social Cohesion in the Goulburn Valley: Looking Back, Looking Forward, a conference to revisit the issues explored in the 2007 event Cultural Diversity and Social Harmony: the Goulburn Valley Experience and to consider the issues facing us today going forward as a regional community.
… Read more…
The origins of Rosh HaShanah are found in the Bible.The Book of Leviticus (23:24-25) declares: “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of rest, a memorial proclaimed with the blowing of the shofar, a holy convocation.” Although this day eventually became Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, it was not originally known as such.
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