Nyernila – Listen Continuously: Aboriginal Creation Stories of Victoria

Nyernila Book CoverPrior to European settlement, up to 700 languages were spoken across Australia, with 38 in Victoria. Today it is estimated 120 Aboriginal languages are being spoken and more than half of those are considered endangered. Not all of these languages and stories are widely known – but they form an important literary heritage and a platform for reviving language and strengthening culture. Nyernila, Listen Continuously, preserves the creation stories of many Aboriginal tribes of Victoria, including Yorta Yorta. ... Read more...

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Climate Change – Euroa and the road to Paris

Road Sign, Euroa The 2015 Euroa Environmental Series conducted a meet on The Environment, Climate Change and the Paris Talks at the Old Flour Mill Gallery on Saturday 4th July 11am. For the Euroa Environment Series this was session number 5 - the road to Paris. There was much discussion of the local response to climate change and how this leads to influence the road to Paris. ... Read more...

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Religion: Catalyst for Violence or Peace?

On Tuesday 23 June, The Broken Bay Institute, in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference presented its 11th National eConference - 'Religion: Catalyst for Violence or Peace? Probing the Abrahamic Traditions for Answers'. The eConfernece was attended by local participants viewing - and contributing online with questions - at the Monsignor Peter Jeffery Parish Centre, St Brendans Church, Shepparton. ... Read more...

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Refugee Week 2015 in Shepparton

Refugee Week 2015 was celebrated in Shepparton with many events. There was a launch event in Maude Street Mall, a display of traditional costumes from different cultures, a free movie night, Conversational English classes and intercultural story telling. The theme was With Courage Let Us Combine, and this was highlighted by the many organisations who combined to present Refugee Week in Shepparton. ... Read more...

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Australian Citizenship Test

FECCA, the Federation of Ethnic Community Councils of Australia has made a submission to the Australian Government consultation on Australian Citizenship. The unnecessary proposed changes to the citizenship test, pledge and eligibility criteria which are included in the Government’s citizenship discussion paper. Changes to the Citizenship Test are challenging and largely unfair to those who are language-deprived for many reasons and seek Australian Citizenship.

The Shepparton Interfaith Network regards the FECCA submission as a balanced, thoughtful contribution. In particular, the Shepparton Interfaith Network welcomes the FECCA proposal that a pre-citizenship course on Australian values and democracy be part of the process.

... Read more...

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Victoria examines Islam and the Media

The Australian Prime Minister can be a rhetorical wrecking ball, but in no case has his lack of subtlety been more damaging than his remarks about Muslims. The media doesn’t deserve to be let off the hook, either. Journalists have to cover this story, but at times parts of the media have inflamed fear and mistrust. In turn, many Muslims have come to mistrust and fear the media. ... Read more...

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A Ramadan guide for non-Muslims

The Islamic Communities of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley have commenced a month long period of fasting. The Shepparton Interfaith Network greets the Muslims of our community with Ramadam Kareem - may the month of Ramadan be full of goodness and Blessings. In this article, we bring a guide to Ramadan for non-Muslims in order that there be understanding and respect. ... Read more...

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Hours of Fasting across The World

Fasting hours during this year's Holy month of Ramadan, set to begin from June 18 or 19 based on moon reports in different parts of the world, will be the longest in Denmark and shortest in Argentina, according to the latest maps recording fasting hours across the world. ... Read more...

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#Hands4Nepal Earthquake Relief Fundraiser




The #Hands4Nepal fundraiser, which is a community collaboration between Sikhs Engaging in Welfare Activities together with the Al Kasem Youth Organisation, Punjabi Youth Club, members of the Nepalese community and others, will bring the community together to enjoy world music, multicultural food, performances, children’s activities and provide the community with a chance to purchase a hand to write a message to those affected by the earthquake and raise much needed emergency relief funding.

Read more…

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National Sorry Day, Shepparton, 2015

National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year. This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Stolen Generations refer to Aboriginal Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. On 26 May 2015, a large crowd gathered at Monash Park, Shepparton, to commemorate Sorry Day. ... Read more...

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BumbleBee Foundation and Nepal Aid

The BumbleBee Foundation - NGO - has been in partnership with SADP - a sustainable agricultural development project in Nepal for some time. The BumbleBee Foundation has friends in the Goulburn Valley. The SADP has turned its attention to aid for survivors of the Nepal earthquake of 25 April and BumbleBee Foundation is providing assistance which goes directly to those survivors - in this case, tin to put roofs on houses and sheds before the WET season arrives. ... Read more...

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St Brendan’s Day

Each year, the 15th of May marks the Feast of St Brendan in the Christian Church. St Brendan’s Day will be celebrated at St Brendan’s Church, 121 Knight St, Shepparton, at the 11AM Mass service. Festivities will follow on the parish lawn after Mass. Shepparton Interfaith Network extends well-wishes to all who find their faith nourished at St Brendans. Read more…

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