Gratitude --- for creation and how we are placed in it

Starting my Sunday with gratitude for this beautiful home <3www.treesisters.org
Posted by TreeSisters: women seeding change on Saturday, 5 September 2015

Bible reading - meditating or eating without swallowing

Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without swallowing. (Anonymous)

— Rev. Bosco Peters (@Liturgy) August 30, 2015

Every child is our responsibility - join the Grandmothers to-morrow night at #Ballarat Town Hall

From Hayley, BRASSN Volunteer Database Co-ordinator...

Here are three pieces of information for you being passed on from BRASSN (Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network). The first is a link to an ASRC Newsletter titled 'Are we doing enough'? The second is a Light the Dark vigil held in Ballarat this Monday at 6pm. The third is from BRASSN member David McPhail, who will be participating in the Run 4 Refugees with a Ballarat team.


1. Are we doing enough?http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=82e876b44181fbd9253ccb957&id=767d0e716d&e=bb7f6d4f6a

2. Subject: IMPORTANT Come and join us to Light the Dark for Aylun

• Sorry for the late notice but this event has just been advertised by Get Up and so the
• Grandmothers Against Detention of Refugee Children Ballarat (https://www.facebook.com/GrandmothersBallarat) and their Friends invite you to join them outside the Ballarat Town Hall 6pm Monday 7th September at 6pm to Light the Dark. We will stand in solidarity with people throughout Australia who support refugees and asylum seekers. Please bring a candle or torch.
  
  The image of a Syrian child's lifeless body washed up on the shores of a Turkish beach this week brought the world to its knees. His name was Aylan Kurdi, and he was just three years old.
  
  The sad reality is that Aylan was one among millions of desperate people forced to flee from war and persecution. The world is facing a global refugee crisis on a scale we've not seen since WWII, but Australia - our lucky country of a fair go for all - is not doing enough. We can do better to help these people.
  We need to do better.
  
  That's why on Monday night, we will light a candle to remember Aylan Kurdi. We will stand together in solidarity with ...people across the world who are forced to ask for protection from countries like ours. We'll shine a light in the darkness, in protest of our country's abandonment of the world's most desperate people, who seek only safety and protection.
  
  We will send a message to the world that our government's inaction does not represent us, and that Australia says welcome.
  
  
  3. Ballarat Run 4 Refugees running the Melbourne Marathon. Sponsor David Mac Phail to raise funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
    Would you like to support the ASRC by sponsoring our marathon and by circulating this email through your networks.

  I am running Melbourne Marathon again this year with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre [ASRC]. We now have a Ballarat team which includes asylum seekers and refugees. Sophia, my daughter, is also running her first marathon with us. Ballarat Run 4 Refugees is raising much needed funds for Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

  
  

  ASRC gets no government funding and is completely dependent on fundraising. Last year Run 4 Refugees raised about $250,000 which was about the amount spent on accommodation.  In my role as volunteer Case Worker with ASRC I am able to say first hand how well this money is used for people who are otherwise homeless. 

  
  

  For 14 years the ASRC has been fighting for the human rights of asylum seekers. Over 10,000 people have been provided with sanctuary, support and hope by the ASRC in this time and thousands of people have won their freedom through this work. Your donation will help provide services to support people seeking asylum: legal appointments, housing, health care, employment services, English language classes, food and advocacy.

  
  

  You can make a donation by clicking on the link below to go to my fundraising page. There is also links to the ASRC web page for more information about the organisation.

  
  

  My fundraising page:  http://run4refugees15.gofundraise.com.au/page/ballaratr4r

  
  

  Hope you can sponsor me again this year.

  Thanks for your support,

  David

  
  

  David Mac Phail,
  Ballarat.
  0419368199.

Syria's children - and Syria's people - ARE precious in God's sight

 

Dear Friends,

Like most of you, we are heartbroken by all the news we have seen in recent days as Syrians have been forced to flee their home in search of safety.  What can we say other than our broken old world truly needs our Saviour Jesus?

Today, we have launched a call to our Immigration Minister, urging him to give real and practical assistance to those in need on behalf of all Australians.  In partnership with others working in the asylum seeker and refugee space, we have called on Mr Dutton to both accept an emergency intake of Syrian refugees and to allocate significant financial assistance to the United Nations for their work addressing this global crisis.

We believe that our call echoes the heart of our God, who always hears the cry of the oppressed and who is the author of all peace.

Will you please stand with us, as we call on Mr Dutton and pray that he would have the courage to lead a national response to this tragedy that is marked by compassion, generosity and a profound sense of the value of every single human life?

And would you please take the time to share this email and the petition with those in your world who also have a heart to see God’s justice reign here on earth?

With thanks for your support, as always,

From Kylie, Tim, Justin, Jarrod and all the Common Grace team

Common Grace
http://www.commongrace.org.au/ -=-=-

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Another "NO" added to Tony Abbott's repertoire

Tony Abbott unmoved by Liberal calls for more Syria refugee help #thumbsdown http://t.co/zf9KH92fGA

— Advocacy at St Pauls (@StPaulsVoice) September 5, 2015

Riding for Refugees 2015 : A night with Rohullah Hussaini on Wednesday night

Information for those seeking secure rental housing

A-Z Sitemap 

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Home / Registered housing sector / Housing providers

Housing providers

Housing providers are essentially valued managers of rental housing portfolios.

There are currently 34 registered housing providers in Victoria:

Aboriginal Housing Victoria
Telephone: (03) 9403 2100
Website: www.ahvic.org.au
Profile for Aboriginal Housing Victoria Ltd

Active Community Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9314 8555
Website: www.activecommunityhousing.com.au 
Profile for Active Community Housing Ltd

Baptcare Affordable Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9831 7222
Profile for Baptcare Affordable Housing
BAYSA Ltd (trading as Barwon Youth)
Telephone: 5221 4473
Website: www.barwonyouth.org.au
Profile for Barwon Youth

Centacare Housing Services Inc
Telephone: (03) 5337 8900
Website: www.centacareballarat.org.au
Profile for Centacare Housing Services Inc

Eastcoast Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 5127 7160
Profile for Eastcoast Housing Ltd

EACH Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9871 1800
Website: www.each.com.au
Profile for EACH Housing Ltd

Eastern Suburbs Rental Housing Co-operative
Telephone: (03) 9888 8964
Profile for Eastern Suburbs Rental Housing Co-operative

Hanover Welfare Services
Telephone: (03) 9699 6351
Website: www.hanover.org.au
Profile for Hanover Welfare Services

The Haven Foundation Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9867 1992
Website: www.havenfoundation.org.au
Profile for The Haven Foundation Ltd

HomeGround Services
Telephone: (03) 9288 9600
Website: www.homeground.org.au
Profile for HomeGround Services

Inner East Social Housing Group Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9853 7501
Profile for Inner East Social Housing Group Ltd

Mallee Accommodations and Support Program (MASP)
Telephone: (03) 5021 6500
Website: www.masp.org.au
Profile for Mallee Accommodations and Support Program (MASP)

Mission Australia Housing (Victoria) Limited
Telephone: 1800 269 672
Website: www.mahousing.com.au
Profile for Mission Australia Housing (Victoria) Limited

North East Housing Service Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9479 0700
Website: www.nehs.org.au
Profile for North East Housing Service Ltd

Northcote Rental Housing Co-operative
Telephone: (03) 9482 5998
Website: http://nrhc.coop
Profile for Northcote Rental Housing Co-operative

Northern Geelong Rental Housing Co-operative Ltd
Telephone: (03) 5277 9993
Website: www.ngrhc.org.au
Profile for Northern Geelong Rental Housing Co-operative Ltd

Prahran/Malvern Community Housing Inc
Telephone: (03) 9826 5194
Profile for Prahran/Malvern Community Housing Inc

The Salvation Army Red Shield Housing Victoria
Telephone: (03) 9353 5200
Website: www.salvationarmy.org.au/victoria
Profile for Salvation Army Red Shield Housing Victoria

Servants Community Housing (formerly known as Servants in Hawthorn)
Telephone: (03) 9819 6073
Website: www.servants.org.au
Profile for Servants Community Housing

Social Housing Victoria
Telephone: (03) 8341 8700
Profile for Social Housing Victoria

South East Housing Co-operative Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9706 8005
Website: www.sehc.org.au
Profile for South East Housing Co-operative

South Port Community Housing Group Inc
Telephone: (03) 9696 1128
Website: www.spchg.org.au
Profile for South Port Community Housing Group Inc

St Kilda Community Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9534 1809
Website: www.stkch.org.au
Profile for St Kilda Community Housing Ltd

Sunshine/St Albans Rental Housing Co-operative Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9312 6904
Profile for Sunshine/St Albans Rental Housing Co-operative

United Housing Co-operative Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9689 8157
Website: www.unitedhousing.org.au
Profile for United Housing Co-operative Ltd

UnitingCare Housing Victoria Ltd (trading as Uniting Housing Victoria)
Telephone: (03) 9250 6100
Website: www.unitinghousing.org.au
Profile for Uniting Housing Victoria Ltd

Urban Communities Limited
Telephone: (03) 9371 2000
Website: www.urbancommunities.com.au
Profile for Urban Communities Limited

Victorian Women's Housing Association (trading as Women's Property Initiatives)
Telephone: (03) 9664 7800
Website: www.wpi.org.au
Profile for Victorian Women's Housing Association (Women's Property Initiatives)

VincentCare Community Housing
Telephone: (03) 9895 5900
Website: www.vinnies.org.au
Profile for VincentCare Community Housing

WAYSS Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9791 6111
Website: www.wayssltd.org.au
Profile for WAYSS Ltd

West Turk Housing and Elderly Services Co-operative
Telephone: (03) 9366 3856
Profile for West Turk Housing and Elderly Services Co-operative

Williamstown Rental Housing Co-operative
Telephone: (03) 9391 9267
Website: www.williamstownhousingcoop.org.au
Profile for Williamstown Rental Housing Co-operative

Women's Housing Ltd
Telephone: (03) 9412 6868
Website: www.womenshousing.com.au
Profile for Women's Housing Ltd

Print Contact

COMPASSION: Jewish, Christian and Muslim perspectives

Let's start dancing our way to peace, fellow-feeling and good times

Be Happy
Posted by HI Jwl on Thursday, 31 July 2014

Advocacy - August 2015 meeting : international days celebrated on the United Nations calendar

As can be seen from the header at the top of this blog, the next meeting is on next Monday night.  There is an open invitation to anyone and everyone to come along.  We are considering our agenda/activities for the remainder of 2015. 

Listed below are the days celebrated under the auspices of the United Nations.  They give food for thought of what might be included in the Advocacy agenda to work on, speak out on, etc.  Please let us know your thoughts.

September

5 September - International Day of Charity  (A/RES/67/105) draft  (9A/67/L.45)

8 September - International Literacy Day [UNESCO]  (Resolution 1.141 of the 14th session of the UNESCO General Conference)

12 September - United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation  (A/RES/58/220)

15 September - International Day of Democracy  (A/RES/62/7)

16 September - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer  (A/RES/49/114)

21 September - International Day of Peace  (A/RES/36/67)  (A/RES/55/282)

25 September - World Maritime Day [IMO] (IMCO/C XXXVIII/21)

26 September - International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons  (A/RES/68/32)

27 September - World Tourism Day

October

1 October - International Day of Older Persons  (A/RES/45/106)

2 October - International Day of Non-Violence  (A/RES/61/271)

5 October - World Teachers’ Day  [UNESCO]  (UNESCOPRESSE, vol.4, no.17, p.9)

5 October - World Habitat Day  (A/RES/40/202 A)

9 October - World Post Day  (UPU/Tokyo Congress 1969/Res.C.11)

10 October - World Mental Health Day [WHO]

11 October - International Day of the Girl Child  (A/RES/66/170)

13 October - International Day for Disaster Reduction  (A/RES/44/236)  (A/RES/64/200)

15 October - International Day of Rural Women  (A/RES/62/136)

16 October - World Food Day  [FAO]  (A/RES/35/70)

17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty  (A/RES/47/196)

20 October - World Statistics Day (A/RES/69/282, draft A/69/L.72)

24 October - United Nations Day  (A/RES/168 (II)  (A/RES/2782 (XXVI))

24 October - World Development Information Day  (A/RES/3038 (XXVII))

27 October - World Day for Audiovisual Heritage  [UNESCO]

31 October - World Cities Day  (A/RES/68/238)

November

2 November - International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists  (A/RES/68/163)

6 November - International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict  (A/RES/56/4)

10 November - World Science Day for Peace and Development

14 November - World Diabetes Day  (A/RES/61/225)

15 November - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims  (A/RES/60/5)

16 November - International Day for Tolerance  (Resolution 5.61 of the 28th session of the UNESCO General Conference)  (A/RES/51/95)

19 November - World Toilet Day  (A/67/L.75)  (draft)

19 November (third Thursday in November) - World Philosophy Day

20 November - Africa Industrialization Day  (A/RES/44/237)

20 November - Universal Children’s Day

21 November - World Television Day  (A/RES/51/205)

25 November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women  (A/RES/54/134)

29 November - International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People  (A/RES/32/40B)

December

1 December - World AIDS Day

2 December - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities  (A/RES/47/3)

5 December - International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development  (A/RES/40/212)

5 December - World Soil Day  [FAO]  (A/RES/68/232)

7 December - International Civil Aviation Day  [ICAO]  (A/RES/51/33)

9 December - International Anti-Corruption Day  (A/RES/58/4)

10 December - Human Rights Day  (A/RES/423 (V))

11 December - International Mountain Day  (A/RES/57/245)

18 December - International Migrants Day  (A/RES/55/93)

20 December - International Human Solidarity Day  (A/RES/60/209)

Better late than dead on time? The on-going heartburn of poor time-keeping on regional rail in Victoria

Dear Advocates,

Are you among the thousands of commuters who travel by rail from regional Victoria to work in Melbourne?  Are you and your family being affected by poor adherence to timetables? Are you sick and tired of arriving late because of the train's poor time-keeping? Are you sick of having to work longer to make up time for the morning lateness and then having to catch a later train home and then even that is delayed?

Please let Advocacy know of your experience.

Email to us at advocacyballarat@gmail.com

Spiritual Care and Family Violence Forum for Chaplains and Pastoral Carers

Cross-posted from Beside The Creek
Australian consciousness of family violence and violence against women and children is extending beyond the level where we have been for about forty years.  A major contributor to making us more aware is Rosie Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year. Our nation is the middle of a rethink and an extension of our knowledge.  Because of this, please consider this event.

The Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network invites you to:

Spiritual Care and Family Violence Forum for Chaplains and Pastoral Carers

Date: Thursday 17 September 2015       Time: 9am - 3pm

Location: 

Reception Room, Maribyrnong City Council, 

Corner of Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray 

(5 minutes’ walk from Footscray station)

The forum will bring together Pastoral Care workers and Chaplains in the community sector to consider the impact of family violence, appropriate spiritual care and the potential for healing and growth as we work with affected individuals and families.

Speakers:

• Dr. Robyn Gregory, CEO Women’s Health West – setting the scene
• Monique Toohey, Managing Director Nasihah Consulting – culturally appropriate responses
• Jen Allen, Executive Director of Victorian Institute of Counselling and Coaching - keys to recovery

Includes group discussion and consideration of the implications for your practice.  

Cost - $40, $30 for SCA members (includes morning tea and lunch)

 To register please download and complete the form and submit by 10 September 2015.

More Information: Geoff Wraight, Baptcare Pastoral Care, Telephone:  0409 314 626 | Email:gwraight@baptcare.org.au  OR Gareth Fuller, SASHS Chaplain, Telephone:  0487 921 641 | Email:gareth.fuller@aus.salvationarmy.org

Brought to you by: The Salvation Army, Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network, Baptcare, Brimbank City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Spiritual Care Australia.

Prayer Care ... at St Paul's and, on a large scale, the World Council of Churches.

St Paul's believes in Prayer Care
and has established a weekly routine of intercessory prayer
including naming streets in the Parish of #Ballarat East.
There are major items relating to our larger world, too.

But it seems that we are outclassed by the
World Council of Churches
and the 
World Communion of Reformed Churches.

They are taking on whole countries - and guess what?!
We are included. This weeks roster is for the nations of Oceania.
That's where the Land of Oz is situated.
But please take time to consider the other nations of our neighbourhood.
I particularly suggest West Papua; Papua New Guinea and Nauru -
but you have the rest of the week to go so you can keep moving further east.

With the WCRC we invite weekly prayers for specific countries. Please join us to pray for the nations of Oceania. @Oikoumene

— WCRC (@Reformedcomunio) August 17, 2015

Prayer changes everything.
You might not see it.
You might not know it.
Over time, though, you can certainly feel it.

Peace-building with The Shift and with the Australian troubador, Murray Kyle

Below is an American e-zine that drops into the gmail from time to time. This is being published as a reminder, a nudge to further thinking about peace. One thing that must be overcome is the idea that peace is merely an absence of war.

At this time in our world, we see the flames of war and uprising across the planet. We see nations not technically at war expanding their military budgets and ordering the next technological level of military equipment. This is part and parcel of everything that is NOT peace. So it is hoped that you take time to read some of the articles in this missive and give some consideration to the thought that peace has to be worked for as actively as some work for militarism and war. We won't get a productive and creative existence that recognises the value of all human beings in any other way.

By Stephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network

The politics of peace is dear to my heart as it’s an essential ingredient for making the shift to a sustainable culture of peace.

It is easy to become disillusioned with political processes when we see polarized parties battling each other instead of working together to address critical issues. Yet, all you have to do is visit a country where people are struggling for violence-free elections and good governance to remember the importance of participating in a democracy and ensuring it thrives.

Many of us at The Shift Network are pro-actively engaged with our national representatives to lobby for issues such as the multinational nuclear deal with Iran (very important this month, click here to learn more!) and the Youth Promise Act, an innovative program to address the root causes of youth violence.

To advance this work, The Shift Network has developed relationships with the Friends Committee on National Legislation (the largest and oldest peace lobby), The Peace Alliance (one of the original co-creators of the Summer of Peace), and the Alliance for Peacebuilding (a prominent global peacebuilding association). Several of our team members, including myself, will join the FCNL’s “lobby day” in Washington, DC again this November. I strongly encourage you to join us for an illuminating and effective time (last year we had 400 people citizens lobbying our congresspeople on Iran on the Hill on one day). (See Movement News)

This week in the Summer of Peace we will feature exciting sessions on the politics of peace with Jim Cason of FCNL and Bob Baskin and Heart Phoenix of The Peace Alliance highlighting how you can get involved from grassroots to national levels. (Click here to register free.)

In this edition of The Catalyst, we have an article by our very own Alison Weeks about why and how to support the Iran nuclear deal. We must help stabilize the Middle East and prevent nuclear proliferation. I believe the Iran nuclear agreement is an absolutely essential step in the right direction (and make sure your congress people know you agree if you do).

We also have a profound piece from the Alliance for Peacebuilding on countering violent extremism through practical initiatives that go beyond the use of military options. This is a very well-thought out article and we are proud to support a Joint Statement on Countering Violent Extremism that was presented to President Obama.

Our good friend Matthew Albracht from The Peace Alliance has an excellent piece about bringing peace education to schools as part of their BeTheMovement initiative.

Glen Martin has a visionary piece on global democracy and our member profile is from Peace Ambassador Ella Matheson in the United Kingdom.

Finally, we have a featured article about a peace contest where you can win a free trip to New York to celebrate the International Day of Peace! The contest is part of 1 Billion Acts of Peace, a program sponsored by PeaceJam and supported by 13 Nobel Peace Laureates, the Summer of Peace and many partner organizations. The contest ends on September 14, 2015. To participate all you do is to share peace – click here to learn more. Our featured video is Erica Chenoweth giving a compelling presentation about how nonviolent civil resistance campaigns were twice as effective as violent approaches the past few decades. Our Shift Philanthropy this week is the Friends Committee of National Legislation and our partner spotlight is the Alliance for Peacebuilding. Finally, our featured artist is Murray Kyle from Australia.

Significant events: the Dale Hess Calendar for the week beginning 17 August 2015

 

Dale Hess

and on Facebook

Monday 24 August, 10 am-12 pm: What we are learning about transformative pedagogy: reflections on the edge - Schumacher and OASES. Speaker: Jonathan Dawson, Head of Economics, Schumacher College. Venue: OASES Graduate School, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn (Cost free or gold coin donation ). Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/what-we-are-learning-about-transformative-pedagogy-reflections-on-the-edge-tickets-18129912055

Monday 24 August, 6 pm-8 pm: EU Transition: A conversation with Jonathan Dawson. Jonathan Dawson is the Head of Economics at Schumacher College. The Emily McPherson Building, Russell Street, RMIT, Melbourne (Cost $15.00, $10 for EEV/AAEE members, Free for OASES/RMIT students). Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/eu-transition-a-conversation-with-jonathan-dawson-tickets-18130092595

Tuesday 25th August, 2.30 pm – 5 pm: Supporting the transition towards a low carbon economy. Speaker: Jonathan Dawson. CERES Learning Centre, Brunswick (Cost $10, free to CERES and OASES staff, students and Board members.) Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/supporting-the-transition-towards-a-low-carbon-economy-tickets-18130040439

Friday 28 August – Sunday 30 August: Pax Christi Conference: A World without Weapons, a Vision and a Challenge. Keynote speakers: Rev Dr Wes Campbell,  Fr Brian Johnstone, C.SS.R, STD, Rev Merrill Kitchen OAM,  Associate Professor Tilman Ruff OAM. We seek to explore the possibilities and challenges of a World without Weapons, spiritually and politically; to hear from people who are already “living the dream” ; to consider key challenges the issue poses for people of faith in Australia and Pax Christi in particular. Location: Kildara (Brigidine) Centre  39 Stanhope Street (rear), Malvern.  Costs: Friday-Sunday , Conference and  National Meeting:  $120 or $80 low income.   Friday and Saturday, Conference  only  $100 or $70 low income. Friday Evening $30. Please send with cheque for $30 deposit or full fee to Pax Christi P.O Box 31, Carlton South, VIC 3053  by 21 August. Further info: Phone Harry Kerr 03 9893 4946 ahmkerr@hotmail.com;  Rita Camilleri 03 9379 3889 camrita44@gmail.com.

Saturday 29 August, 6 pm:  An audience with Naomi Klein. Naomi Klein is a Canadian author, social activist and filmmaker known for her political analyses and criticism of corporate globalisation and capitalism. She is best known for No Logo, about branding and the alter-globalisation movement,The Take, a documentary about Argentina’s occupied factories, and The Shock Doctrine, a critical analysis of the history of neoliberal economics. Her 2014 book This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate argues that the climate crisis can’t be addressed in the current era of neoliberal market fundamentalism. Federation Square, Melbourne. Book now @ mwf.com.au/writers/naomi-klein

Sunday 30 August, 4 pm: Naomi Klein: Capitalism & the Climate. Naomi Klein is a Canadian author, social activist and filmmaker known for her political analyses and criticism of corporate globalisation and capitalism. She is best known for No Logo, about branding and the alter-globalisation movement, The Take, a documentary about Argentina’s occupied factories, and The Shock Doctrine, a critical analysis of the history of neoliberal economics. Her 2014 book This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate argues that the climate crisis can’t be addressed in the current era of neoliberal market fundamentalism. Federation Square, Melbourne. Book now @ mwf.com.au/writers/naomi-klein

Tuesday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm: Life on Planet Earth: Sustaining hope in the midst of fragility and uncertainty. St Michael’s is proud to host this fascinating lecture series presented  by one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM. This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic,  environmental and security challenges of our times – how they  affect us personally, our life prospects, our networks and communities,  Australia and the world. It will open up new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future. Venue: St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $15 per lecture or $50 series pass. Bookings: www.stmichaels.org.au.

Saturday 5 September, 9 am – 11.30 am: Breakfast: Exploring local initiatives for living a good, low carbon life. Join us for a lively breakfast where practitioners Donna Livermore, Sally MacAdams, Ben Habib, Nathan Alison and Catherine O'Shea will share their learnings and experiences transitioning towards a low carbon, localized lifestyle: transition towns, co-housing, permaculture and local energy trading systems (LETS).

Tuesday 8 September, 6 pm – 8 pm: The World Economy: An ‘ocean liner without lifeboats’: Financial crises and the myths of the free market: the case for regulation. St Michael’s is proud to host this fascinating lecture series presented  by one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM. This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic,  environmental and security challenges of our times – how they  affect us personally, our life prospects, our networks and communities,  Australia and the world. It will open up new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future. Venue: St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $15 per lecture or $50 series pass. Bookings: www.stmichaels.org.au.

Friday 11 September, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm: Film Screening: The Good Lie. The Bayside Refugee Advocacy & Support Association invites you to a special screening of an inspiring and powerful story of triumph, friendship and compassion. Orphaned by the brutal Civil War in Sudan, Mamere, his sister Abital, and friends Jeremiah and Paul face a gruelling trip across Africa to a refugee camp. Much later, they are selected for re-settlement in the U.S.A. Carrie (Reese Witherspoon) is contracted to find them jobs, and she soon finds herself swept up in their struggle for a better life. Followed by guest speaker: Russell Broadbent M.H.R. [Lib. McMillan].  St John’s Uniting Church 567 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. Melway Map 67J3 Light supper provided. This is a free event. Donations welcome. RSVP email gm_moore@bigpond.net.au.

Saturday 12 September, 9 am – 4.30 pm: Youth Humanitarian Festival. Venue: Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus Room ATC101. Cost: $15. http://www.youthhumanitarianfestival.com/

Tuesday 15 September, 6 pm – 8 pm: Islam, Islamism and Islamophobia    Religion and politics; terrorism and the ‘war on terror’. St Michael’s is proud to host this fascinating lecture series presented  by one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM. This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic,  environmental and security challenges of our times – how they  affect us personally, our life prospects, our networks and communities,  Australia and the world. It will open up new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future. Venue: St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $15 per lecture or $50 series pass. Bookings: www.stmichaels.org.au.

Wednesday 16 September, 9 am – 4 pm:  Youth Engaging the World: Living Pope Francis’ Vision of Faith. Registration: $35. St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Registrations –  https://www.acu.edu.au/616950; Email: iace@acu.edu.au  Phone: +61 2 9701 4176

Thursday 17 September – Friday 18 September: Conference: Pope Francis and other Prophetic Voices: Calling Us to Reshape the Public Sphere.

Speakers for the conference include: Rev. Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ (India) – the Barefoot Priest from India , Dr. Jenny Te Paa Daniel (New Zealand) - Convenor of the International Anglican Peace and Justice Network, Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO – Australian Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic, Professor Patrick Dodson – a Yawuru man from Broome, Western Australia, he is a former Chairman of the "Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Dr Rachael Kohn - produces and presents The Spirit of Things on ABC Radio National, Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri OAM - Managing Director, Alexandria Agenda and founder of the Centre for Dialogue at La Trobe University. Venue St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Registration is $125 for the 2 day conference. Registrations –  https://www.acu.edu.au/616950; Email: iace@acu.edu.au  Phone: +61 2 9701 4176.  

Thursday 17 September, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm: Public Forum: Reclaiming Justice, Truth and Compassion in the Public Sphere. Registration: $10+ donation. Australian Catholic University, Cathedral Hall, 20 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne (Please note: different venue to the Conference and Youth Forum). Registrations –  https://www.acu.edu.au/616950; Email: iace@acu.edu.au  Phone: +61 2 9701 4176

Tuesday 22 September, 6 pm – 8 pm: The Democratic Deficit: What it is and what to do about it. St Michael’s is proud to host this fascinating lecture series presented  by one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM. This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic,  environmental and security challenges of our times – how they  affect us personally, our life prospects, our networks and communities,  Australia and the world. It will open up new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future. Venue: St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $15 per lecture or $50 series pass. Bookings:www.stmichaels.org.au.

Monday 28 September,  8.45 am to 5.30 pm: Ecological Aspects of War: Religious Perspectives from Australia. A one-day symposium to consider intersections between war and ecology, through the lenses of religious social teachings and sacred texts, representative of the multi-cultural and inter-faith constitution of contemporary Australian society.  Keynote presentation  “Planet Earth as a Victim of War”  by Dr Jenny Grounds. Venue:Trinity College Theological School Trinity College Royal Parade, Parkville. Cost: Full $40 Concession $30 Skype $15 (you will be supplied with a url and password via email nearer the date). Register here. Early registrations are appreciated. Registrations close: Friday 11 September 2015. For further information contact Anne Elvey: aelvey@tpg.com.au

Tuesday 29 September, 6 pm – 8 pm: State of the Nation   How is Australia faring? A fresh look at its society, economy and politics. St Michael’s is proud to host this fascinating lecture series presented  by one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM. This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic,  environmental and security challenges of our times – how they  affect us personally, our life prospects, our networks and communities,  Australia and the world. It will open up new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future. Venue: St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $15 per lecture or $50 series pass. Bookings: www.stmichaels.org.au.

Friday 16 October – Sunday 18 October: Local Lives – Global Matter: A Conference for Future’s Sake. Now is the time to announce a new paradigm and tell the story that has a future. Inspired by and following in the footsteps of a worldwide series of Economics of Happiness Conferences,this three day conference will include presentations, workshops, panel discussions, plenaries, story-telling, arts, music and site visits showcasing local initiatives. OASES is pleased to support this gathering of international and local thinkers and activists who will speak about: local economies and livelihoods; equitable, re-democratised societies; inclusive ethical culture; and the spirituality that connects us to the land and each other. Castlemaine Town Hall. For more information, to offer a presentation or generally get involved click here.

Sunday 18 October: Run 4 Refugees for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. Run 4 Refugees is our major fundraising event for the year and we'd love for you to take part. Last year we had over 500 amazing people who ran and walked for refugees, and raised over $250,000. This year we're aiming to raise over $300,000. The main event will be taking place in Melbourne on Sunday October 18th as part of the Melbourne Marathon Festival.You don't need to be a serious runner to take part, there are distances to suit everyone- from 3km to the full marathon. To sign up for the run click here. To create your fundraising page click here.

Monday 9 November – Tuesday 10 November, 9 am – 5 pm: Community Development: Introductory Course. Become more confident in designing & facilitating community development programs & activities. Learn practical ways of empowering communities; understand the basic concepts of Community Development; examine power and change processes; discuss community development practices; hold conversations with experienced Community Development workers; access to further learning resources; come to understand the field; use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands (practical work with people) and feet (groundedness). Venue: 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Wednesday 11 November – Thursday 12 November, 9 am – 5 pm: Community Development: Intermediate Course. Become more confident in designing & facilitating community development programs & activities. Learn practical ways of empowering communities; understand the basic concepts of Community Development; examine power and change processes; discuss community development practices; hold conversations with experienced Community Development workers; access to further learning resources; come to understand the field; use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands (practical work with people) and feet (groundedness). Venue: 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.