Dale Hess Calendar - Dates for your diary

Thursday 18 February – Thursday 3 March: Transition Film Festival. The Transitions Film Festival is visionary program dedicated to spotlighting the complex challenges, cutting-edge ideas, creative innovations and mega-trends that are redefining what it means to be human. We present positive, solutions-focused films and showcase cutting-edge ideas from around the world, along with the creative, academic, governmental, community and business leaders who are creating change locally. http://www.transitionsfilmfestival.com/melbourne-program-2016/

Thursday 18 February, 6.30 pm – 8 pm: Market Forces Campaign Launch. Market Forces believes that the banks, superannuation funds and governments that have custody of our money should use it to protect not damage our environment. We're planning to make this year massive. Massive campaigns, resulting in massive change. We have climate change commitments from banks that need to be turned into concrete action that moves finance out of fossil fuels. We want to turn divestment from coal, oil and gas from a steady stream to an unstoppable torrent. And of course, we have new dirty coal proposals here in Australia and overseas that need to be stopped in their tracks.  Venue: Treasury Room, Imperial Hotel, 2 Bourke St, Melbourne (corner Spring Street). Food provided, drinks at bar prices. Free entry but bookings are essential as places are limited. RSVP here. Market Forces is proud to be an affiliate project of Friends of the Earth Australia and a member of the BankTrack international network, connecting us with passionate campaigners, environmental issue experts and advocates of environmentally sustainable behaviour from the finance sector.  

Get the details and RSVP for our Melbourne campaign launch here. 

Saturday 20 February, 5.02 pm – 7 pm: Peace, Faith and Solving Conflict. Invited speakers: Prof. Gary Bouma, UNESCO and Rev.Victor Kazanjian, Global Director United Religions Initiative. Venue: Cultural Infusion Centre, 49 Vere Street, Collingwood College Theatre (entrance from Campbell Street). Sponsored by Cultural Infusion and United Religions Initiative. Free event. Refreshments provided. Bookings:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/culture-talk-tickets-21240877035

Wednesday, 24 February, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm: Syrian Conflict Information Evening. The Amnesty International Bayside Team are hosting an information evening on the current Syrian crisis. Presenting an impartial account of the current internal armed conflict in Syria, as well as information about the settlement process for refugees and asylum seekers. From 7.30 pm we will have three speakers, discussing the current Syrian crisis, intake of refugees and settlement services for refugees and asylum seekers here in Australia. Tim Redfern from Amnesty International Bayside, Alanna Attard from AMES and Panos Massouris from AMES will be speaking. Venue: The Sandy Beach Centre - 2 Sims Street Sandringham. Register here.

Saturday 5 March, 9 am – 11.30 am: Oases Breakfast Conversation: Listening to Indigenous Voices. Dr Robert Hoskin will share insights from his listening to his Kimberley friends relevant to relating with land and community. Together we will explore how listening means a change of heart, if not our change in approach to life and relationships, and discuss how  knowledge of the past might save us from endless repetition in the future. $30/$20 Concession. Main Hall, Habitat Centre for Spirituality, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn. To book:http://www.oases.edu.au/breakfast/

Monday 11 April; Sunday and Monday, 24 April and 25 April; Sunday 1 May: Ecological Literacy. Ecological literacy was initially used byDavid W. Orr and physicist Fritjof Capra in the 1990s, to understand the Earth as a living system whose well-being was dependent on our thinking in terms of the interdependence of all living systems. In his Web of Life Capra writes of the emergence of a new paradigm challenging the old mechanistic and linear view of the universe and challenging notions of continuous growth and development and with it consumerism and commodification as the “normal”. Ecological literacy is about using this interdependent view of the world to help address the complex dilemmas around the destructive impact that humans have had on the world bringing us to what is often called the Anthropocene… And together we'll draw on the experiences and wisdom of all participants, and the 'natural world' around us. Cost $800. Further details: info@oases.edu.au.

Monday 25 April – Friday 29 April: Living the Peace Testimony with Greg Rolles. Explore the connections between war, militarism, climate change, colonisation of Indigenous peoples, racism – and your own urges to help bring peace. Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, 1063 Lake Road, Bungendore, NSW. Telephone:02 6238 0588

Friday 10 June – Monday 13 June: Indigenous Spirituality and Culture with Karen Kime. Journey into Aboriginal ways of teaching country, kinship and cross-cultural issues in work and community. The workshop will also include examples of other indigenous people. Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, 1063 Lake Road, Bungendore, NSW. Telephone:02 6238 0588

Monday 11 July; Sunday and Monday, 31 July and 1 August; Saturday 10 September: Recreating our Organisations. We live in a world of organisations, educational, familial, work…each with its own culture and processes and each creating its own set of experiences for those who interact with it. Whilst we cannot escape from the reality of organizations in our lives, we can learn to better understand, work with and change (for the better) the organizations in which we play a part…In this unit then our central question addresses the possibilities of recreating or re-imagining the way we organise that would create more soulful, meaningful, value based,  collaborative and generative organisations that are relevant for 21st century sustainable and socially just organisations. Cost $800. Further details: info@oases.edu.au.

Dale Hess's Calendar - 16-01-25

Robbie Thorpe Documentary

Help support this long overdue portrait of an important Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe. Aboriginal resistance to the invasion of Australia never ceased. It continues today. Aboriginal political activist Robbie Thorpe stands as part of a long line of Indigenous resistance to invasion. His story is an important one. This short documentary will trace Robbie’s life and politics and explore what is at stake for a First Nations person upon land that was stolen and whose sovereignty never been ceded. Robbie Thorpe has organised challenges to ongoing genocide, colonization and assimilation for over 30 years, working toward indigenous economic and political independence. He has launched High Court legal actions, run a series of high-profile and controversial political and cultural interventions and remains a fierce and unrelenting advocate for his people.

https://www.chuffed.org/project/robbiethorpedoco

Tuesday 2nd February, 5.30 pm -7.30 pm: Human Existence, Religions and the Digital World. Professor Peter Horsfield, Professor of Communication, RMIT University. Peter Horsfield's research over several decades has focused on the interaction of media and religion. Among other involvements, he was a member of the International Study Commission on Media Religion and Culture. His early study Religious Television: The American Experience was influential in changing perceptions of the extent and influence of the televangelists. His recent book From Jesus to the Internet examines Christianity as a mediated phenomenon. The first systematic survey of the interaction of media and religion in a religious tradition, it shows how Christianity's historical development was shaped by the opportunities and contests of the various media forms used in its practice. His insights into some of Christianity's currently hotly debated issues provide a much-needed historical basis for multi-disciplinary study. Gryphon Gallery, Mezzanine Level, Building 1888, near the Corner of Swanston and Grattan Street, Melbourne. (http://maps.unimelb.edu.au/parkville/building/198). Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the lecture. RSVP: Sue Ennis: wcrpaust@iinet.net.au

Tuesday 9 February, 11.30 am: Rally to stop onshore gas drilling and fracking. Big energy companies have sought to "open up" Victoria to onshore gas drilling and fracking--putting prime farmland and water resources at risk. Regional communities around the state have said "no" to risky unconventional gas extraction. Parliament of Victoria, Spring Street, Melbourne. Organised by Friends of the Earth, Gasfield Free Vic, Yes 2 Renewables.

Thursday 18 February, 6.30 pm – 8 pm: Market Forces Campaign Launch. Market Forces believes that the banks, superannuation funds and governments that have custody of our money should use it to protect not damage our environment. We're planning to make this year massive. Massive campaigns, resulting in massive change. We have climate change commitments from banks that need to be turned into concrete action that moves finance out of fossil fuels. We want to turn divestment from coal, oil and gas from a steady stream to an unstoppable torrent. And of course, we have new dirty coal proposals here in Australia and overseas that need to be stopped in their tracks.  Venue: Treasury Room, Imperial Hotel, 2 Bourke St, Melbourne (corner Spring Street). Food provided, drinks at bar prices. Free entry but bookings are essential as places are limited. RSVP here. Market Forces is proud to be an affiliate project of Friends of the Earth Australia and a member of the BankTrack international network, connecting us with passionate campaigners, environmental issue experts and advocates of environmentally sustainable behaviour from the finance sector.  

Get the details and RSVP for our Melbourne campaign launch here. 

Monday 25 April – Friday 29 April: Living the Peace Testimony with Greg Rolles. Explore the connections between war, militarism, climate change, colonisation of Indigenous peoples, racism – and your own urges to help bring peace. Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, 1063 Lake Road, Bungendore, NSW. Telephone:02 6238 0588

Friday 10 June – Monday 13 June: Indigenous Spirituality and Culture with Karen Kime. Journey into Aboriginal ways of teaching country, kinship and cross-cultural issues in work and community. The workshop will also include examples of other indigenous people. Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, 1063 Lake Road, Bungendore, NSW. Telephone:02 6238 0588

Fenya --- A Christmas Truce from the Veterans for Peace UK

FENYA - CHRISTMAS TRUCE 

Anti-War Christmas single by Veterans For Peace UK and Firebrand Records

Posted by Veterans For Peace UK on Friday, 18 December 2015

Interfaith Service for Victims of Terrorism in #Paris & #Beirut - 6pm TONIGHT @ Christ Church Cathedral, #Ballarat

Everyone is invited to attend

an Interfaith Service

for the Victims of Terrorism

in Paris and Beirut

at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral,

49 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat

at

6pm Thursday 19 November 2015

Please feel free to download the above poster

and distribute as widely as possible.

Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Ballarat

Dale Hess Calendar - week beginning 2015-09-022

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.

Wednesday 23 September, 6.30 pm:  Is the joint Australian-US intelligence facility Pine Gap legal? Global Law Student's Association has the pleasure of inviting you to its panel event: Is the joint Australian-US intelligence facility Pine Gap legal? Active since 1970, the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap is run by the CIA, NSA and the Australian government as an Australian-US intelligence sharing facility which detects nuclear weapons and intercepts communications around the globe.  However, post 9/11, Pine Gap has been criticised for being involved in the US drone program, which has killed thousands of civilians in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen. Facilitated by Dr Rain Liivoja, come listen to our panel of leading experts in the area, about what is a very pressing and yet hidden issue. Professor Richard Tanter (Senior Research Associate, Nautilus Institute);Dr Scott Burchill (International Relations, Deakin University and political commentator); Professor Robert McLaughlin (College of Law, Australian National University). Refreshments will follow the panel discussion. Venue: G08, Melbourne Law School. Please RSVP for catering purposes: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/is-the-joint-australian-us-intelligence-facility-pine-gap-legal-tickets-18547331568

Thursday 24 September, 11:30 am-1 pm: Book Launch of The Intervention: an Anthology.Speakers Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, together with two of the writers, Nicole Watson (of the Birri-Gubba People), and Arnold Zable, who will launch the book. Venue: Arena Publications, 2 Kerr Street Fitzroy. RSVP by 18 September Pia info@concernedaustralians.com.au; Mob: 0419 541 733.

Sunday 27 September, 2 pm: No War on Syria. Join us and oppose Australian bombing of Syria.#PEACE. Come WEARING RED, bring instruments and voices. Make Art Not War is an independent artist-run platform for creatives (painters, poets, writers, musicians, performers, etc.) whose work has a social, environmental or political conscience. On Monday 14/9/2015 the Australia government commenced coalition air strikes on ISIL targets in Syria at the request of the United States government. The Australian government by wording these air strikes as 'collective self-defence' appears to be claiming that the air strikes are not an act of war. We are saying that air strikes are an act of violence and opposing that. Venue: State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne. #NoAustralianWarOnSyria

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.

Saturday 3 October, 6 pm – 9 pm: Narbad & Barwaaqo (Peace & Prosperity). BE an agent for change: Somalia is at a crossroads. Poetry, video and inspirational stories. Darebin Arts Centre, corner of Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston. Sponsored by Somali Youth Peace Project. More info: Yusuf 0421 785 194; Nasro 0434 017 394.

Wednesday 7 October 2015, 6 pm – 8 pm: Chega! Timor-Leste’s Gift to Humanity. This important seminar is being convened to promote discussion and use of Timor-Leste’s monumental Chega! report, now available in a new English-language version. Timor-Leste’s truth and reconciliation commission (CAVR) is regarded by experts as one of the world’s top TRCs and its Chega! report has been lauded by Jose Ramos-Horta, Kofi Annan, Archbishop Tutu, Indonesia’s human rights commission and others. Why has CAVR and its report attracted such accolades? How has it been received in Timor Leste and Indonesia? What can it offer the world? Speakers: Joel Hodge, Lecturer in theology, ACU; author of Resisting violence and victimisation: Christian faith and solidarity in East Timor; Guilherme Caiero, Director, Post-CAVR Secretariat, Dili, Timor-Leste; Michael Leach, Lecturer in politics, Swinburne University; co-founder of Timor-Leste Studies Association; Pat Walsh, Former advisor to CAVR and editor of English edition of Chega! Venue: Christ Lecture Theatre, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Corner of Victoria & Brunswick Streets. RSVP: By Friday, 2 October 2015 to Pat Walsh: padiwalsh@gmail.com .

Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October: Voices for Justice Conference. For 10 years, Micah Challenge has been a global movement of aid and development agencies, churches, schools, groups and individual Christians who support the Millennium Development Goals to halve global poverty by 2015. Workshops include Climate Conversations; Campaign for Australian Aid; Prayer and advocacy Australia's aid program; Community organising strategies & skills; Theology of political engagement; Partner stories. Venue: Hughes Baptist Church in Hughes, Canberra. Registrations open at 10:30 am on Saturday morning.

Sunday 11 October, 2 pm: Stand up for Refugees. Speakers include: Mohammed Baqiri - Afghan refugee; Reza Yarahmahdi - Iranian Kurdish refugee; others TBA. As the 2nd Anniversary of Operation Sovereign Borders approaches all the horrors of Manus and Nauru remain. There is no permanent resettlement in sight for refugees, and systematic sexual abuse continues. Doctors have been over-ruled by government, victims have been denied appropriate medical treatment, and remain stuck where attacks took place. There is an alternative. If asylum seeker boats can be found and turned around then they can instead be given safe passage to Australia; and asylum seekers processed on the mainland in the community. Venue: State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne.visit ww.rac-vic.org or call Chris 0403 013 183 for more info

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.

Friday 27 November, 5.30 pm: Climate Rally. This November, the climate talks will be held in Paris, home of the baguette, the beret and – in a foreboding symbol for heads of state – the guillotine. Of course, throughout history Paris has also been home to mass demonstrations that toppled unpopular regimes, a fact that shouldn’t be lost on leaders anxious about the outcome. As delegates arrive in Paris, Melbourne will kick off a weekend of global climate action with a People’s Climate March. Meet at the State Library, Swanston Street. Click here for more information.

Dale Hess Calendar - August 17 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.