Geelong Interfaith Network - GIN

03/09/2026

Dialogue...
Visit Sacred places...
Look at things from the point of view of others...

Before we were historical enemies, we were brother (eg Ishmael and Isaac)

03/09/2026

Quote of the day by Hugh Jackman:

‘If you put Buddha, Jesus Christ, Socrates, Shakespeare, Arjuna, and Krishna at a dinner table together, I can’t see them having an argument'

03/09/2026

Statement by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria on Nepal–Tibet Floods

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria has issued the following statement in response to the Nepal-Tibet Floods:

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria expresses its profound sorrow at the devastating loss of life and the unfolding humanitarian tragedy following the catastrophic flash floods in the Nepal–Tibet border region.

Our hearts are especially with the families and communities who are enduring the anguish of waiting for news of loved ones. Among those affected are people from many nations, including Australia, some of whom were travelling through the region as pilgrims, seeking spiritual renewal at one of the world's most sacred mountain landscapes.

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in Tibet, hold deep significance for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bön communities. That a place of such profound spiritual meaning has become the setting of such immense grief reminds us of our shared human vulnerability and our shared capacity for compassion.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal and with Nepalese, Tibetan and other impacted communities in Victoria, and with all those whose lives have been touched by this disaster. We give thanks for the courage of rescue workers, local communities and emergency personnel who continue the difficult work of searching for survivors and caring for those in need.

In this time of sorrow, we invite people of every faith and of goodwill to hold the victims, the missing, their families and all those affected in prayer, meditation and compassionate action.

May those who mourn be surrounded by comfort, and may hope sustain all who wait.

Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) is comprised of the following peak bodies: Baha'i Community of Victoria, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Buddhist Council of Victoria, Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria), Islamic Council of Victoria, Jain Council of Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria and Victorian Council of Churches

https://faithvictoria.org.au/news-a-articles/1945-statement-by-the-faith-communities-council-of-victoria-on-nepal-tibet-floods

01/09/2026

3RD SEPTEMBER,
THURSDAY 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Pray for Nepal - Tibet

The Geelong Nepalese Association already had a successful public meeting Sunday with Hindu prayers for those affected by the flood. Over 100 people came with Federal, State and local gov't representatives.

Geelong Interfaith Network (GIN) has a tradition of prayers whenever bushfires, floods, etc, have devistating effects on human lives.

Together with various faiths and interest groups, we would like to gather on the stage between the old Town Hall and Johnston Park on Thursday, 3rd September, 5:30 - 7pm. Please invite your congregations.

Drol Kar Buddhist Centre in Paraparap (15 mins from Waurn Ponds) will also have Tibetan monks there hopefully.

Thanks to the events dept of COGG (City of Greater Geelong) for allocating the venue at such short notice. (Johnstone Park is close to Geelong railway station.)

Any candles should be Battery Operated (no burning flame candles permitted due to insurance restrictions).

ENQUIRIES:
Atten: Randall Apps
Geelong Interfaith Network
(See Facebook or text Randall 0425762739. Text with comment: "Nepal prayer")

*No official fundraising for flood victims on the night.
Any charity wanting to take donation, please send details to Randall for verification and background checking.

01/09/2026

SUNDAY: Geelong Nepalese Association had a very successful public meeting outside the old Town hall beside Johnstone Parrk.
I'm sorry Friends and Members of GIN did not hear about it in time to join in.
I, Randall, posted on Facebook when I had confirmed details.

THURSDAY: Geelong Interfaith Network (GIN) arranged for public interfaith prayers on the stage near the same location.

More details to come.

Thursday 5:30-7pm, next to Johnstone Park, Geelong

30/08/2026

Just starting in Johnstone Park, Geelong.

Join us for a Candlelight Vigil tomorrow 30 AUGUST at JOHNSTON PARK at 6.30 PM

28/08/2026

PRAYERS for Tibet / Nepal in Sydney - report by organiser, Mr Santosh Neupane.
_________________

Around 200 Gather in Strathfield for Candlelight Prayer for Nepal Flood Victims.

Strathfield, Sydney – 28 August 2026.

Around 200 people gathered at Strathfield Square on Friday evening, 28 August 2026, for a Candlelight Prayer Gathering to remember the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal and the Tibet border region on 26 August.

The gathering brought together members of the Nepali Australian community, local residents, community leaders, councillors and federal representatives to pray for those who lost their lives, those still missing and injured, and families affected by the disaster.

The programme was coordinated by Mr Santosh Neupane, Founding President of the Strathfield Nepalese Community and a member of the Strathfield Council Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Sambriddhi Neupane served as the Master of Ceremonies for the programme. She opened the gathering with an Acknowledgement of Country and reflected briefly on her connection to Nepal as her country of birth and heritage, and to Australia as the country she now calls home. She highlighted the importance of standing together with all families affected by the tragedy, regardless of nationality.

Distinguished guests included The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ms Sally Sitou MP, Federal Member for Reid; Cr Benjamin Cai, Mayor of Strathfield; Cr Sandy Reddy, Deputy Mayor of Strathfield; Cr Sukirti Bhatta of Burwood Council; Strathfield Councillors; and Mr Sanjeev Sharma, former Honorary Consul General of Nepal in New South Wales.

During the programme, Cr Benjamin Cai, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Ms Sally Sitou MP, Cr Sandy Reddy and Cr Sukirti Bhatta shared messages of sympathy, solidarity and support for the people affected by the disaster.

The gathering also acknowledged the Australian Government’s announcement of $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the disaster in Nepal.

Participants then lit candles and observed two minutes of silent prayer for those who had lost their lives, those still missing and injured, rescue workers, and families waiting for news of their loved ones.

The gathering concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Santosh Neupane, who thanked the government representatives, councillors, community leaders and members of the public for joining the prayer gathering and standing in solidarity with the people of Nepal.

The evening carried a clear message of compassion and unity: human suffering has no nationality, and compassion should not stop at borders.

08/08/2026

Do you know of any experiences from your faith group similar to this from Dr Livingstone?

27/05/2026

Have you noticed how the calendar seems to slow down and listen at the end of May?

Right now, we are witnessing a beautiful, rare moment in time. One after another, different religious traditions are entering their sacred seasons, creating a global conversation moving from home to home across the world. 🌍❤️

Look at this incredible lineup of faith and family happening right now:

📜 Jewish Shavuot (May 21-23) – Celebrating the giving and transmission of the Torah.

🕊️ Christian Pentecost (May 24 & 31) – Commemorating the Holy Spirit awakening us to serve the wider world.

🌙 Muslim Eid al-Adha (Expected May 27) – Honoring sacrifice through hospitality and giving to those in need.

🕯️ Bahá’í Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (May 29) – Remembering a life dedicated to unity and peace.

🪷 Buddhist Waisak/Wesak (May 31) – Honoring the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.

While these traditions have their own distinct voices, they all speak a shared moral language: Covenant. Spirit. Sacrifice. Compassion. Remembrance. 🙏✨

As we close UPF’s "Month of Family" and head toward the UN Global Day of Parents on June 1st, we are reminded that the family is where these sacred values become ordinary life. Long before virtues are debated in public, they are quietly learned around dinner tables, in prayers, and through simple acts of care. 🏡👶👵

UPF Founders Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon envisioned a world of "One Family under God." This doesn't mean erasing our differences—it means hearing each other’s voices without fear, refusing to let differences become estrangement. 🤝

Peace begins wherever we learn to receive life with gratitude and answer it with care.

Let’s celebrate the beautiful tapestry of faith that connects us all! 🕊️💖

✍️ Reflections from Dr. Tageldin Hamad, President of UPF International.

27/05/2026

Some have asked our attitude in relation to meeting and relating with different religions and faiths.
This has been a basic understanding to help the Geelong Interfaith Network in meetings and with developing friendships.