Other Australian News and Events
The Gaia Forest project in Northern New South Wales is guided by Buddhist principles combining compassion and wisdom, and especially inspired by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition. Its practitioners practice mindfulness in daily life as a path of transformation and healing.
“What we most need to do is to hear within us the sound of the earth crying.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh Located in the cool uplands of the mid-north coast of NSW, in a region that has been home for rainforest since the age of Gondwana, Gaia Forest focuses on protecting, restoring and reconnecting remnant rainforest habitat, even as we restore and reconnect ourselves to Mother Earth. Our region is home to Antarctic Beech forest, and many unique species including the endangered Rufous Scrub Bird, Spotted Tailed Quoll, and Greater Glider, and the Vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoo and Pouched Frog, to name a few. Submitted by Gawaine Powell-Davies, Chair Buddhist Council.

Laudato Si' Week is leading to an ecological change of heart in Catholic communities
Across Australia Laudato SI' Week was held from May 16th to May 24th. 1.The Office for Ecology, Justice and Peace released a resource for use entitled Biodiversity. It included a Reflection: "Do you value the plants and animals around you, great and small, in themselves? How is your love of God connected to your care for the rich diversity of plants and animals around you?" PLUS a suggested Action: Sign the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Save Our Big Backyard petition calling for protection of the forests, reefs and rivers which are the homes of Australia’s threatened plants and animals. 2. Canberra- Goulburn Archdiocese launched a draft Laudato Si' action plan for Catholic agencies across the region to embark on consultation about implementing care for Creation. 3. Catholic Earthcare Australia ran an online event for ecological practice 4. Many communities showed the highly recommended film, The Letter, followed by personal reflections.

5. Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia held an online event called I am a Tree of Life for people seeking the wisdom of trees to go easy, be filled with light, and shine in their spiritual lives.

Tribute to the Founder of Landcare Horrie Poussard 1940-2023 RIP (from tribute by Rob Youl, Global Landcare, 16 January 2023). Horrie first worked with the Soil Conservation Authority leading to a master’s degree and membership of Australasia-Pacific Extension Network. He established a sheep project in Sth Korea while wife Wendy did community development. She later worked with Mark Raper SJ at the Asia Bureau. John Cain’s Victorian government in early 1982 sought to reform the public service. A multi-disciplinary approach lead to founding Landcare. Horrie and Bob Edgar worked closely with Joan Kirner and Winjallok Landcare was launched near St Arnaud on 25 November 1986. Farmers in defined river catchments cooperated beyond fences in care for land. Rick Farley and Philip Toyne promoted Landcare, combining farm and conservation lobbyists. In 1991, Horrie and is wife Wendy did consultancy work in Fiji and later in Vietnam. Submitted by Fr Charles Rue, founding FEN member
The Multifaith Association of South Australia recently updated their Commitment to Interfaith Harmony to include ecological sustainability by: 1. Respecting traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians of these islands now called Australia, by educating themselves and communities of all faith/background on the significance of the Referendum on a Voice to Parliament. 2. Respecting the integrity of each other's beliefs, cultures and traditions and seeking to live together in peace and goodwill. 3. Respecting the environment that sustains us all, and seeking to live in harmony and reduce the threat of climate change to our Earth and it precious biodiversity. One of the key outcomes from our discussions was an interest in re-starting our visits not only to places of worship, but also to places of ecological sustainability where we can learn more about biodiversity, care for the earth. Submitted by Philippa Rowland, Chair, Religions for Peace Australia / President, Multifaith Assoc. South Australia
|