Ballarat unites for Interfaith Harmony Week

A PUBLIC show of unity and respect will take place in Ballarat on Tuesday (3 February) as the city hosts its annual UN World Interfaith Harmony Week flag event.

The annual gathering has been held in Ballarat since 2011, following the United Nations’ unanimous adoption of the initiative a year earlier.

This year’s event will be held from 11am at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Sturt Street, with City of Ballarat mayor Tracey Hargreaves delivering a welcome address on behalf of the city.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and Aboriginal artist Jenny Oldaker will appear as keynote speaker.

Student leaders from Ballarat Grammar, Ballarat High School, Mt Clear College, Phoenix P-12 Community College and St Patrick’s College will also take part, speaking on the relevance of tolerance, social respect, interfaith dialogue and harmony in today’s world.

“All people of good will wanting to demonstrate a stand for tolerance and peace are welcome to attend,” Ballarat Interfaith Network vice-president Margaret Lenan Ellis said.

“We’ve had a fairly consistent attendance over the years, which has tended to fill St Peter’s Church.”

The program will include a shared prayer for peace led by representatives from a range of faiths, along with performances by a children’s choir from Mt Clear College.

Phoenix P-12 Community College student leadership coordinator Matt Whiteford said the school was keen to be involved.

“Especially considering what’s happening in the world today, I think it’s very important to be part of these conversations,” Mr Whiteford said.

St Patrick’s College principal Steven O’Connor said the college was proud to support the event.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff to come together with the wider community to promote peace, celebrate our shared humanity and recognise the strength found in unity and diversity,” Mr O’Connor said.

“We were privileged to attend last year and look forward to being part of this important and meaningful occasion again on Tuesday.”