Melbourne I August Update
2026.09.03
Women from Daughters of Jerusalem continued their Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), reflecting on the values that have shaped their lives. During a moving "Letter to Myself" activity, participants shared memories of the encouraging words and strong values their mothers gave them in childhood.
Although war separated many from their mothers and forced them to rebuild their lives in another country, they shared how those teachings remain a source of strength today. Discussions explored respect, responsibility and the challenges of passing these values to younger generations in Australia.
During PLTE Lesson 3, participants shared experiences of navigating South Sudan's diverse tribal traditions, intercultural marriages and generational misunderstandings. The women also expressed hope for greater unity among South Sudanese communities in Victoria.
Violence is not always physical. Participants reflected on how hurtful words, bullying, exclusion and extreme reactions can cause harm, sometimes without us realising it. They highlighted the importance of adults recognising the impact of their words, bridging misunderstandings between generations, and showing goodwill through actions. Peace means putting our words into action and making sure others feel respected and included. There are less visible forms of violence, including harmful words, bullying and exclusion.
The Tamaduni Festival 2026 brought Melbourne's Kenyan community together for a vibrant celebration of African culture, heritage, music and community under the theme "Our Roots, Our Future." Hosted by Kenyan Community Victoria (KCV), the festival showcased the diversity within the Kenyan community through cultural performances exploring traditions, marriage, migration and the experience of building a new life in Australia.
IWPG Melbourne joined the celebration, strengthening connections with KCV's leadership and discussing future opportunities to support women through Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE). KCV expressed a strong interest in empowering women within their community and creating opportunities for them to participate in future peace education.
The festival also opened doors to new multicultural connections, including community leaders, performers and authors from Tanzanian and Nepalese backgrounds. With a Swahili school, youth programs and upcoming cultural celebrations, KCV continues to create spaces where culture can be preserved while future generations are empowered to thrive in Australia.
The day reflected the festival's message beautifully: honouring where we come from while building a more connected and peaceful future together.
Women and community members from Sunrise Community Inc. continued their Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), exploring how peace can be practised within families, communities and everyday life. Through lessons on Peace and Culture, participants examined physical, structural and cultural violence, including the influence of violent imagery in children's toys and media.
One woman reflected that she had never been given the opportunity to receive an education and came to recognise how structural and cultural barriers had shaped her experience. With education highly valued in the Hazara Afghan community, participants highlighted its importance as a pathway towards peace.
Reflecting the close-knit nature of the Hazara Afghan community, participants naturally worked together to create their bouquets before exploring peace, self-worth and unconditional love. For many, conversations about personal value were new. Participants described the workshop as meaningful education needed within their community.
During a women-only workshop, participants also reflected on the values of a peace citizen and shared personal experiences of both inclusion and discrimination in Australia. Muslim women spoke about experiences of racism and Islamophobia, including being yelled at in public or questioned about wearing the hijab.
Sunrise Community Inc. looks forward to continuing its collaboration with IWPG Melbourne and creating more opportunities to strengthen peace within the community.
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