Girton Community Action Group

Bendigo Interfaith Council annual dinner

The Bendigo Interfaith Council (BIC) annual dinner was held this year on Thursday 2 May at the All Seasons Conservatory. Representatives of Girton Grammar School included Reverend Karen Reid, two teachers and four student members of the Girton Community Action Group (GCAG). All of us had a fabulous time and enjoyed the various presentations.  

First, a group of Bendigo-based male refugees from Afghanistan performed a traditional cultural dance that has never before been seen in Bendigo. We learnt that these men are from a persecuted ethnic minority group in Afghanistan, and while several of them had been here for over 10 years, some were still trying to bring their wives and children to safety in Australia.

The guest speaker was Mr Kulwant Joshi, president of Sri Durga Temple, the largest Hindu temple in Melbourne. Mr Joshi and an accompanying Hindu priest explained their way of life following their faith, which allowed us to see another religious point of view. 

Finally, we witnessed a lively Q&A session, which explored questions about religion and its place in the world, with much discussion about the relationship between gender violence and the nature of structural power in traditionally patriarchal religious organisations.  

A highlight of the night to my mind was the fine dining: I had a crispy-skinned barramundi for dinner and apple dumplings for dessert. Altogether, this night provided a great learning experience for everyone, old and young, and an opportunity to foster understanding, compassion and harmony within the Bendigo community and the world at large.

Bailey Dolan (12 Aherne)