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On Friday 26 July, the Boroondara Interfaith Network in partnership with the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Boroondara hosted an audience of 75 people at Kew Court House to celebrate National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2013. The event was held as a celebration and tribute to the cultural heritage of our Indigenous community and share in the different spiritual pathways of Boroondara's faith communities.

The evening commenced with light refreshments put together by the team at Cultural Education and the Baha'i planning committee to create an ambient environment. After getting to know one another and setting the scene for a evening of tranquil reflection, attendees made their way to the auditorium. The event was MCed by Theresa Rajah, Community Development Officer at the City of Boroondara.

The formal program commenced with a Welcome to Country and stirring reflection by Aunty Diane Kerr, an Elder of the Wurundjeri community. Aunty Diane spoke to attendees about her spiritual heritage and connection with the land. Through her talk, she urged everyone to share in one another's stories and spiritual beliefs, highlighting the importance of our role in the wider community and the need to live simply and in harmony with Mother Nature. 

Following from Aunty Diane Kerr's reflection, members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Boroondara performed a series of readings and musical responses focusing on personal reflection and inspiration. The combined string of musical chants and words of Baha'i writings certainly created a tranquil session, promoting attendees to unite in a quiet setting and reflect on inspiring themes and common threads that tie us altogether.

To conclude the event the Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria Inc. (RAJKOV) performed a Hindu reflection, reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita and leading attendees through a special meditation session. Set to the soothing melodies of Indian music, the reading provided insight into the most important teachings of Lord Krishna as recorded in the verses of the ancient Hindu scripture. Through the guided meditation, attendees were encouraged to enter a state of relaxed contemplation and reflection.

To conclude the evening's proceedings, attendees shared in a light supper to look back and discuss the teachings and insight provided by the different faith communities. The event was a wonderful tribute to the spiritual heritage of our Indigenous community and the diverse pathways of spirituality in Boroondara.

By Theresa Rajah
Convenor of the Boroondara Interfaith Network - 'Building relationships that nurture harmony, and deepen understanding and respect in the community'