Sunday, September 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE celebrations in Geelong 2016

Friday 9th September at City Hall, Geelong we celebrated the United Nations Declared day of Peace. Officially the day is always 21st September, but people can honour this either side in whatever way peacefully extols the virtues of peace.
It was delightful sharing at City Hall and through the streets of central Geelong, with a tasty refreshment segment at the end. My photos are not too good indoors but give an idea of the beautiful setting. See Facebook for plenty more.


 Guest Speaker Chagai


Members of various communities joined, including Karenni, Nepalese, Sudanese, Geelong Interfaith, COGG (City of Greater Geelong) representatives, Victoria Police, etc. About fifty joined us here.The Geelong Interfaith Network always takes part in the UN IDP. This year the Karenni (in red) led the procession through the streets of Geelong with gongs and cymbals.




Jenny brought the large set of handmade flags of all the nations in the UN with smaller ones used in the parade. A beautiful room display was set up, creating an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The City Peace Pole happened to be in the room too so we used it.
We chose to not take the big flags on the walk as we’d had a lot of rain and weren’t sure it wouldn’t rain again while we were out. The small flags could be sheltered under clothing if need be. As it turned out, we were blessed with no rain until after we returned to City Hall.
The City of Greater Geelong provided the venue and the local police helped with moving through the streets. Jenny and Veema Mooniapah are the main force behind the IDP being so successful each year. Report by Randall Apps & Jenny Funston