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On Sunday 21 June 2015, the Port Phillip Multifaith Network hosted ‘A Shared Meal’ at the Betty Day Community Centre in St Kilda to raise awareness of, and celebrate, the achievements of refugees.

The event was also a fundraiser for three locally-active organisations: SisterWorks, Resilient Aspiring Women (RAW), and Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. MC duties for the night were ably handled by Alan Marr of the St Kilda/Elsternwick Baptist Church.

The attendance of ninety people, representing seven local faith communities, raised $900 for the three organisations. Cr. Serge Thomann, as Chair of the Port Phillip Multifaith Network, acknowledged the kind support of the Victorian Multicultural Commission whose grant made the event possible.

Luz Restrepo (left); Sister Brigid Arthur (middle); Mariam Issa (right)

The guest presenters were Luz Restrepo from SisterWorks and Mariam Issa from Resilient Aspiring Women. Both women told amazing, inspirational stories of their reasons for leaving their home countries and perilous journeys to Australia. They delivered powerful and entertaining accounts of initially struggling to settle in Australia but eventually going on to found successful social enterprises that support migrant women.

Kol Simchah (Jewish Choir)

Sister Brigid Arthur from the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project joined Luz and Mariam for a robust questions-and-answers panel discussion.

Solstice Singers (Baptist Choir)

The audience were also treated to scintillating performances by the local Kol Simchah and Solstice Singers choirs. Delicious food was provided by VegieLicious.

Report by: Ciaran McCormack
Multicultural Liaison Officer, City of Port Phillip