Life is too short to spend too much time alone. In real life Sunday is a chance to enjoy each other's company, a few laughs and an afternoon out with others including some music, conversation and maybe even some dancing. For those musically inclined - perhaps bring your instrument or voice along and join the band for some jazz improvisation.

As part of the IRL Sunday (irlsunday.org.au), join 'Alopi Latukefu and other special guests with Balmain's own Jazz Salon house band The Repeat Offenders. While the gig is a free community event you can make a donation to the fundraising appeal at irlsunday.org.au/donate.

All donations raised go to the good work of Edmund Rice Community Services including the Edmund Rice Centre for Justic and Community Education.

The Edmund Rice Centre wishes a warm welcome and congratulations to the Hon Senator Malarndirri McCarthy - Northern Territory stepping in as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. We also extend a sincere thank you to the Hon Linda Burney for her work in the role.

Read our response to @Devintellab's Intel question this week. "Australia's hosting of COP31 jointly with the Pacific, if done right, provides a historic opportunity for Australia and Pacific Islander nations to present a united front in the interests of the region and the world. Read our response, authored by 'Alopi Latukefu, Corinne Fagueret and Dr. Mahendra Kumar:

https://www.devintelligencelab.com/intel/18july2024

The number of refugees being held at the Nauru detention centre has increased sixfold in six months and unfortunately, with both sides of politics committed to "offshore processing", the only way to ensure that people are not left to suffer there for years is to urgently improve claim processing times.

https://www.abc.net.au/.../nauru-detainee.../104114852

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is "Keep The Fire Burning". The fire represents the enduring strength and wisdom of the First Nations people of Australia and Torres Strait Island. Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.