We were honoured to host Tongan artist and climate activist Uili Lousi at our Centre in Balmain for our first Talanoa in 2024. During the Talanoa (a traditional form of Pacific dialogue), which included participants from Australian Museum, Climate Action Network Australia, and others Uili talked of his journey to activism, his art practice and climate activism in Tonga and internationally. Uili also highlighted his ideas for creative projects that would allow Australia and the Pacific to come together as a region if Australia secured its bid for the 2026 United Nations climate conference (COP31.) Uili talked about some of the important Tongan philosophers and thinkers who had shaped his own thinking and approach including the late Professor Futa Helu (himself a student of the Influential University of Sydney philosopher–John Anderson) and the late Professor Epeli Hau’ofa. It was an honour to be able to host Uili Lousi in Balmain and help to build relationships between Uili and institutions such as the Australian Museum and the Australian climate action network.

Last week, The Edmund Rice Centre was honoured to help organize and take part in a heartwarming community gathering for newly arrived refugee families from Afghanistan. The primary goal was to establish connections among these families and lay the foundation for a strong community-based support system. The event was organized in an informal, family, and child-focused manner, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was truly inspiring to witness the power of community coming together to support those who have recently arrived and are navigating the challenges of a new life.

Opinion Piece, ‘Alopi Latukefu, Director Edmund Rice Centre

‘Truth will set us free’. (Book of John 8:32).

As our country prepares to commemorate January 26^th 2024 once again as our national day, it is time for a renewed discussion on how and when we celebrate being Australian. This year offers an opportunity to begin a process of healing as a nation following last year’s referendum experience. A renewed approach to truth-telling, which the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for, is much needed in this post-referendum age.

As we enter the fourth month of the war in Gaza and in light of the almost 25,000 Palestinians killed, thousands of whom are children, the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education renews its call for an urgent ceasefire agreement that will put a stop to these atrocities.