Melbourne

The World March for Peace and Non Violence message was carried to Melbourne on 3rd October by base team members Francesca Izzo and Marco Inglessis. They attended a lively event, filled with a mixture of soothing and empowering music from two choirs - the world-famous Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly Choir of Hard Knocks) and Dr. Jonathon Welch's (Australian of the Year) own new THE CHOIR.

Both were accompanied by tumultuous birdsong from the surrounding trees and bathed in warm sunshine. Speakers at the event, held in Carlton Piazza, Lygon Street, Melbourne were Marisol Salinas (indigenous rights activist) Dr Bill Williams (Director of the Medical Association for Prevention of Wars), Susan Carew, world renowned peace clown who has worked with Patch Adams in Russia, and Lilly Kitchen spiritual healer and meditation guru. During all this time, our expert face painter Elina was in full swing, keeping children focused on the concepts of peace and happiness.

We Longa Kanga Conga'd our way to the peace circle - members of the public mingling with all speakers and choir members (including great sport Dr Jonathon Welch himself!) and we were heartened by a meditation and peace blessing from Lilly Kitchen, followed by our final song "Go Now in Peace" in three part harmony, led by Dr. Welch.

Altogether, the event was a spectacular success in bringing the issue of peace to the forefront of our minds and planting future seeds for the march, as its roots and branches spread throughout the world.

Carol Campbell
Joint Coordinator
World March for Peace and Non-Violence Melbourne

See the Photos

TESTIMONIES

Hi Carol, How are you? Hope this finds you well. I would just like to say I had an absolute blast in Melbourne yesterday. I was in the royal Australian navy back in 1990-1991, when the first gulf war happened. I was told I had to go to war. I saw it for myself. The saw the effect the war had on children. And, to me, that was the most disturbing facet of war I have ever seen. The effect war has on children. The Choir of Hope & Inspiration loved being a part of this world wide event. I felt extremely proud to have endoresed the march. Although not alot of people showed up, the hearts of those people that did show up, were full of peace, and that's what we wanted to achieve. To show the world that there are people that do care. I know the rest of the march will go well. Please send my love to all those who are marching. I will continue to spread the word. Love Karen Chesterfield Member of the Choir of Hope & Inspiration

Hi Carol, Members of both choirs thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the weekend. I spoke to some Hope and Inspiration members yesterday who were telling everyone else about the event and how much fun they had, especially the peace circle at the end. It was a great day and Jim did a fab job with the sound. So much that we are looking at working with him in the future on a regular basis. You now can come up for air and what a lovely singing voice you have – you should join a choir J Thank you for allowing us to be involved. Margaret

The First Ever World March for Peace and Non-Violence

More at TheWorldMarch.org