BALLARAT'S Interfaith Network (BIN) is celebrating 10 years of the United Nations' World Interfaith Week with a series of events across the region next month.
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As well as the traditional flag raising ceremony which will be held on February 4, BIN is also hosting a 'walk and talk In the wetlands', on February 8 at Lake Wendouree, led by Ballarat planning committee member Hedley Thompson and featuring a 'Welcome to Country' by Deanne Gilson.
Chair of the Ballarat Interfaith Network Margaret Lenan Ellis said there was no more important time than now to celebrate all faiths and each other.
"The concept of this event is for people of different faiths, or no particular faith at all, to come together in their mutual appreciation for the peace that can be felt when in harmony with nature," Ms Lenan Ellis said.
"This event will be lead by a 'Welcome to Country' given by Wadawurrung woman Deanne Gilson, followed by a talk on the concept she had when creating her Indigenous sculpture that was installed near the wetlands at the lake early last year."
This year marks a special anniversary for interfaith networks around the world since it was first initiated in the United Nations by King Abdullah II of Jordan in September, 2010.
Ms Lenan Ellis said interfaith networks were "vital" in today's world.
"You see how a whole lot of multicultural and intercultural associations also are involved," she said.
"While Ballarat still very much sees itself as a regional city, we are becoming increasingly multicultural in terms of many cultures and we are multi-faith.
"It's no longer just predominantly Christian at all."
Ms Gilson said she had seen enormous growth in people of different cultures and belief coming to Ballarat.
"Being an educator, I've seen the growth, it's been incredible, and it's been wonderful," she said.
"It's refreshing too, I've loved getting to know all the different communities."
Ms Lenan Ellis said the week provided a perfect opportunity for people to listen, learn and make new friends with neighbours of a different religion.
"Throughout the week, people of all faiths - and none - within the local region will have the opportunity to meet together in conversation, be they Christians, Jews, Muslims, Baha'is, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and many more."
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