INTERNATIONAL PEACE COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE
WAGGA WAGGA  SEPTEMBER 21 – 23, 2012

The first Australian International Peace Communities Conference “Putting Peace into Perspective” was held in Wagga Wagga from 8th-10th September, 2000. This conference was attended by two Past Rotary International Presidents (Royce Abbey and Glen Kinross) and delegates from Japan, India, the Philippines, New Zealand and Argentina as well as representatives interstate and statewide. There was wide coverage by all media, a mayoral Reception, and RDU ran a feature article called “Give Peace a Chance” authored by Associate Editor Jerry Carroll who attended the whole conference. The keynote speakers included  Dr Keith Suter, Past Chairman of United Nations and recipient of the Australian Peace Medal, Past International Director Barry Thompson, Paul O’Sullivan Australian Executive Director of the Australian Red Cross,  Terry O’Connell Director of Real Justice Australia, Major Steve Pratt from Care Australia and Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove. PRIP Royce Abbey delivered the Inaugural Royce Abbey Oration which was published and circulated to attendees.

The conference was sponsored by the Wagga City Council ($1,500), Regional Airlines (three airline tickets), Country Comfort and RSL (free meeting rooms),donations from a number of Rotary clubs particularly Kooringal Rotary Club, and support in kind from the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Kapooka Band, Wiradjuri Council of Elders etc. Sixty delegates attended the full conference with numbers for individual sessions much higher (450 to General Cosgrove; 200 to PRIP Royce Abbey, 300 to the Peace play presented at the Playhouse) and many members of the public attended the presentation of prizes for the children’s essay and art competitions. The Conference produced a surplus.

Plans for the 2012 International Peace Communities Conference are well advanced. A draft program has been drawn up, fifteen sub-committee chairmen have been appointed, the first sub-committee chairmen’s meeting has been held and bookings of major venues (e.g. Civic Theatre, Civic Arcade) have been made. Requests for speakers have been actioned. We are very pleased that PRIP Bill Boyd has agreed to give the Royce Abbey Oration.

The benefits Rotary  District 9700 and for local, national and international communities from an International conference of this stature are extensive:

• developing new Rotary Peace networks;
• discovering new ways to implement peaceful strategies within our local communities,
• encouraging communities to commit to engaging in Peace projects locally and nationally,
• raising the profile of Peace and its place in our society,
• promoting international understanding and Peaceful relationships,
• providing an international perspective on Peace,
• facilitating a forum for better communication and avenues for discussion of Peace projects.

 

Rotary District Peace Communities Program (RDPCP)
The  Rotary District Peace Communities  program comprises two parallel initiatives:

1. Peace communities. The idea of Peace Communities was initiated in District 9700 in 1992, embraced by many overseas Rotary Districts and Clubs.  “Peace Cities” were designated in New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Canada, South Africa, USA, Namibia, Zambia, France, Israel, India, Mauritius, Northern Marianas, Argentina and Yugoslavia.  In these countries, Rotarians committed to furthering Peace in the world, set up Peace symbols on suitable sites where Rotarians and local citizens could meet on special days such as Rotary’s World Understanding Day, and  to celebrate Rotary’s birthday on 23rd February. On these days, awards are made to local citizens, students, schools and local organizations for their contribution to Peace in action within the community.

2. Peace Projects. The second focus of the Peace Communities Program is on activating partnerships between Rotary Clubs and local civic authorities and organizations (e.g. Departments of Education, Health, Police). The purpose is to focus on the concept of Peace as it is applied in practical ways  at the grass roots in local communities. Rotary Clubs are encouraged to initiate peace in action Projects involving partnerships with community groups (e.g. creating a garden for dementia patients, supporting Aboriginal conciliation activities, conducting a program for disadvantaged teens).

Rotary Peace projects are those which successfully make a difference in the lives of individuals and groups and so contribute to Peace within the community. Rotary Peace Projects are presented by Rotary Clubs and recognized as community “Peace Initiatives” at the District Conference and they are publicized as such in the media.

The Rotary Club of Wagga WaggaKooringal has prepared a comprehensive Peace Communities Kit to assist Rotary Clubs and Districts in Australia and overseas to develop a successful Peace Communities Program. The kit contains examples of Peace monuments and plaques that have been erected in Australian and overseas “Peace Cities” by Rotary to proclaim the importance of Peace in their own community. The kit also contains examples and suggestions about Peace Projects that Rotary Clubs can undertake in partnership with other groups in their own local community.

The Rotary Districts Peace Communities Program presents an excellent opportunity for Rotary to promote its image in Australia, and in overseas countries. It provides an incentive for Rotary Clubs to engage in Peace Projects within their own communities and for Districts to recognize these Projects as contributing to Peace in the community.

For further information contact:
  PDG Fred Loneragan
  P.O. Box 100 Uranquinty 2652
  Phone 02 69229624  Mob 0413277609  
 fredloneragan@bigpond.com.au