IofC Australia has published its annual report for the financial year 2018-19. The report is available online and also in hard copy, upon request to the IofC Australia office via email.

Besides financial information, the annual report describes IofC Australia’s programs, the supporter community that carries out much of the work, and individual stories of change.

The report highlights the launch of two new programs: PeopleCraft, which is supporting international exchanges of IofC community workers, and the Spiritual Ecology Leadership Program, conducted in partnership with the CERES community environment park in Melbourne. Ongoing programs are the Life Matters workshops, Creators of Peace circles, and the Sprout! Community program that trains and mentors individuals to research, develop and launch their own projects in local communities.

Andrew Lancaster, Chair of the IofC Australia board, said the past year has been one of developing new ways of working as existing programs are consolidated and new initiatives nurtured. He welcomed the grant funding that has been provided through municipal and state bodies for partnerships at the local level.

Athalia Zwartz, IofC Australia’s Executive Officer, noted that highlights of the year have included cooperation with the South Sudanese community on a women’s conference, a faith leaders’ weekend, and a workshop for emerging leaders, as well as meetings with some of Australia’s First Peoples to plan ways to build bridges and overcome inequalities and injustice. “New networks of care and friendship are needed among Australia’s diverse communities, and we will keep seeking to fill the gaps that exist between the community programs and services already in place,” she said.

IofC Australia is part of a world-wide movement that is active in some 60 countries. IofC International is incorporated in Switzerland and has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC). IofC Australia is a public company endorsed as a charity by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission. Its mission is to empower leadership for peace and trust building in communities in Australia and overseas where invited.