After the success of the inaugural Deep Listening Festival last year, the event will continue to explore issues faced by communities that are not always talked about openly. This year it will focus on homelessness and multiculturalism as people seek to find a home and place of belonging and acceptance.
It will be a great weekend of storytelling, art, music, workshops and spirituality with the theme ‘Finding a place to call home’, on Friday night 5, and all day Saturday 6 April at Margaret River Uniting Church.
Friday night will see the opening of commissioned artwork, where you will be able to view the art and listen to the artists discuss the inspiration for their work. Wine and nibbles are included and music will follow.
Michael Kiernan will be the keynote speaker on homelessness. He will talk about his journey from successful businessman to losing everything, to coming to a place where he can help others.
Naydeene Edwards, proud Ngoonooru Wadjari woman, will also be a keynote speaker. Naydeene grew up in foster care in Port Hedland and now runs a successful business in Bunbury called R U House Ready.
Two local people from Margaret River, Sean Hsu and Meire De Mello, will share what ‘finding home’ has meant for them, through both story and panel discussion, and Rev Cathie Lambert will be exploring the idea of a ‘spiritual home’ in a workshop, and open the Saturday program with a time of meditation. She will also set up a community art piece which people will be able to add to throughout the day.
For booking details, visit margaretriveruniting.com/deep-listening-festival.
If you would like further information or need assistance with accommodation, contact Mary Elton at elton5@bigpond.com or Ross Gobby on 0409 993 659.
Mary Elton
Top image: Naydeene Edwards