‘94.7 The Pulse‘ community radio in Geelong, has given Geelong Interfaith Network a regular monthly voice to our wider community. The program, called Voice of Interfaith, is aired on the last Thursday of each month at 3pm and offers a wide variety of topics and speakers predominantly on issues of faith.
At times, individuals will speak about their specific faith, often coinciding with a special religious period or event being honoured from their tradition; or sharing with others on a specific topic where each is able to give their faith’s perspective.
Students from Sacred Heart College who travelled to East Timor came and spoke of their experiences, while Jason Brown, a school chaplain gave a heartfelt interview of his visit to Manus Island, where he met with, spoke to and counselled many asylum seekers. Social Justice is a strong element of the Network and this is often reflected in the wonderfully engaging programs.
While program content is organised approximately three months in advance, there is a great deal of leeway in what occurs, especially if current events bring to notice a topic the Network feels needs a voice for human dignity, peace or similar reasons, immediately.
Events in the community calendar are also aired, such as Seniors Week, International Day of Peace, Anzac Day, while current topics such as religious education in schools, asylum seekers, indigenous and environmental issues are also great avenues to explore how faith can play an important role in decision making.
Sometimes the topics may relate to how faith plays a part in a person’s career choice, music or the environment and vice versa. Peter Roberts, a thanatologist from Geelong who works mainly in St John of God hospital playing his harp for those coming to the end of life, or for premature babies, was able to give more insights, as well as playing his harp on air. These are always enriching experiences for the radio audience, giving a very positive perspective on life.
Shirley Carroll, Monsignor Murray (Geelong Interfaith Chairperson), Jenny Funston, Leo (Pulse Station Manager)
Greer Lamaro and South African guests with Geelong Interfaith Network representatives.
