If you’re feeling a bit stressed out, then this week will be just what the doctor ordered.
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Starting on Sunday the Tamar Valley Peace Festival will be hosting a week of activities, lectures, talks and discussions.
The festival, which is in its third year, strives to actively lead peace in the community, bringing together people from all walks of life.
“Rather than sitting back and being all hippy and flower-power, which is often what people think when you say peace festival it is actually much bigger than that, it really is about that leading by example, being good citizens and having a strong community,” festival program coordinator Sonja Hindrum said.
Started by the Peace Trust, the festival was started following late Governor Peter Underwood’s 2014 Anzac Day address.
Inspired by his words, which challenged Tasmanians to “actively strive for peace on a daily basis and learn ways of resolving conflict without violence”, peace activist Jean Hearn rallied the support of the community around her to begin the festival.
“I think we need to celebrate community and educate community more than ever now,” Mrs Hindrum said.
“It’s really just getting to know the people around you, if we know the people around us, know the people in our community then we’re not afraid of them.”
Over the years it has been running the festival has gathered momentum and support. It’s program has grown and this year includes an impressive line up of speakers and events.
Thursday will see a panel discussion, which will be joined by Australian Human Rights Commissioner Ed Santow, on the relationship between religion and individual rights.
Other notable events include an examination of a Tasmanian Human Rights Act, which will be attended by Robin Banks and Rodney Croome, and an address by author and journalist Martin Flanagan reflecting on his father’s experience of war and peace.
Flyers detailing the full program events can be found at the Launceston LINC and council officers.
The week’s events can also be viewed, and tickets booked, at www.tamarcommunitypeace.org.au.