After a year marked by conflict and divisiveness, it is up to us – all of us – to work towards a better world.
King Charles’ Christmas broadcast made this point, together with his empathy for the plight of refugees. He called for “Resilience in the face of adversity, peace through forgiveness,” and went on, “Simply getting to know our neighbours, and by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships.”
These sentiments were on ample display at the large organised NYE celebrations, not only the millions at Sydney Harbour, but the tens of thousands at Woodford and the couple of thousand at Lismore’s Tropical Fruits.
Common themes at these spectacular and peaceful events were inclusiveness and respect.
Woodford Folk Festival took time out to honour the passing in December of Bill Hauritz AM, visionary founder of the festival and the Woodfordia festival site. Bill demonstrated that creative expression and cultural renewal need a great deal of organisation, and he pursued that goal over many years, as befits any world leader.
Without peace in Australia, none of this would be possible.
The King said, “We need to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation.”
Here’s hoping the other world leaders, and commoners, take heed.
