University supports cultural diversity
Since its establishment, La Trobe University has welcomed diversity on our campuses and the communities in which they are located.
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We are proud of our close and continuing relationship with the City of Greater Bendigo, and fully support council and its elected members in conducting their business unhindered, to contribute to the good governance of the city.
Last year, we supported the Bendigo Muslim community’s efforts to establish a mosque in Bendigo to serve the needs of their members.
We stated that the religious and cultural diversity accompanying Bendigo’s growth is a significant asset contributing to Bendigo's reputation as a city of opportunity and innovation. We continue to hold this view.
La Trobe University champions engagement with diversity in all its richness as the foundation of a cohesive community and a cornerstone of contemporary education.
Acting vice-chancellor Professor Jane Long, La Trobe University
Protesters’ behaviour out of order
Look to yourselves protesters. You are perpetrating exactly the behaviour you supposedly abhor.
Bendigo council should be allowed to complete "due process" without your intimidation.
It saddens me to see our city and businesses affected by your behaviour.
Heather Fry, Bendigo
Christianity a profound force of good
In the 2011 census, 61 per cent of Australians reported to be Christian, and I am one of them.
I am proud to be a Christian. There I said it! Of course, nowadays you need to be extremely bold or “whacky” to say this.
Much of our media and many of our educators appear to be Christophobic and show little tolerance for an alternative view, or more accurately a Christian view.
But why? Christianity is directly attributable for so much good in this country. Christianity is part of our DNA.
Macquarie University history senior lecturer JD Bollen stated in 1973 that it's “a good historical rule that the way to understand something is to look at it’s origins”.
As Australians we believe this is the “the lucky country.”
Lucky to have explorers such as Flinders, Sturt, Eyre, Leichhardt and Grey. Early statesman and pioneers such as Brisbane, Hunter, Macquarie, Latrobe, Deakin, Chisolm, Flynn and Elizabeth McCarthur. All these people, Christian in faith, function and fibre.
Documents such as the South Australian constitution and the constitution of Australia.
Education systems both public and private that were brought into existence thanks to our Christian pioneers, and still remain a vital alternative to the state structure.
Welfare and health systems that are supported by Christian agencies such as the Salvos, Sisters of Charity, Baptcare, Vinnies, St Lukes, Clubcare, Lifeline and St John’s Ambulance to name just a few.
All of these have been instrumental in building hospitals, lending a helping hand to the deaf, the blind, the destitute, the handicapped, the grieving and the aged.
Christians that can be found on the face of our money include Edith Cowan MBE, Rev John Flynn OBE, Mary Reibey, David Unaipon and Caroline Chisholm.
These people, organisations and documents are historical evidence of our Christian heritage.
So, next time you hear someone taking a shot at Christianity, they are also taking a shot at our forefathers.
Yes, I am proud to be a Christian, and proud of the company I keep.