Join Us for the World Philosophy Day 2024: Unity Through Diversity Panel Discussion
🌍 Date: Friday, November 22, at 7.00 pm (Doors open 6.30 pm)
📍 Location: Library at the Dock – The performance space.

On World Philosophy Day 2024, we invite you to an inspiring event celebrating the beauty of unity through diversity.
We will have an open panel discussion, during which artists, innovators, activists, spiritual leaders, philosophers, and change-makers from all walks of life will come together to explore how we can incorporate and sustain unity in our daily lives.

Together, we’ll explore how nurturing unity within ourselves can lead to a society that thrives on intellectual, moral, and spiritual diversity. This is a unique opportunity to explore ways to cultivate a more inclusive and harmonious world. When we nourish our lives with unity, we strengthen our communities and celebrate the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.

Come and be inspired, challenged, and empowered to make a difference.

Our Panel speakers:

Tony Ayres is an award-winning Australian showrunner, writer, director and a founding member of Matchbox Pictures. He created and led acclaimed series like The Slap, Nowhere Boys, and the Netflix hit Clickbait. In 2018, he launched Tony Ayres Productions, focusing on producing global feature films and television. Tony’s work has earned over 60 major awards, including multiple AACTA awards, an International Emmy and a BAFTA. Tony is renowned for his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Heather Cetrangolo is the founder and CEO of Systemic Renewal International, which specialises in action research that transforms collective mindsets and systems. With over 20 years of experience and a PhD in progress, she combines practical expertise and academic research to lead systemic change in challenging contexts. Heather is also an ordained Anglican priest who collaborated with global leaders at the Caux Palace in Switzerland. Her work is grounded in a holistic approach, sensitive to the complexities of religion and accessible to all.

Maggie Smith is a passionate First Nations leader with over 30 years of experience serving communities across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Currently the First Peoples Lead at the City of Port Phillip Council, she was recently appointed as the First Nations Cultural Advisor to the Victorian Ombudsman’s Reconciliation Working Group. Maggie designed the Dhumbumana Healing Strategy and has advocated for Aboriginal women and children facing homelessness due to family violence. She is also a Signatory Award winner with Melbourne Women’s Fund & Justice Connect.

Isabel Melles Taberner is a dedicated leader, teacher, and advocate for intersectional inclusion. As Senior Program Leader at Monash University, she supports student leadership and fosters inclusivity in sporting and martial arts communities. Isabel, a trauma-informed Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider, creates accessible programs that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her postgraduate studies in psychology and experience with diverse communities guide her approach, blending equity, mindfulness, and self-compassion. She also leads initiatives to remove barriers to inclusion in academic and community settings.

Ariel Druckman is a passionate advocate for personal growth and development, with over 20 years of experience in architecture, training and empowering others. As the National Director of New Acropolis Australia, he promotes philosophy as a practical path to self-knowledge, fostering ethics and creating safe spaces for individuals to grow. Ariel’s work is centred on positively impacting and continuously seeking ways to give back. His dedication to philosophy as a way of life inspires those around him to pursue more profound understanding and self-development.

Maya Ward is an author, musician, urban designer, and environmental educator best known for her memoir The Comfort of Water: A River Pilgrimage. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing, where she explored the embodied experience of the alive world, blending neuroscience, somatics, psychology, and Indigenous knowledge systems. With over 35 years of experience, Maya’s work deepens a sense of belonging to place, community, and nature. Her creative journey reflects her passion for environmental activism, Indigenous wisdom, and fostering meaningful connections to the Country.