AusAlert Test - ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY BE AT RISK:

MU Members, Kerryn Lewis, Prevention of Violence Against Women Coordinator Melbourne Diocese (PVAW) has issued the below notice directed to Church Clergy and Leaders. As MU, I ask you to bring this notice to the attention of your Vicar (in case they have not seen it). You may be able to include it in Church notices, and in general talk amongst parishioners, family, friends. I also heard Paul Murray broadcasting this message on his program last night. The more we spread the information, the more vulnerable people we may be able to reach. Don’t stay silent thinking someone else will say something. A timely conversation may help someone protect their safety and maintain access to vital support networks. On Monday 27 July at 2:00pm (AEST) , Australia will conduct the AusAlert National Test. While emergency alerts are designed to support public safety, they may unintentionally increase risk for people experiencing family violence, coercive control, stalking or technology-facilitated abuse. Compatible mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, children's safety watches and other connected devices may receive the alert. For some victim-survivors, an unexpected alert could expose hidden devices, draw unwanted attention or compromise carefully developed safety plans. As clergy and church leaders, you may be among the trusted people to whom victim-survivors disclose concerns. Your awareness and timely conversations may help someone protect their safety and maintain vital support networks. ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY BE AT RISK: If receiving the alert could place someone or their children at greater risk, they should consider: Turning affected devices off or placing them into Aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test. Keeping those devices off or in Aeroplane mode for up to 24 hours after the test, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Everyone's circumstances are different. Any decisions about safety should be based on individual circumstances and personal safety planning.

St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne ‘Holding the Light’ is an ecumenical service, welcome to all, to remember victims and survivors of family and domestic violence, with the aim to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence, and to remember those who have been killed as a result of domestic violence in Australia.​ More details and name of Speaker advised at a later date.

St Paul’s Cathedral - Barbara Darling Room. In person or via Zoom Tea/Coffee will be available and BYO lunch to share if you would like to stay and mingle after the meeting. There will be one of our members to guide you through to our meeting room. Guest Speaker TBC I encourage you all to attend, either in person, or via zoom. For Zoom details, please email office@mumelbourne.org.au

July 30 to August 1.

Mary Sumner Day  3pm Catered Afternoon Tea in the St Peter’s Eastern Hill Hall. 5pm Celebrating MU at Evensong Fr Michael Bowie will be Celebrating MU 150th. Members are welcome to attend the afternoon tea only, or stay on for the Service. ‘Stay for both, or just come to either’. Possible Livestream details: TBC 15 Gisborne Street East Melbourne