Maureen Doonan tries to participate in as many faith and cultural celebrations as she can. “It’s better that we understand,” the 87-year-old says. Doonan is a fierce refugee advocate and Order of Australia recipient who belongs to the Uniting Church in her home town of Ballarat in regional Victoria. Also a member of the Ballarat Interfaith Network, she says it’s important “to sort out how much is ...
The narrative presents a compelling case for interfaith and intercultural engagement as a tool for social cohesion, particularly in regional communities. At its strongest, it highlights genuine efforts by individuals like Maureen Doonan and Michelle Philips to bridge divides through participation and mutual respect. The emphasis on shared values—family, kindness, and community—resonates as a universal human experience, transcending religious or cultural boundaries. The inclusion of secular voice...