Quakers Australia

17/05/2026

A small yet visible Quaker presence at the Palestine rally, marking Nakba, in Naarm (Melbourne) today.

14/05/2026

How does the Federal budget impact areas of key concern to Australian Quakers? Here is a little summary, drawing on analysis of organisations working in these areas

13/05/2026

Quakers do not preach that others should follow their leading, but rather that each person should follow their own inner prompting until they find what fits for them -- however, we can suggest that others share their personal experience at the Silver Wattle Quaker Centre and be open to any inner promptings that may arise!
I am now in my second week at Silver Wattle Quaker Centre. This has been a week of rest and respite from the general day to day events and commitments of my life. On the basis of this experience, I would recommend to anyone seeking something deeper in their lives to visit SWQC for a time -- those who may have a yearning for 'something more' or those who may have wondered how they might find out more.
In particular, spending two weeks at the Centre allows a deeper centering. The regular daily rhythm of times of eating, working and worship has a soothing effect on the body, mind and spirit.
The costs are kept low, but may still seem expensive to those on a budget. However, there is money available from Regional Meetings to support travel and stays at the Centre and SWQC offers free accommodation for those willing to help with practical maintenance while they are here.
The first week for me was a week for creative activities and 'slowing down '. This second week, I am feeling more deeply centred as well as finding the answers to many of my questions about the Centre -- chatting to whoever is here and asking the questions that had not yet been answered. I've been fortunate to have Anne Felton with her 16 years of SWQC experience to answer my questions and, at times, debate with me about things that have puzzled me. I am grateful for her careful and God-focused attention.
The Centre is open to any seeker -- and some of those who come here have had bad experiences with 'God talk' and shy away from worship or even giving thanks for meals, but if they come here they will be welcomed, and who knows what deep questions might stir o be answered within their hearts?
The Centre’s stated purpose is: "to bring healing & inspiration into this difficult & precious world by sharing Quaker tradition, contemplative practices & supporting prophetic witness in seekers of all faiths & none."
In my recent experience, that is a purpose that is a living reality, not just nice words.
Has anyone else experience of stays of more than one week? Please share so that others might know of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’ that such sojourns can bring.

25/04/2026

Where is the hope? Today Joyce Ajlouny from American Friends Service Committee shared some of her gems.

What ones speak to you?

Thanks to St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Pax Christi Australia and Victorian Council of Churches for organising the event.

20/04/2026

Three quarters of Australians think Australia should maintain or increase the aid budget. As the conflict in the Middle East drives insecurity, pushes up the cost of fuel and food and makes the future uncertain, we know the value of aid. At less than 1% of the federal budget saves lives, strengthens communities, prevents crises, and helps make a safer world for all.

Will you increase aid in this year's budget- Penny Wong - Senator for SA Jim Chalmers MP Richard Marles MP"

Safer World for All

05/04/2026

We are grateful to join Friends around the world for World Quaker Day this year as we reflect on the theme Let Peace Be Among Us.

“Peace be with you.” These were the first words the risen Christ spoke to his disciples - words which feel particularly important as conflict continues around the globe.

The theme for World Quaker Day on 4 October 2026 is Let Peace Be Among Us, with the supporting Bible passage, Hebrews 12:14, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.”

FWCC is planning a massive open online Meeting for Worship on the day (4 October), bringing together Friends across borders, time zones, and Quaker traditions with a shared focus on peace.

Please save the date and start talking with your local meeting or Friends Church about joining together as a group. You may also wish to display this poster (pictured), which you can download in high resolution from our website here: www.worldquakerday.org

More updates on that webpage and via our monthly e-newsletter Friends World News - subscribe at www.fwcc.world

11/03/2026

Quakers have just written to the Foreign Minister, calling on the Government to lean into the rules-based order, because the alternative is disastrous.

Read our full letter at https://bit.ly/QA_no_war_Iran

02/03/2026

Australian Quakers are alarmed by the decision by the USA and Israel to attack Iran, and by Iran’s retaliatory strikes around the Middle East. Our hearts bleed with the people of Iran, and all others already impacted by this escalating violence.

War is never the answer. War causes endless human suffering and damage to our world.

The USA and Israel’s attacks on Iran are a clear violation of international law, a reckless undermining of the rules based order. They exacerbate the risk of nuclear conflict. We are disappointed at the Australian Government’s response, which can be heard as tacit support for these actions.

It seems likely that military infrastructure in Australia, such as at Pine Gap, the Harold Holt submarine facility, and Tindal Air Base have already been used by the USA in these attacks, and we call on the Government to reject any involvement in acts of aggression.

Nuclear weapons are an abomination, and their ongoing existence is a collective failure. It is hypocritical to talk about nuclear threats from Iran when the US government renews its own massive arsenal and Israel has covert nuclear weapons. The best step for the Australian Government to reduce the nuclear threat is to sign the nuclear ban treaty.

24/02/2026

Victoria Regional Meeting Friends singing to raise awareness of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty campaign by ARRCC.

What can other Friends say/sing?

VRM Friends singing to raise awareness of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty campaign by ARRCC. What can other Friends say/sing?

23/02/2026

I love this.