My decision to attend the International Leadership Conference in Mindanao, Philippines, March 29-31, 2012, was not taken lightly. As I called up to the heavens for answers, what impressed my way of thinking was the purpose of my NGO, Wahine Maori of Queensland Inc., to promote a culture of peace around the world.

Sydney, Australia - An Australian Leadership Convocation from February 17 to 19 brought together leaders to set the vision, goals, and direction of UPF's work for the coming year. Among the topics discussed were community building, social service projects, and education. Participants came from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania to spend time with Dr. Dong Woo Kim, Regional Chair of UPF-Oceania, and Rev. Greg Stone, Secretary-General  of UPF-Oceania, reviewing last year's activities and making plans for the coming year.

Sydney, Australia - The first Ambassadors for Peace public meeting in Sydney for 2012 celebrated the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. Over 60 people attended the February 6 event, which featured the theme: “Towards an Era of Interfaith Cooperation and Universal Peace.”

Sydney, Australia - UPF-Australia hosted the seventh annual Living for Others Award event on November 12. There was a full house of 120 attendees in the main hall of the Oceania Peace Embassy in Sydney.

Melbourne, Australia - The UPF commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace was held at the headquarters of the Federations for World Peace in Victoria.

Sydney, Australia - As part of the Community Connections project, UPF-Sydney's key grassroots effort, a community capacity building workshop on September 10 featured guest presenter Jonathan Duffy, CEO of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Australia.

Sydney, Australia - The Universal Peace Federation and Women’s Federation for World Peace of Australia sponsored a community forum in the Jubilee Room at the New South Sales Parliament House on June 27 to commemorate the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Sydney, Australia - The UPF-Australia character education team presented one of the Celebrating Life lessons* “Drugs, Alcohol and Cigarettes” at a youth group meeting in Mt. Druitt, west of Sydney on June 17. Around 20 Samoans, mostly high school students, were present.

Sydney, Australia - The bi-monthly Ambassadors for Peace Meeting on June 6 featured an introduction and explanation of the new Community Connections Project being instigated in Sydney by the Universal Peace Federation. Rev. Greg Stone, President of UPF-Australia, introduced the project.

Victoria, Australia - UPF-Australia will host a family evening on June 2 at the City Hall in Victoria.

Sydney, Australia - UPF-Sydney hosted an Australian Leadership Conference on May 7 at the Oceania Peace Embassy. The theme was “Towards a New Paradigm of Leadership & Good Governance: The Role of the Ambassadors for Peace.”

Sydney, Australia - More than 60 people gathered on April 4 for a talk by Mr. James Paul, conductor of the Sydney Street Choir. Then the choir treated everyone with several heart-warming and inspring songs.

Sydney, Australia - UPF and the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) jointly organized a luncheon at the Oceania Peace Embassy to celebrate the 100^th International Women’s Day on March 5.

Sydney, Australia - UPF Ambassadors for Peace met on February 7 to offer interfaith prayers for the victims of recent floods and cyclone in Queensland. Many parts of Australia experienced catastrophic natural disasters and extreme weather conditions in recent weeks, and participants shared stories of selfless service.