Australian Educators Publish Guide for “Living with Purpose”
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Melbourne, Australia – An online book launch on February 11, 2026, marked the release of “Living with Purpose – 3 Pillars of Wellbeing, Positive Relationships, and a Sustainable and Peaceful Future,” published by UPF-Australia and the International Association of Academicians for Peace Oceania. The book aligns with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Academics, researchers, educators and community leaders from across Australia and beyond gathered to celebrate the publication of this 360-page volume, which includes more than 90 practical activities designed for classroom, community and personal development settings.
Its authors – Dr. John Bellavance, Dr. Tuong Thi Phan and Dr. Rafia Naz – and its editor, Ms. Wendy Stuart, were on hand to share their views.
“Living with Purpose” offers a values-based framework grounded in three foundational pillars: managing ourselves well, building positive relationships, and managing our natural world with care.
Together, these pillars present a holistic educational framework that nurtures ethical individuals, resilient families, responsible organizations and engaged global citizens. The program integrates psychology, philosophy, civic education and sustainability studies into a coherent values-based approach.
Designed for senior secondary students (ages 15–18), university students, adults pursuing personal growth, and institutions seeking to embed ethical culture into their practice, the book offers a comprehensive pathway towards personal wellbeing, social harmony and sustainable development.
At its heart, the program cultivates lifelong values and skills that empower individuals to manage themselves effectively, foster healthy relationships and act responsibly towards their environment. It promotes character education – forming individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also morally grounded and socially responsible.
The book received strong endorsements from leading scholars and practitioners across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Wali Islam, former academic at the University of New South Wales and scientist at Prince of Wales Hospital, described the book as a “comprehensive framework for nurturing moral, emotional and intellectual growth through values-based education,” noting its alignment with sustainable development and social cohesion objectives.
Dr. Anoop Swarup, chair of the Centre for Global Nonkilling, praised the book as a “profound and thought-provoking work” that integrates emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning and civic responsibility into transformative education.
Prof. Terence J. Lovat, honorary research fellow at University of Oxford and emeritus professor at University of Newcastle, highlighted the book’s contribution to holistic moral and civic development grounded in shared values.
The book is available through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay and Dymocks.
