A community event was held at Ivory’s Rock on Friday 7th September in the afternoon at the outdoor amphitheatre. People from the surrounding district attended along with contractors who have long contributed to the running of the facility but had never before attended an event with keynote speaker, Prem Rawat. Marnie T, breakfast show host at River 949 expertly MC’d the occasion.
Following Welcome to Country by Yuggera Dance Troupe Marnie T interviewed Prem about the enormous success of the Peace Education Program in prisons in Queensland, Australia and world-wide. A potted history of the area, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and providing a rare insight in to the development of the Peak Crossing township was presented by Lyle Winks. The cute baby koala stole the show as the Ipswich Koala Protection Society President gave an overview of the tremendous work in rescuing wildlife and rehabilitating koalas back to their natural habitat. The President of the local Lions Club explained the important work they do in the community.
Community Relations Manager, Joy Winnell introduced local publican Col Preston, who was presented a rather large $3,000 cheque onstage by Prem Rawat on behalf of Ivory’s Rock Foundaton to Rural Aid Buy A Bale. The donation of $3,000 matched the fundraising at the Peak Pub for the drought stricken farmers in Northern Queensland. A surprise was in store for the audience when famous international rugby league player Petero Civoniceva come onstage. He had called in to the event to receive a very generous gift for his Petero Civoniceva Foundation of 400 tents. He explained how valuable the tents would be in helping schools in Fiji and Papua New Guinea with outward bound activities for school children. His foundation focuses on healthy eating and physical activity in a bid to offset a growing risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
In appreciation of the donation he presented Prem Rawat with a State of Origin Rugby shirt, which met with very loud applause. The day ended with a delicious Aussie Bar B Q and many selfies with Petero.
This event demonstrated how the ideal of peace, which is underlined by the need to reconcile diverse backgrounds and perspectives with an holistic view can be achieved.
