Baha’i representative Tessa Scrine was among religious leaders at the Commonwealth Day multi-faith ceremony in Canberra on 14 March 2011 attended by Governor General Quentin Bryce.
Religious community representatives delivered a unified message about the important role of women as agents of change in society, the theme of the event.
Readers from Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, and Sukyo Mahikari communities read quotations which focused on the role of women.
The Baha’i readers were Ehsan Farshid, 17, and Alexa Pelkowitz, 16. They included the following Baha’i quotation in their readings:
“Only as women are welcomed into full partnership in all fields of human endeavour, including environment and development, will the moral and psychological climate be created in which a peaceful, harmonious, and sustainable civilization can emerge and flourish.”
The Governor-General presented a message from Queen Elizabeth II, who said that this year the Commonwealth is reflecting on what more could be achieved if women were able to play an even larger role.
“…Let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women – so that everyone can have a chance of a fuller and more rewarding life, wherever they happen to be born,” the message said.
Australian Capital Territory deputy chief minister Katy Gallagher delivered a message on behalf of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
“Australia women are agents of change across all sectors of the community, and often at great personal sacrifice,” the message said.
“Their achievements should be recognised and celebrated and their inspirational stories told to others who in turn may be inspired to achieve change.”
Traditional Mongolian and Indian dances were performed and there were musical presentations from Woden Youth and Pacific Island choirs.
At a Commonwealth Day observance in Perth attended by the Governor of Western Australia, Dr Ken Michael, two Baha’is, Fiona McDonald and Wendy Wisniewski, read quotations from the Baha’i Writings.
At a similar event in Brisbane attended by Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley, a local Baha’i, Susan Handley, was among representatives of seven religions who delivered readings.