On the 19th of October, 1999, the Accessible Cities and Shires Forum was held in Bendigo. In this photo, Chris Stewart, City of Greater Dandenong Diversity Officer, and Shirley Caulfield, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria, promote the Diversity Action Plan.COL photo of two people standing close to one another. They are each holding some publications, one of which is titled 'Diversity Action Plan'. [on label, in blue ink] Chris Stewart, City of Greater Dandenong Diversity Officer, and Shirley Caulfield, CEO of Arthritis Victoria at the Bendigo Accessible Communnities Forumshirley caulfield, ceo, arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, chris stewart, diversity officer, city of greater dandenong, accessible communities, diversity action plan, rural access project, accessible cities & shires project, forum, bendigo, 1999

Federation University Australia’s Student Commons Area at the Mt Helen Campus was the first FedUni building to be officially given an Aboriginal name, Gnarrwirring Karung. Meaning Learning Place in the local Wadawurrung language, the re-named centre (pronounced Narrowing Ker Ung) will provide recognition of the area’s cultural heritage and increase the vibrancy, diversity and rich culture throughout the campus. The re-naming ceremony was held at the Gnarrwirring Karung Student Commons Area, S Building, Mt Helen Campus. “The choice of name follows an extensive process of seeking suggestions from the student body, the University’s Aboriginal Education Centre and local Aboriginal custodians,” Geoff Lord, Chairman of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, said. “The official naming meets many elements recognised within the FedUni RAP such as enhancing community, embedding culture, providing opportunity and, most importantly, respect. “The ceremony is a fine example of putting Aboriginal culture at the centre of our daily lives.” Jasmine Graham, Manager of the Aboriginal Education Centre, said the re-naming was a milestone for the local Aboriginal community. “The University is committed to greater recognition of Aboriginal heritage and culture throughout all of its campuses,” Ms Graham said. “Gnarrwirring Karung will be an impressive landmark throughout the Mt Helen Campus and a welcoming learning place.” A number of photographs taken at the naming of a Federation University space in the Mt Helen Campus 'S' Building. The space has been named Gnarrwirring Karung, Waddawurrung for Learning Place. waddawurrung, gnarrwirring karung, aboriginal, mt helen campus, reconciliation action plan, s building, waddawurrung language, place names

In creating these pieces, Vipoo Srivilasa initiated the process by sculpting three figures with bare surfaces. Bundit Puangthong then added his artistic touch by painting each sculpture. The artists' conceptual visions harmonized perfectly, especially considering their shared commitment to Buddhist principles, which frequently inspire their respective artistic practices. After Bundit completed his painting, Vipoo enlivened the pieces by adding eyes to the figures. He also embellished the works with pom-poms, lending them a softness that makes them appear both approachable and innocent, despite the weightiness of their themes. Each sculpture embodies a specific teaching from Buddhism: "FLESH" features a golden umbrella, serving as a metaphor for sex.

These captivating pieces are part of a series called "FOOD / FLESH / FAME," a collaborative effort between Melbourne-based Thai artists Bundit Puangthong and Vipoo Srivilasa. Drawing from Buddhist teachings, the series explores the three elements of attachment: Food (consumption), Flesh (sex), and Fame (power). Although these elements are known to cause suffering, they remain persistently alluring, a paradox that the artists intend to explore further in the future. In creating these pieces, Vipoo Srivilasa initiated the process by sculpting three figures with bare surfaces. Bundit Puangthong then added his artistic touch by painting each sculpture. The artists' conceptual visions harmonized perfectly, especially considering their shared commitment to Buddhist principles, which frequently inspire their respective artistic practices. After Bundit completed his painting, Vipoo enlivened the pieces by adding eyes to the figures. He also embellished the works with pom-poms, lending them a softness that makes them appear both approachable and innocent, despite the weightiness of their themes. Each sculpture embodies a specific teaching from Buddhism: "FOOD" depicts a durian, the king of fruits, painted by Bundit Puangthong. He notes, "Despite its pungent aroma, many people still love to eat it."Donated the by the artists