During my visit to Melbourne I was introduced to some very special people.  I enjoyed a breakfast with the Right Revd Philip Huggins, Assistant Bishop of Oodthenong, in the Diocese of Melbourne and Rev Ian Smith, Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Churches. Bishop Philip is also President of the National Council of Churches in Australia. He has a strong interest in and actively contributes to welfare and multi-cultural issues and activities. We spoke of his forthcoming visit to Ramallah and burden for justice and peace in Israel-Palestine.

The same day I had lunch with the Right Hon Russell Broadbent MP, Federal Member for McMillan in the House of Representatives, Canberra. We discussed Israel and Palestine and the urgent need for a lasting peace based on justice and the rule of law.

It was also a great pleasure to spend time with Tim Costello. Tim was CEO of World Vision Australia for 13 years. In 2016, he took up the newly created executive role as Chief Advocate.

Tim is one of Australia’s most sought-after voices on social justice issues, leadership and ethics, having spearheaded public debates on gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse. He has been instrumental in ensuring that the issues surrounding global poverty are on the national agenda.

It was good to meet up with John Shipton again. John is the father of Julian Assange the founder of Wikileaks. Read his story here.