5 Sept MSC Meeting

Join us at our MSC Meeting on 5th September 2025, to hear Dr Ealine Pratley of Peace Kitchen and later by Vera Gorel, from Melbourne AMEP, Melbourne Polytechnic and Michael Waters AMEP & SEE Site Manager, Lilydale & Community-Based Campuses

The Courage for Peace in a Divided World – Dr Elaine Pratley

In a world where division is deepening and difference is weaponised for political gain, stories of peace can feel rare—perhaps even naïve. But what if peace is not only found in grand gestures or formal negotiations, but also in the small, everyday acts of compassion that pass quietly between people? In this talk, Dr. Elaine Pratley shares stories from across cultures that reveal the unexpected power of food and cultural practices to bridge divides.

Dr Elaine Pratley is the founder of Peace Kitchen, an Australian initiative that fosters dialogue over food to build bridges across cultural and societal divides. A passionate advocate for peace, Elaine creates spaces for courageous conversations, connection, and storytelling that foster empathy, belonging, and collective change.

Elaine is a qualified lawyer in Australia and New Zealand, a Rotary Peace Fellow, an Asian Peace Innovator with Salzburg Global, and an Indo-Pacific Futures Fellow with the East-West Center. She holds a PhD in food and peacebuilding, is an affiliate of the Monash Global Peace and Security Centre and facilitates intercultural and interfaith dialogue across the Asia-Pacific.

Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

Vera Gorel

Community Liaison and Industry Engagement Coordinator

Melbourne AMEP, Melbourne Polytechnic

The AMEP is a free service funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It helps eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English proficiency to improve their English language skills and settle successfully in Australia.

Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program

Michelle Waters

AMEP & SEE Site Manager, Lilydale & Community-Based Campuses

Northern SEE, Box Hill Institute

The SEE Program is a free service funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. It aims to improve reading, writing, numeracy, English language, and digital skills to support participants in achieving their personal and employment goals.