Melbourne launch of the 75th annual Christmas Bowl

Celebrate 75 Years of the Christmas Bowl – A tradition of acting for peace, together

In 1949, a young Victorian minister, Rev. Frank Byatt, placed a simple Bowl of Remembrance on his Christmas table, inviting loved ones to contribute gifts to support people in urgent need around the world. What began as an act of compassion has grown into a much-loved ecumenical tradition, cherished by churches and households across Australia for 75 years.

Thanks to the generosity of generations of caring Australians, together we have provided life changing support to people who are uprooted by conflict and disaster around the world through Act for Peace's humanitarian work. 75 years on, today there are 120 million people who are displaced and without the peace that having a safe place to belong brings.

Join us in Melbourne on 24 November for a time of reflection, prayer, and connection as we mark this incredible milestone and celebrate the incredible legacy of the Christmas Bowl.

Bring your own Christmas Bowl to take part in a special ‘blessing of the bowls’ liturgy. Hear from Act for Peace staff about the life-changing work your gifts are making possible, and hear powerful reflections from those involved in the Christmas Bowl during its early years.

When: 24 November 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm, followed by light refreshments in the church hall

Where: St Peter's Eastern Hill Anglican Church, 15 Gisborne Street, Melbourne, at the corner of Albert St and Gisborne St

This is a free event hosted by Act for Peace, the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Council of Churches.

We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate 75 years of acting for peace, together.

Please note: While registration for this event is not required, it will help us with catering.