MELBOURNE WOMEN OF MULTIFAITH GET TOGETHER IN HARMONY AND SHARE LIVED EXPERIENCES
When Beverley Pinder OAM gave birth to the idea of a multi-faith panel for the InspireHER Women’s Conference held recently in Melbourne, she never would have believed how successful it would be.
As a forerunner to International Women’s Day, the inaugural InspireHER Women’s Conference held on 6 March at St Kilda Town Hall in bayside Melbourne brought together women of different faiths and cultural backgrounds for a day of storytelling, reflection and shared conviction with an interfaith panel discussion being the focal point of the day.
InspireHER, founded by Rachel Bonner, wife of Conlon Bonner and a mother of six children — five on earth and one angel son, Rachel manages her husband’s and sons’ professional careers as actors in MJ The Musical, while also homeschooling her children.
The InspireHER Women’s Conference highlighted how personal faith has shaped the achievements and professional journeys of women across a wide range of fields.
International recording artist and Malaysian-Australian singer Che’Nelle, known for her multi-platinum career in Japan and celebrated ballads, joined award-winning actor, singer, screenwriter and author Penny McNamee, who took time out from her schedule performing in MJ The Musical, to be among seven panellists sharing their beliefs and personal experiences with an audience of around 120 women.
The interfaith panel drew on Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian perspectives, offering insights into how faith continues to influence leadership, resilience and community life.
Other speakers included Olympic mountain bike rider Anna Baylis, social entrepreneur Stephanie Woollard OAM, and Somali-born community leader Mariam Issa, each sharing their personal stories of perseverance and purpose.
The conference also featured a musical opening by Conlon Bonner, who plays Quincy Jones and Tito in MJ The Musical, performing gospel songs reflecting his own faith tradition.
InspireHER was created to bring women together across cultures, beliefs and life experiences to share stories of faith, resilience and leadership. And, according to the speakers, delegates, stall holders and volunteers it delivered a message of unity and trust among all women.
The Melbourne season of MJ The Musical concludes on 13 March, before the Bonner family moves to Brisbane on 20 March.
An elated Rachel Bonner, conference convenor said the conference was born from a desire to create a space where women could genuinely pause, connect and be challenged.
“This is such an amazing program for women to come along, be inspired, and participate in both learning and celebration,” Rachel said. “It’s about giving women something that actually fills them up.”
Pic above shows: Australian actress and MJ The Musical star, Penny McNamee with Malaysian-Australian, singing sensation Che’Nelle.
Pic shows women coming together for the Interfaith Panel at InspireHER Women’s Conference:
Garima Mangal (Hindu); Kate Watson (Pentecost); actress Penny McNameee (Catholic); Ayah Mourad (Muslim); Beverley Honig (Jewish); Shar Balmes (Church of Latter Day Saints); Julie McBeth (Anglican) and Wendy Xiao (Buddhist).
