Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

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ABOUT MELBOURNE AND AUSTRALIA Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, has a rich diversity of cultures, languages and religions. There are more than 200 languages spoken in and around the city, with 10 per cent of the population speaking a language other than English at home. More than 100 different religions and faiths are practised by Melbourne residents. There is always something exciting happening in and around Melbourne, be it a festival of one of the world's faiths, special days of religious significance, a world-renowned sporting event such as the Australian Open Tennis Championships, an exciting arts festival or a conference of leading thinkers. Savour the delight of alfresco dining along the banks of the Yarra River, at the Docklands or by the beach in St Kilda. Melbourne's dining spots provide an array of multicultural cuisine in cafes, and restaurants, Within an hour's drive of the city, you'll find spectacular coastlines, wildlife reserves, award-winning wineries, surf beaches, rainforests, coastal villages and rejuvenating hot mineral springs, The Parliament of the World's Religions will be an opportunity for people of all religions to celebrate their faith and build networks with those of different faiths.
MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MCEC) The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is Melbourne's newest icon and the largest combined exhibition and convention centre in Australia. The centre is designed to achieve the first six green star environmental rating, making it one of the greenest convention centres in the world. It is a state of the art facility superbly situated on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River, close to the heart of the central business district and just 30 minutes from Melbourne s International Airport. The new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is part of a $1 billion development including a Hilton hotel, a lifestyle retail precinct and 60,000 m2 of shopping. The MCEC is situated on the river's edge! linking Southbank to Docklands. As well as being visually striking with an 18 metre glass facade facing the Yarra River, it has a 5000 seat plenary hall, which is unparalled in its flexibility. MCEC Chief Executive. Leigh Harry, says the convention centre is an important architectural landmark for Melbourne and emulates what the city stands for. It leaves those who enter the space feeling like they have experienced Melbourne, from its maritime history, to its arts and culture and sporting ethos'.
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