SHELDON LAUNCHES AWAKENING 2000

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts today launched the Awakening 2000 programme, a combined effort of all major churches.

Mrs Sheldon said by working together on Awakening 2000, Australia's churches were again demonstrating that they were able to combine together to tackle the problems at the core of society.

"Our churches have always been there to listen, to encourage & to help. We all need faith... not just in religious sense, but faith in our selves, our country & our future," she said.

"Awakening 2000 is aptly named, because it's about re-awakening honourable Australian traits...courage, determination, integrity & mateship."

Mrs Sheldon said the strength of the programme was the mobilising effect on public unity.

"It is all about working together to reach beyond church walls."

Mrs Sheldon said past programmes were very successful, with every indication that next year's event will be even bigger.

"The Awakening 2000 programme for the coming year has 4 distinct phases;-

Family Festivals across Brisbane & state leading up to Easter with family fun day with underlying theme that Easter is about death of "self-interest" & coming alive of "care".

Combined Regional Prayer Vigils on Good Friday evening with particular emphasis on prayers of children, culminating on Easter Sunday in Marches of Celebration in Brisbane & most regional centres.

Operation Re-Connect reaching out to all sections of community post-Easter which includes 70 programmes & activities connecting young people, senior citizens & others isolated from family & community.

National Gathering May 1998 with Christians from all states gather in Canberra to pray together for nation & where they see Australia at beginning of new millennium.