How does a movement like IofCA – nearly 100 years old – ensure and manage generational change?
That was the question prompting the focus of this year’s National Gathering held from 6-8 June at Armagh in Melbourne. Under the theme ‘Paving the Way for the Next Generation of IofCA’ the weekend gathering brought together ‘legacy keepers’ who’ve been working for the movement for half a century or more, and younger volunteers fresh to IofCA to share their thoughts and ideas.
This report was assembled by Helen Georgiou, a professional project manager, who participated in her first National Gathering only a year ago. She typifies an ‘emerging generation’ who are not all young in age, but who are offering their time, enthusiasm and skills.
Summary:
The three-day gathering wove together reflection on the movement’s history, celebration of its present community, and collaborative visioning for the future. Highlights included an interactive intergenerational story-sharing session tracing the movement’s roots from the 1920s to the present, and a special afternoon celebration marking 70 years since Armagh was gifted to the movement (read post for more details) — attended by approximately 85 guests and featuring the launch of a permanent exhibition on IofCA’s history in Australia.
Day Two and Three brought the gathering into the present and future, with organisational reports from the Board, Treasurer and working groups, inspiring personal stories from changemakers, and a highly regarded online workshop delivered by internationally recognised peace builder Jo Berry, exploring the qualities needed to be an effective changemaker in today’s world.
The final day drew participants together to harvest insights from across the gathering, forging shared values and a collective vision for 2026–2028. The gathering closed with a reflective plenary session, personal commitments for the road ahead, and a closing song from IofCA Chair Quynh-Tram Trinh — a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to three days of connection, dialogue and hope.
If you are interested in reading the full report please email us – communications.au@iofc.org
