Welcome to Sight's new free events listings. If you have an event you'd like listed, simply send an email to events@sightmagazine.com.au and we'll post details here. All emails should include a description of the event, it's purpose and contact details (preferably including a web address) in 100 words or less. Small graphics are also welcome...

All events are listed at the sole discretion of Sight Magazine. Sight does not necessarily endorse or support all events being listed.

NOW LISTING EVENTS FOR 2008!

15th-20th JULY - NEW SOUTH WALES: WORLD YOUTH DAY

World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney. Organised by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day gathers young people from around the world to build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures. For more information, visit www.wyd2008.org.

31st JULY TO 27th OCTOBER - NATIONAL: VISIT OF OM SHIP DOULOS TO AUSTRALIA

OM’s ship Doulos, the grand old lady of the sea, will be in Australia from 31st July to 27th October, 2008. This will be the final visit of Doulos, the world’s oldest ocean going passenger ship, to Australia. A ministry of OM International, Doulos is one of three ships sailing under the umbrella of this non-denominational, non-profit organisation, which works in 110 countries. The ship’s crew is made of 330 people from 50 nations. The dynamic Doulos community consists of young families, retired folks, young singles, professionals and unskilled workers. OM’s heart is to see communities transformed. By connecting with local churches, Doulos crew endeavours to have a lasting impact by bringing knowledge, help and hope. While in port, the ship’s conference facilities buzz. Conferences feature children’s programmes, Alpha training courses, business dinners, women’s morning teas, vibrant youth meetings, ministry, mission and more. Come onboard to visit our International Café, experience a dynamic programme, browse the 6,000 select titles in the famous floating bookshop, or book a guided tour of this historic vessel. OM Australia invites you to get involved. Apply to join Doulos’ DEEP programme as a 10 day volunteer. You’ll work in various departments alongside the crew, receive ministry training, and participate in the ship’s daily devotions. Visit www.doulosdownunder.org.au or www.om.org.au for more information.

TOUR DATES:
• Brisbane: 31st July - 19th August
• Sydney: 21st August - 8th September
Geelong: 11th- 29th September
Albany: 4th- 8th October
Fremantle: 10th- 27th October

9th & 10th AUGUST - VICTORIA: CHOCOLATE RUSH CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Chocolate Rush Chocolate Festival is aimed to educate, indulge and challenge your palate! A celebration of all that is chocolate, the festival is supported by experts, the industry, the enthusiasts and the passionate. Everything you have always wanted to know about chocolate including respect for tradition, fantasy and attention to quality. The Abbotsford Convent at 1 St Heliers Street in Abbotsford, Melbourne, will become the chocolate hub for the weekend with hands on workshops, master classes, demonstrations, children activities, the Australian Chocolate Championships, a Chocolate market, the Chocolate cocktail competition, the Indulge Your Senses” hot chocolate competition and much more! Local food, wine and live entertainment can also be enjoyed in the cacao bean soaked atmosphere of Chocolate Rush. The festival program, which will run from 10am to 5pm on both days, is currently being developed and will be available in April 2008 as will ticket sales. For a more information and festival updates keep an eye on www.chocolaterush.com.au.

16th SEPTEMBER AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR - VICTORIA - ANGLICARE FOSTER CARE INFORMATION SESSIONS

If you've ever thought about fostering, volunteering to help a child or young person in need, or just want to make a difference, why not come along and learn about our Foster Care program? We provide Foster Care and support for children and young people aged zero to 18, an Adolescent Community Placement (ACP) program for young people aged 13 to 17, and several specific programs for children and young people with a disability or high needs. If you are unable to attend any of these information sessions, but would like to learn more about becoming a Foster Carer or volunteer, please call Josh on 1300 889 335. Sessions are as follows:
• Tuesday 16th September, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Yarra Junction Public Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction;
• Thursday 18th September, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Japara Neighbourhood House, 13 Leith Road, Montrose; and,
• Thursday 20th November, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Anglicare Box Hill,
7 to 11 Shipley Street, Box Hill.

9th/16th NOVEMBER - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith. We also encourage prayer for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and those who ignore it. It's supported by Christian Freedom International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christians in Crisis, Gospel for Asia, International Christian Concern, Iranian Christians International, Jubilee Campaign, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, and World Evangelical Alliance. For more information, visit www.idop.org.

25th DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS