The City of Lismore has had a long history with the Peace Run. In 1987 it was one of the major cities on the route of the inaugural Australian leg. And in 1993, the City of Lismore was declared a ‘Sri Chinmoy Peace City’ as it joined hundreds of cities throughout the world, united under the 'Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossoms’ banner.
Today we met with Lismore’s current mayor, Jenny Dowell — a true peace ambassador. She warmly welcomed us at the Council’s Corporate Centre and regaled us with stories about her meeting with the Peace Run as it passed through Lismore three years ago.
Jenny said the meeting with the Peace Run had everything to do with Lismore Council, because we share the same values of promoting peace within the community and the world. She also wished to help spread the word about the upcoming Peace Talk at Southern Cross University about Peace Run founder Sri Chinmoy.
Our intrepid Peace Runner Unmilan Howard offered the Peace Torch to the Mayor and Animesh Harrington presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation along with flowers and chocolates for her staff.
Peace is something dear to Jenny’s heart — she is a member of Mayors for Peace — and through her efforts the council strongly promotes the theme of the heart in communicating this message.
Jenny presented Unmilan Howard and Animesh Harrington with a heart-shaped badge from the Council symbolising the all-embracing heart of Lismore.
Cathryn Mclauchlan from the Northern Star, Lismore’s main newspaper, interviewed both Mayor Jenny Dowell and Animesh Harrington independently and produced an in-depth article the very same day.
Unfortunately Jenny will be stepping down as mayor next year before the Peace Run comes to Lismore. However, we assured her that we would try and meet with her wherever she may be.
Photos by Terra Sword
