Regular Hobsons Bay festivals harness Ruhi curriculum to build capacity 

HOBSONS BAY, VIC – A small group of friends in Hobsons Bay, Melbourne, is learning how regular spaces where families, neighbours, and children can connect, learn, and grow together leads to impactful change. 

Every three to four months for about five years, this group of friends has been organising family festivals, bringing the community together to strengthen friendships in a spirit of joy and fellowship. 

According to one of the organisers, these festivals present an opportunity for friendships to grow, as well as “our understanding of the hopes, strengths, and needs of those around us.” 

“The majority of participants are from refugee backgrounds and typically face challenges in adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. Our family festival provides opportunities for personal connection and practical support – creating opportunities to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the values that strengthen community life.” 

The festival programs are designed for all ages. Offering workshops based on the Ruhi Training Institute – a series aimed at developing the skills and capacities to contribute to the transformation of society – each workshop has a theme where participants can engage in “meaningful conversations”.  

Themes are taken from the Ruhi book 2, 3 and 12 materials exploring service, children’s education and family life. 

The team member said the festivals fostered community cohesion and acted as the heartbeat of community life. 

“Over time, they also open pathways to moral and spiritual educational classes for children, more formal [Ruhi] study groups on spiritual topics, and other community-building activities contributing to community development and social transformation. 

“These experiences remind us that the true value of an activity lies not in numbers alone, but in the way it strengthens relationships, encourages participation, and enriches community life.” 

The Ruhi Training Institute has also enabled the organisers themselves to enhance their “capacity to serve and support the community”. 

“[The books] have enabled us to develop the necessary skills and confidence to broaden participation and deepen the impact of our activities.” 

Hobsons Bay first launched their family festivals over five years ago. With only 22 Baha’is in the community, the team is focusing on involving more locals in the process to continue propelling the community-building movement forward. 

The team says maintaining a regular rhythm of festivals has allowed friendships to strengthen and has helped create an environment where people feel comfortable, supported, and able to share one another’s lives. “They have also built a strong foundation for welcoming more community members and encouraging wider participation in planning and organising future festivals.” 

“Through these family festivals, we are helping create a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant community in Hobsons Bay.”