Events
Join us in our dynamic and inspiring events at Ondru.
Fragments of Us, Conversation Series 1.0
Event Summary
Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Location: Off the Kerb Gallery, 66B Johnston Street Collingwood VIC 3066
Cost: Free
Event Description
Ondru in partnership with Nūl and Off the Kerb presents Fragments of Us, Conversation Series brings together four voices from across the Sri Lankan experience and its edges: Tamil, Sinhala, Burgher and global ally. Each carries a different relationship to identity, belonging and the long aftermath of conflict. Together they will speak about what it means to grow up inside a war, to be told you are not Sri Lankan enough, to come of age in a diaspora shaped by division, and to choose solidarity from the outside in. This is the beginning of a conversation. Our series aims to give voice to many more stories, communities and perspectives as it grows.
Event Schedule
2:00pm Welcome & Panel Conversation
2:40pm Exhibition Viewing & Mingling
3pm Close
Support Us
Stand in solidarity with the community by joining us for this special event. Your presence helps strengthen connection and shared understanding as we build community together. Opportunities will be available to support our work through purchases or donations, further contributing to the cause.
Fragments of Us, A Sri Lankan Identity Exhibition Opening Night
Event Summary
Date: Friday, 19 June 2026
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Off the Kerb Gallery, 66B Johnston Street Collingwood VIC 3066
Cost: Free
Event Description
Ondru in partnership with Nūl and Off the Kerb presents Fragments of Us, an exhibition by artists from Sri Lanka and the diaspora identity as lived across fracture, memory, and becoming. An immersive exploration of identity, fractured, layered, and constantly reshaped. For Sri Lankans who grew up in the shadow of war, displacement, ethnic divides, and faith tensions, identity has never been simple. It carries the weight of survival and memory, of belonging and exclusion, of wounds that never fully close.
Fragments of Us brings together artists from Sri Lanka and the diaspora, each weaving their own stories into a collective exploration, refusing reduction, embracing contradiction, and giving form to the unbounded nature of belonging.
Join us for an immersive opening night of art, the Identity Room, dance performances, and refreshments. This is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to feel, to remember, to witness.
Event Schedule
6pm: Doors Open
6:45 Dance Performance
Vaishnavi Sarode Kasthury Shanthankumar will perform with vocals by Chenuli Haththimuni.
“The opening performance explores two distinct yet converging stories, both centred around identity, which unfold simultaneously. Each story explores a different relationship to identity, but they are united by a common thread: there is a sense of competition with identities pulling in different directions until the internal understanding of fragmentation, co-existence, acceptance and wholeness is fully explored. Each storyline is driven by a specific emotional landscape and character arc. While the overarching theme is identity, each character is navigating a distinct set of emotions that shape how that struggle is expressed through movement.”
7:00 Welcome & Main Event
Fragments of Us: A Sri Lankan Identity Exhibition, featuring paintings and works from artists across Sri Lanka and the diaspora. Welcome speeches and a variety of refreshments will be served throughout.
8:00 Event End
Support Us
Stand in solidarity with the community by joining us for this special event. Your presence helps strengthen connection and shared understanding as we build community together. Opportunities will be available to support our work through purchases or donations, further contributing to the cause.
Human Thesis: Hazara Stories
Ondru presents Human Thesis: Hazara Stories, a storytelling and community-building art project that brings to life the voices of displaced Hazara community members through art and connection. Through photography, weaving, sculpture and performance, the exhibition reflects on home, freedom, identity and belonging among Hazara people now rebuilding their lives in Melbourne.
One Woman, All Women
A storytelling art project that raises awareness and builds advocacy to increase cancer screening among women in metropolitan Melbourne and across Victoria.
City Wanderer: Culture through the Lens
Event Summary
Location: Melbourne Central
Date: Saturday, 12th of October, 2024
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Capacity: 10 People
Cost: $15.00
Event Description
Our photography walk is designed to explore Melbourne’s rich cultural heritage and significant landmarks, focusing on both historical and contemporary issues of social justice and inclusion. We aim to highlight key Indigenous monuments and other important cultural sites that reflect the diverse history and ongoing journey toward equality in our city.
Led by our knowledgeable and Ondru associated photographer, Shane Lam you’ll learn the basics of photography while capturing these cultural sites throughout Melbourne CBD.
Shane will lead the walk event in Melbourne CBD for beginners in photography, he will teach how to expose properly for your photos and also how to compose successfully for making great images.
This walk promises to be educational, fun, and a meaningful way to appreciate the Indigenous heritage of our city.
At the conclusion of the workshop, we will gather at a local café to share and discuss our photography. It's a great opportunity to enjoy a warm cup of coffee while reflecting on our experiences and the stories captured during the walk.
Please bring your own camera for this event.
Photographer Bio
Shane is a photographer who prefers to speak with his camera. He was born and raised in the African island of Mauritius. Fascinated by magazine and newspaper images, Shane started taking photos at the tender age of ten with a Kodak compact. At the age of fifteen, he was moved by the evocative works of Herb Ritts and has been enslaved to the art of photography ever since. He completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from University of South Africa and later a Bachelor of Arts (Photography) at RMIT University, Melbourne. He has been part of Ondru since the day it was founded in the backyard in North Richmond, Melbourne and has been part of numerous Ondru projects, including co-photographer of Voiceless Journeys.
City Route
Meeting Point: Melbourne Central
Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square (free entry) - Aboriginal history heritage
Ian Potter Centre - features Indigenous Art - Wurrdha Marra exhibition is on until October
Hosier Lane
Melbourne Town Hall
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
Victorian State Library
Head back to Federation Square and gather at a cafe nearby to finish.
Event Requirements
Please bring your own camera for this event.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes for this event.
Echoes of Afghanistan: Film & Art Showcase
Fundraising event :
Echoes of Afghanistan: Film & Art Showcase
Where: Thornbury Picture House, 802 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Support a great cause while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Afghanistan at our special movie screening and art exhibition event. For just $35 (early bird tickets), you can enjoy an exclusive screening of the acclaimed film "The Breadwinner," followed by a captivating art display of the early works of our Human Thesis: Afghan Stories project. Discover the visually stunning artwork displayed in the cinema foyer, and learn about Ondru’s impactful projects that aim to inspire social change.
Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase books and unique merchandise before and after the movie, with all proceeds supporting the Human Thesis: Afghan Stories project. Your participation will help us continue our mission to create meaningful change through the power of storytelling and art.
Secure your tickets now and be part of a community effort to support Afghan stories and culture.
The breadwinner (2017)
1h34m
Directed by Nora Twomey and based on the novel by Deborah Ellis, this animated film tells the story of a young girl in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family after her father is arrested. Through her courageous actions, she challenges gender norms and fights for her family's survival.
Event Description
At our movie screening/art exhibition event, you get to immerse yourself in Afghan culture through an exclusive screening of thought-provoking Afghan films. Transport yourself to the majestic landscapes of Afghanistan and gain knowledge on their beautiful culture.
Upon finishing the movie, there will be a short presentation delivered by our Art Projects team to promote our current Afghan stories project in hope to gain support from our community.
Furthermore, we will be displaying Ondru’s past and current artwork in the cinema for our community to better understand Ondru’s cause and our contributions to our society so far. We are hoping to inspire our community to join us and create social change through the beauty and creativity of our story-telling artworks.
For individuals who are interested to learn more about us and support Ondru, there will be book and merchandise sales available before and after the movie screening.
EVENT RUNDOWN
1:30pm : Doors open
2:20pm : Short Opening Speech
2:30pm : Screening of film(The Breadwinner)
4:00pm : End of movie
4:10pm : Art Project Presentation
4:25pm: End of Presentation / Enjoy the Art Display & Mingle
5:00pm: Close
Enjoy the finger food, merchandise stall and art display in the foyer.
Secure your tickets now and be part of a community effort to support Afghan stories and culture.
Join us in making a difference. Look forward to seeing you there!
Voices Near and Far
Launch: Saturday, 26 August 2023, 3pm - 4.30pm
Panel Discussions: Sunday 27 August 2023, 12noon - 1pm / 2pm to 3pm
Exhibition: Saturday 26 August and Sunday 27 August 2023, 11am - 5pm
Queenscliff Uniting Church 85 Hesse Street Queenscliff, VIC 3225 Australia
Ondru is excited to announce our two-day event, Voices Near and Far that will showcase visual and oral stories of refugees and First Nations People.
Over the course of the event, you will have the opportunity to view powerful photographic portraits from our projects, Voiceless Journeys and Dhum-Djirri Ngagu and take part in panel discussions with people whose stories feature in these projects.
Voiceless Journeys
One of ONDRU’s most significant bodies of work, this project conveys the silent stories of 101 refugees who, through conflict or necessity, left their countries to make a new life in Australia. The images found within the book were initially large-scale installations exhibited on the streets of Melbourne. These images brought the project to life and became the inspiration for the book. See video.
Dhum-Djirri Ngagu (Speak, Hear, Understand):
Recently completed, this book knits together strong photographic portraits and stories of connection to country, community and culture from interviews with First Nations people from the Whittlesea Shire. It positions the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at the centre of the Australian narrative and provide a space for individuals and families to share unheard stories, encourage collective recognition and motivate dignified reconciliation. More info here.
The Panel Discussions
The panel discussions will be facilitated by Alison Marchant, the current MP for the Shire of Bellarine.
Voiceless Journeys Panel
Sengita Gonkarnue (Bock), Liberia
Bock was born in a town called Yah Butuo in Nimba County, Liberia. Due to the civil war, he was displaced during his childhood and grew up in neighboring countries separated from his parents. He had fled between Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Liberia during the various wars while squatting and working labouring jobs as a child. 16 years later, he was reunited with his mother and siblings in Australia on humanitarian asylum. While having no prior formal education, he is currently a final-year university student studying for a bachelor’s degree in Community Development at Victoria University. He has been supporting youth development projects in Liberia and hopes to contribute to his nation through better education for the less fortunate.
First Nations Panel
We are delighted that respected Wadawurrung elder, Aunty Mary Shuttleworth will share her story.
Wadawurrung People are the Traditional owners of Wadawurrung Country – the land, waters, seas and skies that encompass the area from the Great Dividing Range in the North to the Coast country in the south, from the Werribee River in the East, the start of the Great Ocean Road in the West. The Wadawurrung family have looked after and cared for this land and its waters for over a thousand generations and still do to this very day.
Our Past Work
Ondru projects’ have touched upon issues such as identity displacement, mental health, homelessness, autism, women’s rights and indigenous consciousness. Various art forms such as photography, theatre, dance, film, music, sculpture, poetry, and digital and public art installations have played a role in bringing these issues to light and as we continue to pursue our mission, we would love to share our work with you. Here’s what you need to know.
Exhibition
When: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August, 2023
Time: 11 am – 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Launch: Saturday, 26 August 2023, 3pm - 4.30pm
Where: Queenscliff Uniting Church, 85 Hesse St, Queenscliff, VIC 3225
Cost: Free entry for the exhibition, although donations are welcome.
Panel Discussions
Voiceless Journey Panel Discussion - $20 AUD at 12:00-13:00
First Nations Panel Discussion- $20 AUD at 14:00-15:00
Both Panels - 35 AUD
Door Tickets are also available
Ondru at Caux Form 2023, Switzerland
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Ondru: Lost & Found
We’d love nothing more than for you to come and join us for a night of fun and celebration, led by a passionate group of individuals who strongly believe in the power of belonging and connection. Ondru gives a voice to those often unheard and each project invites deeper inquiry into issues of social injustice to increase awareness and inspire positive action.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use art as a universal language to inspire positive social change.
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Traditionally, Ondru is a Tamil word (from language spoken in parts of Sri Lanka & South India) meaning one. We have defined ONDRU as (Tamil; ஒன்று) n. one, equality; v. become one with. To us, Ondru is a place where people and ideas come together; where diversity unites.
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Ondru is a Melbourne-based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation striving for a more connected, compassionate and equitable society. Our projects invite deeper inquiry into issues of social injustice and provide a voice to the voiceless. Each project attempts to build a sense of community and bring light to issues that remain in the dark. We have conducted our works in Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and parts of Africa, and always exploring new possibilities.
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Yes, Ondru (ABN 51 600 099 456 / ACN 600 099 456) is both a not-for-profit and a charity. We were registered as a public company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 and were registered in Victoria on 19 June 2014. We were registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) on 01 November 2019. We are also registered as a Cultural Organisation with the Australian Ministry for the Arts, within the Attorney-General's Department.
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Yes, we were granted with the deductible gift recipient (DGR) status on 09 April 2015 and can receive tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, philanthropic bodies and other organisations. Donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. We rely on the vital support of generous individuals and organisations to ensure our work continues and flourishes. Please click here to DONATE.
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Yes, Ondru as a charity has been endorsed by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to access income tax exemption.
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Yes of course and we would love to have you join us. You can donate to us, help us fundraise, volunteer or support our work in many other ways. Please refer to Support Us for more detail.
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No, the intention behind our work is to evoke thought, provoke feelings and inspire action for positive change on issues of social injustice. We are focused on providing a voice to those often left silent, unheard or misunderstood. In the past, our projects have explored the issues of identity & displacement, health & well-being, homelessness, war & violence, and Indigenous issues. We are always considering new and emerging issues to focus on and develop projects.
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We welcome all queries and possibilities. Please Get in touch if you would like to support our work, find out more about our projects or want to join our team. We will respond to you as soon as practicable. Thank you!
Your Support
We rely on the generous support of many organisations and individuals to create art that evokes, challenges and inspires positive social change, and your donation really matters.