Iftar Program at Government House of Victoria, Australia
Amongst the guests who participated in this significant event were Dr Peter Hollingworth, former Governor General of Australia, Sir James Gobbo, former Governor of Victoria and Advisor of the Queen in Multicultural Affairs, James Merlino, Minister for Multiculturalism, John So, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Christine Nixon, Chief Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners of Victoria Police, Chief of Federal Police for the State of Victoria, the Consul Generals of USA, UK, Germany, Indonesia and the Republic of Turkey, Vice-Chancellors and Deans of various universities, senior Directors/ editors of Media groups and leaders of many different religions.
GOVERNOR’S WELCOME
The Program commenced with the welcome speech presented by the Governor of Victoria. Prof David de Kretser thanked the guests for accepting his invitation and said, “Victoria is a peaceful state in which many different cultures live in harmony. We are aware of the significance of Ramadan and fasting for Muslims, and we know that Ramadan has the unique ingredients for bringing people together and strengthening the bonds of friendship. I thank the Australian Intercultural Society for their role in making this evening possible. I am delighted by the picture of sincerity and friendship we are beholding here in this Iftar Dinner at Government House this evening. AIS in an important organization that plays a great role in abolishing misunderstandings by bringing Melbournians together and building bridges between different communities and Government departments. The AIS was established by second generation Australian Turks and it has been an exemplary organization for everyone. I would like to thank them for their relentless efforts.”
In her remarks, Governor’s wife Mrs. Jan de Kretser said, “For the past two and a half years, the Government House has not seen a dinner program at this caliber and significance. The Governor and I were excited and a bit nervous about hosting a dinner for the leaders of Muslim community and so many diplomats. But now, the warm conversations I see around the tables are an interesting picture for me. You have made me very happy and I hope that such events continue in the future.”
AZAN CALL AND BREAKING OF FAST
When the time came for Iftar, the Azan was called and the Iftar prayer was offered by theologian Mehmet Seker. Following the breaking of fast, Muslim guests performed their prayers at the hall where the Queen accepted guests on her visits to Australia. The official program commenced with recitation from the Quran with English translation presented through PowerPoint display. The program continued with a speech by Dr Salih Yucel, a lecturer at Monash University. Following Salih Yucel’s speech titled “Social and personal aspects of Ramadan”, Australian Sufi Music Group performed their mystical music that mesmerized all those present. The program then continued with a reflection session in which guests were given the opportunity to present their views.
FETHULLAH GULEN PEACE AWARD
It was time for the award ceremony. Throughout the recent years, the AIS have been presenting meaningful awards to important individuals that have displayed significant effort for peace, social harmony, social cohesion and tolerance. This year the awards for great achievements were presented by the Governor of Victoria. The first of the awards was a gift of appreciation presented to Governor’s wife, Mrs. Jan de Kretser by Turkan Cicek on behalf of the Muslim community. Then Orhan Cicek, executive advisor of the AIS presented the Governor of Victoria a special award titled, ‘Fethullah Gülen Peace Award 2008’.
The rest of the awards were presented by the Governor of Victoria. They were as follows: Excellence in the Public Services Award, Chief Commissioner Christie Nixon - Excellence in the Public Services Award, John Williams, Department of Immigration - Excellence in the Public Services Award, George Lekakis, Victorian Multicultural Commission - Social Responsibility in Media Award, The AGE Newspaper - Excellence in Academia Award, Greg Craven, Vice-Chancellor Australian Catholic University - Excellence in Academia Award, Rae Frances, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Monash University - Building a Better Society Award, Gary Bouma, Parliament of World Religions.
MESSAGES CONVEYED BY THE LEADERS OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
Ramzi el Sayed, President of Islamic Council of Victoria:
“Once again AIS have achieved to bring Muslim leaders and the heads of Government departments together to share an Iftar Dinner. Having an Iftar Dinner at Government House is something to be proud of hence I thank you for this.”
Dr Berhan Ahmad, President of Somalia Think Tank:
“Muslim groups in Melbourne are quite active within their own communities. However, the AIS have the ability to bring all Muslim communities together to be represented at the highest level. The AIS is playing a leadership role in Muslim Society. I feel proud of this evening’s Iftar Dinner.”
Tasneem Chopra:
On behalf of the Islamic Women’s’ Welfare Council of Victoria, I wish to thank the AIS for availing an opportunity to a broad cross section of this States Muslim community to engage in an Iftar dinner with the Governor of Victoria, Mr David de Kretser, and his wife, Mrs de Kretser. It was an inaugural event enjoyed thoroughly by all those I spoke with. This was a great opportunity to meet with some of this state’s key players in the domain of politics, academia, law enforcement and interfaith circles. Thank you AIS, once again for facilitating yet another milestone Iftar experience for Melbourne’s Muslim community.
MESSAGES CONVEYED BY THE LEADERS OF THE TURKISH COMMUNITY
Celal Varsan, President of (AMGT) Australya Milli Gorus Teskilati:
“This evening Governor’s invitation for leaders of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities has shown the sincere interaction that the Governor of Victoria has with the community. The Turkish community is honored by the Governor’s invitation. Previously these types of Iftar Dinners were organized at the Parliament House. The Government House Iftar organized this year is quite meaningful. I thank the Governor for his kind invitation.”
Mehmet Karamemis, President of Board of Australian Turkish Businessmen:
“This was a special Iftar Dinner indeed, may God be pleased with everyone who showed effort in organizing this event. We have shared an Iftar Dinner at Government House; I would like to thank the Governor of Victoria and our friends who make this evening possible.”
Huseyin Mustafa, President of Australian Turkish Business Council:
“It was a wonderful program. This is the first time I have participated in such event. I am proud to be here, at the highest office in Victoria. It is a wonderful thing to be invited by the Governor. As you see, Australia is making significant progress in multiculturalism.”
Kazim Ates, Businessman:
“The Australian Turkish community is witnessing the fruits of the valuable work that has been done for many years. Here we are at the Government House by the invitation of Governor of Victoria. This is a significant event. The Governor of Victoria is a kind, tolerant and polite individual who interacts with the community. I would also like to thank the AIS for building bridges between communities and I hope that these types of activities continue in the future.”
Prof Ismail Albayrak, Fethullah Gülen Chair, Australian Catholic University:
“To sum it all up in one sentence, it was wonderful. It was an important achievement for both the Turkish and the Muslim community at large. Lately, there is a significant increase in similar events and no doubt that many non-Muslims are attracted by such programs. These programs are important investments made on behalf of Islam, our community and for the future of Muslims in Australia. They should be supported by everyone. The positive messages conveyed by the speakers should also encourage us. It is a duty upon all of us to increase the number of Iftar Dinner Programs. May God grant the continuation of such events.
Dr Gursel Alpay, Vice-President of Selimiye Foundation:
“I am quite sure that being at Government House on such an occasion is the first for the Muslims of Australia. There are important messages to be derived from this evening’s Iftar. The event brought together important people from different religions and cultures to share Iftar dinner and socialize in a warm, friendly atmosphere. May God allow the continuation of such events.”
AIS News - Omer Atilla
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