IFN Executive Committee President, Monthly Message
Mehtap Williams Monthly Message – August 2025
I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
I would like to begin by acknowledging the celebration of NAIDOC Week, held this year from 7–14 July.
NAIDOC Week reminds us of the deep wisdom, spirituality, and resilience carried through the oldest continuous culture in the world. It is a time to listen, to learn, and to walk alongside our First Nations brothers and sisters with respect and humility.
For us as a multifaith community, NAIDOC Week speaks powerfully to our shared values of justice, compassion, and respect for all creation. Each of our faith traditions teaches us the importance of caring for people, country, and community. By celebrating NAIDOC Week, we not only honour First Nations peoples but also strengthen our commitment to reconciliation and to building bridges of understanding across all cultures and faiths.
Let us take this week as an opportunity to deepen our learning, to stand in solidarity, and to celebrate the rich contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to our shared story.
I would also like to take a moment to reflect on the Common Statement signing event we recently hosted on August 20th, 2025, at the Dandenong Civic Centre, Level 2, Council Chambers and Formal Meeting Room. It was a deeply meaningful gathering that brought together faith and community leaders, representatives from different traditions, and allies committed to peace and justice.
The event highlighted the power of standing together with one voice. The Common Statement affirmed our shared values – respect, compassion, dignity, and the importance of caring for one another in times of challenge. Listening to the voices around the room, each bringing their own tradition and experience, reminded me of the strength that comes when we walk side by side.
Our Interfaith Network’s participation was a proud moment, showing once again that we are part of a larger movement working towards harmony and understanding across Victoria. These occasions not only strengthen our collective voice but also remind us that our local actions are part of a much wider tapestry of hope and collaboration.
Looking ahead, we have two important opportunities to come together as a Network:
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): A time to look back on what we’ve achieved together and to plan for the journey ahead. Your voice and presence truly matter, and I warmly encourage you to be part of this important meeting on 26 September 2025.
- Members’ Meeting: Another chance for us to connect, share, and keep building the strong bonds of friendship and understanding that make our Network so special. This meeting will also be held on 26 September 2025, following the AGM. We are delighted to welcome our guest speaker, Julian Hill MP, Federal Member for Bruce, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, and Assistant Minister for International Education.
I would love to see as many of you as possible at both gatherings. Each of us brings something valuable to the table, and it’s through our collective energy that we continue to grow and make a difference.
With warm regards,
Mehtap Williams – President
Mehtap Williams Monthly Message – June 2025
As we move through the month of June, I want to take a moment to reflect on two significant national events that invite us—individually and collectively—to listen, learn, and act with compassion: National Reconciliation Week and Refugee Week.
City of Greater Dandenong Funding
I am delighted to share that the City of Greater Dandenong will continue to fund IFN for a further 4 years. The new funding agreement commences on July 1st, 2025, and will end on June 30th, 2029.
The funding will assist IFN to continue to support our members in their service and work within the local community.
We thank the City of Greater Dandenong for their continued support and partnership with IFN.
National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3)
This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” was a powerful reminder that truth-telling, justice, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain essential to the soul of our nation. For our Interfaith community, it is a moment to affirm our commitment to healing relationships and to walking alongside First Nations communities with humility and solidarity.
Let us continue to honour the deep spiritual connection that Australia’s First Peoples have to this land, and to reflect on how our diverse faith traditions can support a future built on equity and mutual respect.
Refugee Week (June 16–22)
This year’s theme, “Finding Freedom,” echoes across all our traditions, reminding us of the journeys of so many who seek safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Australia’s refugee communities bring strength, resilience, and a richness of culture and faith that deepen our shared humanity.
As people of diverse faiths, we are uniquely placed to extend welcome, challenge fear, and foster inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Let us hold these weeks not as isolated dates, but as ongoing invitations to live out our shared values of compassion, justice, and peace.
In mid-June there has been more unrest in the Middle East. These events have caused so much upset and worry to our neighbours, and community members who have loved ones in Iran and the surrounding countries. We stand with you in this time of sorrow, fear, and uncertainty.
As people of different faiths and beliefs, we are united by a common thread: the deep yearning for peace, the sacredness of every human life, and the hope for a just and compassionate world.
We acknowledge the pain and anguish experienced by those watching from afar as their homelands suffer from conflict, instability, and loss. Your grief is real. Your longing for safety, dignity, and peace for your families is shared by all of us.
Let this message be a reminder:
You are not alone. We see you. We care. We pray with you and for you.
We call upon all people—regardless of faith or background—to speak and act with empathy, to resist division and hatred, and to hold tightly to our shared humanity.
May the voices of peace rise above the noise of war.
May compassion guide leaders and communities alike.
May all who suffer find comfort, strength, and justice.
In unity and hope…
Thank you for all that you do in your communities and for being part of this interfaith journey.
Warm regards,
Mehtap Williams, President, Interfaith Network