About Us
A Brief History
The Interfaith Network is a group of diverse cultural and religious faiths and spiritual organisations, who work in equal but independent partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong Council to promote peace and harmony within the municipality.
Established in 1989 as the first Interfaith Network in Australia, the Network consists of various traditional and multi-faith groups who meet monthly at the Council offices. Their goal is simple - promoting understanding, respect and tolerance for each other’s beliefs by living together in peace and goodwill.
The Interfaith Network covers faith communities in the Springvale, Dandenong, Keysborough and Noble Park areas. The Network strives to achieve the vision of ‘Many Faiths, One People’.
Membership
The Network consists of leaders of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh faiths and their communities. The spiritual organisations of the Sathya Sai and the Brahma Kumaris are also members of the network. As the Interfaith Network becomes known and accepted, membership continues to grow.
To view the Interfaith Network's current Executive Committee click here.
Activities
Activities which the Interfaith Network promote include:
• An Annual Gathering of the different faith communities, held in October on the Wednesday evening nearest United Nations Day (24th October)
• A comprehensive schools program which includes a Combined Schools Annual Interfaith Gathering - also held in October
• Tours of the various places of worship within the City of Greater Dandenong for members of the general public, council staff, school teachers, students and specific interest groups
• Participation in the Annual Induction of the new Mayor, where faith leaders renew their commitment to Council by re-affirming the Common Statement to promote mutual respect and tolerance for religious and cultural diversity
• The offering of prayer on a rostered basis at fortnightly Council meetings by different faith leaders
• Involvement in celebrating community festivals like Sumnation and Harmony Day
• Sharing of faith beliefs and practices
• Providing resources for public events and multi-faith gatherings in times of significant world events
For further information about the Network, contact the City of Greater Dandenong on (03) 8571 5265.
Processes & Structures
Local faith leaders and faith representatives of faith communities, who support the ideals of the Common Statement and sign it, belong to the Interfaith Network. The faith leaders and faith representatives attend monthly meetings, contribute to the development of the Network, assist in planning and participate in activities of the Network. After participating as observers, faith leaders and faith representatives may formalise their community membership by signing the Common Statement at the Annual Gathering. For more information on Processes & Structures click here.
Rules
The Interfaith Network is an Incorporated body. To view more information on the Rules of the Network, pleaseclick here.
What the Interfaith Network Is And Is Not