IFN Executive Committee President, Monthly Message
Mehtap William’s Monthly Message – March 2026
Hello everyone,
It has been some time since my last message, and I hope you all had a restful summer break and are continuing to enjoy the warmer months.
It has already been a busy and eventful start to the year for the Interfaith Network. As we look ahead, we are focused on strengthening our work and continuing to support our diverse communities across Greater Dandenong and beyond.
Like many organisations, we have experienced some recent changes within our team. We said goodbye to Paris Sard, our Community Education Officer as well as our Executive Committee Treasurer. We extend our best wishes to them both.
We are also operating in a time of significant global uncertainty, with political unrest impacting communities both overseas and here at home. These challenges are felt deeply within our diverse local community. IFN has been working closely with the City of Greater Dandenong, maintaining open communication about how we can best support our communities during these times.
In December 2025, IFN members and supporters were invited to participate in an important Social Cohesion Workshop as part of the “Connections that Matter” initiative. This work is being led in partnership with the three South-East Melbourne councils — Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia — alongside the Australian Government’s Office for Social Cohesion, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on what social cohesion means in our local context and the role each of us can play in strengthening connections across our communities. I would like to sincerely thank all IFN members and supporters who attended and contributed to these meaningful and engaging discussions as well as the IFN staffing group who worked closely with Council and Home Affairs in readiness for the workshop.
We have a new IFN Children and Young People Safety Policy, ensuring alignment with the standards set by the Victorian Commissioner for Children and Young People. We thank IFN members for providing feedback to the draft document, as part of the consultation process.
This period has also been a meaningful time of celebration for many within our community. We recently observed the holy month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, generosity, and spiritual renewal for our Muslim communities, followed by the celebration of Eid. We also acknowledge Nawrouz, the Persian New Year, which symbolises renewal, hope, and new beginnings. These important occasions remind us of the richness of our diverse traditions and the shared values of gratitude, family, and community that connect us all.
One of the highlights of the year so far was our IFN Harmony Day event held on 18 March 2026. This special gathering brought together approximately 60 attendees from across our community. The event commenced with the lighting of the Peace and Unity Candle by Detective Inspector Spiros Drossos from the Australian Federal Police, followed by an opening prayer from Reverend Father Jean Mawal of St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church. We were honoured to receive a welcome from the Mayor, Cr Sophie Tan, and I was pleased to deliver the official welcome on behalf of IFN.
Our keynote address was presented by His Eminence Mykola Bychok, Bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, who spoke on “Building Bridges and Unity through Interfaith Dialogue and Encounters.” His message strongly resonated with all in attendance.
The event concluded with a closing prayer from Kathy Kaplan OAM, followed by networking and the introduction of new IFN initiatives. We were delighted to receive very positive feedback, reflecting the value of coming together in a spirit of unity and respect.
More recently, our Executive Officer Livia Carusi, myself and Kathy Caplan OAM, IFN member was invited to participate in the Monday Matters podcast, hosted by Ian Bunston.
This platform celebrates the importance of community connection, and it was a wonderful opportunity to share the work of IFN. Together with community leaders, including representation from different faith backgrounds, we discussed the importance of respectful dialogue, inclusion, and fostering meaningful relationships. It was encouraging to see strong engagement, both live and across social media, highlighting the growing interest in building connected and inclusive communities.
As we move forward, IFN remains committed to strengthening relationships, supporting dialogue, and creating spaces where people of all faiths and backgrounds can come together in understanding and respect.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in this important work.
Warm regards,
Mehtap Williams
President
Interfaith Network
Mehtap Williams Monthly Message – November 2025
Dear members of IFN,
As we approach the end of 2025, I am pleased to share an update on the Interfaith Network’s recent activities, achievements and ongoing commitments. These past months have been filled with meaningful engagement, community collaboration and opportunities to strengthen our vision of “Many Faiths, One People.”
At our recent Members Meeting, participants reflected on and refined the IFN values of Integrity and Education. Members worked together to draft definitions and actions that will guide our network into the future.
These drafts will soon be presented to the Executive Committee, bringing the IFN Values Project to completion. Our aim is to release a refreshed IFN brochure in early 2026 showcasing our renewed vision and values.
This year’s AGM featured a keynote address by Mayor Cr Jim Memeti (Dandenong Ward), whose reflections were both insightful and encouraging.
We welcomed Vivek Shah and Jasbir Singh to the Committee, and farewelled Fr Jean Mawal and Pannasobhana Thero. We thank them for their service and wish them every success.
The IFN staff also prepared a comprehensive Annual Report, available on our website for members to view.
The Home – Invisible Cities forum explored the theme of memory, identity and belonging. The session was facilitated by Leila Gurruwiwi and featured contributions from:
- Uncle Mark Brown, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Abbas Amiry, Refugee Resource Hub
- Naomi Paterson, Cornerstone
- Livia Carusi, Interfaith Network
The event was heartfelt, powerful and deeply appreciated by all who attended. Thank you to the presenters, organisers and community members who made this gathering so meaningful.
We were pleased to meet with Senator Paul Scarr, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, along with his team and representatives from the ASRC.
Together with IFN Executive Officer Livia Carusi, I shared insights into IFN’s work, our community’s needs and key considerations for immigration and multicultural policy. We thank the ASRC for facilitating this valued conversation and look forward to welcoming the Senator to future IFN events.
The theme for this year’s gathering was “Everybody Belongs – Many Faiths, One Heart.”
With the support of schools and local faith leaders, more than 320 students filled the venue with music, dance, colour and joy. Their performances captured the spirit of belonging, unity and celebration. It was an inspiring reminder of what is possible when we come together across cultures and faiths.
We congratulate:
- Cr Sophie Tan (Noble Park Ward) – Mayor
- Cr Phillip Danh (Yarraman Ward) – Deputy Mayor
We also express our gratitude to outgoing Mayor Cr Jim Memeti for his leadership and dedication to our community
In collaboration with the City of Greater Dandenong Libraries, IFN co-hosted a Talking Faith Forum on “Women, Faith and Service: Leading with Purpose.”
This was a rich and inspiring conversation highlighting the leadership of women across many traditions.
IFN is honoured to be part of the City of Greater Dandenong’s Working Group and to participate in the annual Walk Against Family Violence. We remain committed to standing in solidarity with all efforts to end domestic and family violence in our community.
IFN has secured a new funding and service agreement with the City of Greater Dandenong. Our first six-monthly progress report is due by 31 December 2025, and we are pleased to report that we are on track to meet—and in some areas exceed—our annual targets.
Membership applications continue to rise, attendance at events remains strong, and subscriptions to our E-News continue to grow. This reflects your commitment to building a community of respect, understanding and shared purpose.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of our diverse, multi-faith community. This has been a year marked by connection, collaboration and shared purpose. Across many traditions, teachings and cultures, you have each contributed to the spirit of unity that defines the Interfaith Network.
Thank you for your kindness, your willingness to listen, and your commitment to building bridges of understanding. Whether through attending forums, participating in school gatherings, engaging in community dialogue, or offering quiet support behind the scenes, your contributions have strengthened our collective work.
As many in our community prepare to observe significant religious celebrations over the coming months, we honour the richness of your traditions and the light they bring into our shared community. May this time of reflection and celebration bring peace, renewal and joy to you and your loved ones.
On behalf of the Interfaith Network, I wish you all a safe, restful and meaningful end to the year. We look forward to continuing our journey together in 2026—guided by compassion, respect and our shared vision of “Many Faiths, One People.”
Warm regards,
Mehtap Williams
President
Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong