Presidents Message

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

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