Presidents Message

Dear Friends of the Interfaith Network,

I am hoping that as many as possible will be able to attend our AGM on Wednesday, 25^th September.

During this transition time, our Staffing Team Livia, Lilian and Paris have been active in promoting the Network with members of the Greater City of Dandenong Council and other members of the Community. 

Their productive work is helping us move forward with well thought out Strategic Objectives for the next 3 years and beyond with your support and collaboration.  Details of our Strategic Objectives will be further discussed during our AGM.

I wish to thank each of you whom I have met during my time as President of the Network and am grateful that our Executive Committee, past and present have been supportive and encouraging of the Common Statement to which we all aspire.

Let us together continue to support each other with the challenges we face as a community, and witness to the values we share in our faith communities.

May our concerted efforts of sharing Messages of Hope, Prayers at Council Meetings and facilitating tours to each other’s places of worship be a sign of hope for all in our community and beyond.

Anita Davine (President, August 2023 – September 2024)

Many thanks to all who could attend our Annual Gathering on 20^th August.  It was an opportunity for community, faith leaders and government leaders on all levels to meet and confirm our commitment to support a shared vision of ‘Many Faiths, One People.’

The exchange of candles to prominent members of the community was a symbol of the light of faith shared by all who attended.

Elder Mark Brown who gave the Welcome to Country reminded us of the special connection that we all have to the land and each other.

Mayor Lana Formosa gave a stirring response after receiving a framed copy of the Common Statement.  She reminded us of the rich diversity of cultures, languages and faith traditions that exist within the City of Greater Dandenong and how we can foster unity within this diversity.

The Signing of the Common Statement which has been happening since the beginning of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong in 1989, gives a message of hope to the wider community that we are in solidarity to create a harmonious society, where respect, understanding, a sense of justice and compassion are practiced and modelled.

For all attendees and those who could not come but sent their apologies, we extend an invitation to attend our upcoming AGM on 25^th September, 2024.  Let us continue to witness to the values and aspirations of the Interfaith Network and ‘share the load’ with each other.

Anita Davine (President, August 2023 – September 2024)