Easter

On the evening of Monday 17th March 2008 we saw a rare glimpse of dialogue seldom seen in Mildura. Mildura Rural City Council's Social Inclusion Projects Officer Donna Gardener along with ex mayor and now deputy chair of Sunraysia Ethnic Communities Council Mr Peter Byrne as well as Mr Demir of Australian Intercultural Society co-ordinated an even unlike any other - "What is Islam: The lives of Muslims living in the Democratic, Cohesive and Inclusive Australian society". It was opened by the Current mayor Mr John Arnold by firstly welcoming the newly appointed Imam of the local Islamic Society Mr Faruk Anar. The meeting was attended by representatives from the police force, Sunraysia TAFE College, La-Trobe University Mildura Campus, Local Hospital, Mallee Family Care, Sun-assist Community Care and numerous other NGO's, members of local churches and community leaders. It was a well rounded presentation by Dr Salih Yucel of Monash University – Lecturer at Monash University, international Speaker & Author. He received a bachelor in Divinity from Ankara University, a master of Theology from Sydney University and a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University. After discussing the basics pertaining to the Islamic faith with the added depth of a visual presentation, Dr Yucel touched on the issues of living in the west as a Muslim and loyalty to one’s country. He was clear to point out that Muslims living in the west owe a debt of allegiance to the country they live in because it is a source of their sustenance and well being. He also reiterated the often mentioned onus of engaging the wider community if squarely on the shoulders of the Muslims themselves.

The feedback from the audience suggests he was right on the money as many requested the continuance of such programs and even extending them to include venues such as schools and other organisations. The panel discussion following the presentation was lively with many questions being put by the audience to the four panel members made up of Dr Yucel, Mrs Fulya Celik, Community & Education Coordiinator of Australian Intercultural Society, Mr Mithat Demir Mildura Projects Coordinator of Australian Intercultural Society and the Imam of Mildura Islamic Society, Mr Faruk Anar.

The questions ranged from the simple to the complex and the panel endeavoured to answer as many of the questions as possible in the amount of time available. The guests who numbered in excess of 100 were all farewelled by refreshments made by the volunteers of the local Islamic Society.

AIS Main