AUSTRALIAN INTERCULTURAL SOCIETY IFTAR DINNER PROGRAMS 2011
 

 La Trobe University Iftar Dinner
Bundoora Campus

3 August

La Trobe University held its annual Iftar Dinner at the John Scott building on its Bundoora campus in collaboration with the Australian intercultural society. Just as the previous two years, it was a great evening for both academics, students and community leaders who enjoyed an informative program accompanied by delicious food. La Trobe University have been playing a major role in promoting social inclusiveness and cultural diversity through these iftar dinners as it was the first university to host an iftar dinner in Australia... 

4 August

Another inaugural iftar dinner was hosted by the Moonee Valley City Council in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society. Teachers and principals from the Moonee Valley region interacted with Muslim teachers and principals working in various colleges around Melbourne. The event was a great success with teachers from different backgrounds and faiths met each other and established new friendships and networking between schools.  

10 August

One of the most exciting  iftar dinner programs was held at the magistrates court Melbourne for the first time. The event was hosted by the Judiciary College in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society. Judicial officers and Muslim leaders enjoyed a traditional Anatolian iftar dinner as they socialized in a friendly atmosphere. Chief Justice Magistrate, Ian Gray welcomed the guests with a short speech which followed by a keynote speech delivered by Tasneem Chopra. Judges were pleased with the event and indicated that it should continue next year...

12 August

An inaugural iftar dinner program was held at Deakin University on the 12th of August 2011 at a Deakin venue Bourke Street Melbourne. The event hosted by Deakin University and co-organized with the Australian Intercultural Society attracted academics, consul generals, religious and community leaders, politicians, officials from the multicultural commission of Victoria and students. Prof Jan de Hollander, Vice Chancellor of Deakin University welcomed the guests and said that the successful iftar events would continue to be hosted by Deakin in the coming years with the inclusion of more students and their families...  

16 August

This year, State parliament Iftar Dinner program was hosted by Bruce Atkinson MP Liberal Party and Rob Hulls MP Labor Party at the historic Windsor Hotel. The prestigious event was organized by the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) and sponsored by Selimiye Foundation, Isik College and Melbourne Young Businessmen Association. The keynote speech was delivered by Helen Szoke, Commissioner of Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission. Members of the State Parliament, acting and assistant Commissioners Victoria Police, former Governor of Victoria and former Governor General, academics and community leaders attended the popular event that has become a tradition of the Victorian State Parliament...

Monash University Iftar Dinner included a new program that was added to the usual run-sheet.  A panel of professional young women discussed the topic of "Empowering Women in Religion." The panelists spoke about the position of women in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. The panel was moderated by Prof Greg Barton of Monash and encouraged many of the VIP audience to share their views with the guests. Monash University have successfully been hosting Ramadan Iftar dinners for the past few years and their hospitably has been deeply appreciated by the Muslim Community. 

The Buddhist Council of Victoria in association with the Australian Intercultural Society organized an iftar dinner for Buddhist, Muslim and other faith communities of Victoria. The event was hosted by Quang Minh Temple and attracted over 250 people. Also participated in the event, government officials, faith leaders, politicians and members of the Victoria Police. Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of enlightenment, entertainment, social interaction and cultural foods from Vietnamese and Turkish kitchens.