Deakin University Hosts 16th Annual Iftar Dinner
On 3 March 2026, Deakin University welcomed students, staff, and community members to its 18th annual Iftar dinner at Deakin Downtown, held in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society. The evening brought together people from diverse backgrounds to share in the spirit of Ramadan, promote intercultural dialogue, and celebrate the values of inclusion, respect, and community.
The evening opened by the programs MC, Professor Fethi Mansouri, who reflected on the spiritual and social significance of Ramadan in today’s world. He highlighted the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, especially during times of global conflict and political instability. “Specifically because of what’s happening there we should be holding these events… we need to bring people together,” he said. He emphasised that gatherings like the Iftar dinner help build alliances across communities, promote social cohesion, and reinforce Australia’s multicultural values.
Professor Simon Tormey, Executive Dean Arts and Education, delivered a welcome on behalf of Deakin University, who spoke about the meaning of social cohesion in a diverse society: “Social cohesion is not social homogeneity. It asks more of us than thinking alike, worshipping alike, or looking alike.” Simon described the Iftar dinner as “an act of genuine encounter, an opportunity to be present with one another, share something meaningful, and be reminded of all that we hold in common.” He also stressed that cultural safety is not simply a courtesy but a fundamental condition of belonging.
The keynote address was delivered by journalist Karen Percy, who shared her personal connection to Deakin University as a former distance student. She remarked “It’s so important to acknowledge what’s going on… when the world is full of tension and turmoil, as it is right now,” she said, reminding guests to stay mindful and present. Karen explored the meaning of Australian values, describing them as principles of equality, inclusion, and respect. She acknowledged the nation’s complex history, including past discrimination and violence against First Nations peoples, while celebrating Australia as a country shaped by immigration. She urged guests to discuss immigration respectfully, without hostility, and to think critically about media and information, cautioning that “we are being manipulated day in, day out… They don’t care if it’s true. They just care that you engage, that you like, that you share.” Karen also highlighted the importance of standing up against casual racism and practicing everyday kindness, encouraging attendees to “make an effort to say hello. Smile. Look them in the eye with kindness and warmth.” She concluded by celebrating Australia’s diversity, stating, “The true beauty of Australia is that there is no one-size-fits-all.”
Ahmet Keskin emphasised the importance of events like these that remind us about our common humanity – “that we share similar hopes and aspirations for our loved ones and future generations. Even though our common humanity gets tested at times, either through domestic or international events, what we have in Australia is precious. It’s a working example of having different ideas, backgrounds and multi-layered identities striving to make the most of what Australia has to offer”. He finished off by encouraging continual engagement between individuals and communities to help our cohesion.
Throughout the evening, guests shared in the reflection, connection, and warmth of Ramadan, reinforcing Deakin University’s ongoing commitment to multicultural engagement, inclusion, and social cohesion. By bringing together people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, the 18th annual Iftar dinner demonstrated the power of community, dialogue, and shared values in building a stronger, more inclusive Australia.
