GEIFN | REPORTS | PPMN | St Kilda Multicultural IFTAR 2017 | Sunday 4 June 2017 | 4.30pm arrival for 5-8pm

[Edited compilation from multiple sources]

The major 2017 event of City of Port Phillip Multifaith Network to break fast with the local Muslim community during the Islamic month of Ramadan

First part of the program was breaking fast ritual with formal part of the evening starting afterwards. Local Imam Mohammed Mohsin spoke about breaking fast.

A Welcome to Country was delivered by Aunty Carolyn Briggs, a Boon Wurrung senior elder and chairperson and founder, Boon Wurrung Foundation - responsible for significant work in cultural research, including restoration of Boon Wurrung language and promotion and maintenance of Boon Wurrung culture and heritage. The Foundation also helps connect Aboriginal youth to their heritage. As testament, an unexpected but well received Smoking Ceremony was offered by a young flag bearer of the Boon Wurrung tradition.

Mayor Councillor Bernadine Voss and Cr. Tim Baxter, Chair of the Port Phillip Multifaith Network spoke on behalf of Council and the Port Phillip constituency. Speaking on behalf of Victorian Multicultural Commission was Dr Mimmie Claudine Ngum Chi Watts. On the Panel – Faith and rituals of fasting were Imam Mohammed Mohsin, Maria George (The Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart & St Columba) Rabbi Shamir Caplan (Beit Aharon Congregation), and Bhakta Dasa (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and Father Bob Maguire, AM RFD Speakers

Highlights of the program included

• Observing call to prayer
• Hearing from the Muslim community 
• Food sharing between different cultures
• Speeches from other religious groups

At Friday 30 June 2017, Organisers report 120 people attended with representation from various faith groups and local Muslim community. Event raised over $618 for charity. The nominated charities are ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre) and The Torch Project (Indigenous Arts in Prisons & Community program) equally shared between!

On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to Port Phillip Multifaith Network, City of Port Phillip, Victorian Multicultural Commission and all involved for event funding, collaboration and experience. A memorable occasion, delicious food and collective pride, received with gratitude.

Please note, due to individual illness causing my non-attendance on the night, this report includes Organising Committee information and extracts from a range of sources.

MORE:
Port Phillip Multifaith Network
City of Port Phillip
Private Bag 3, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Ewa Zysk, Acting Multicultural Liaison Officer, Access & Ageing
Tel: 9209 6385; Mob: 0421 582 732
Website: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/multifaith_network.htm

A small sample of those assembled