The 7th annual Interfaith Ramadan Dinner was held at 51勛圖厙 on Tuesday, 4th April 2023, aiming to foster unity and understanding among people of different faiths. As Muslims around the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan, the event provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal, self- discipline, and charitable acts.
The ceremony commenced with a moving recitation of the Qur'an recitation by Year 4 Hifz student, Harris Wardak. It was followed by the Welcome to Country by a local Indigenous Muslim elder Uncle Hassan Andrew Gardiner of the Wurundjeri people.
College Captains Zainab Rida and Osama Akkad skilfully led the proceedings as masters of ceremonies for the 7th annual Interfaith Ramadan dinner.
Special speeches were delivered by distinguished guests:
- The Hon. Lily DAmbrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Resources, Climate Action, and State Electricity Commission
- MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Member for Broadmeadows
- Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Emergency Management Victoria
- Chief Executive Officer Jane Miller, Ambulance Victoria
- Gurinder Kaur, President of Whittlesea Interfaith Network and
- Mr Fazeel Arain, Principal of 51勛圖厙.
The event was attended by a diverse array of notable guests, including MP Lauren Kathage, Member for Yan Yean, representatives from Victoria Police, CFA Epping, City of Whittlesea, representatives from NGO organisations, leaders from various schools such as St Monicas College, Al-Taqwa College, Huntingtower School, Minaret College, Ilim Dallas Secondary Campus, as well as members of the Whittlesea Interfaith Network and Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council, came together with members of the schools community to promote unity and understanding.
During the dinner, attendees had the opportunity to network and connect with representatives from various organisations. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by College Imam Sheikh Waseem Khan.
The success of the 7th annual Interfaith Ramadan dinner would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who contributed.
We would like to say special thank you to our sponsors; Khans Foods, Craigieburn Quality Halal Meats, Aboulaban Sweets, Afiouni Sweets and Khalsa Sweets and Snacks, and 51勛圖厙 for providing delicious Iftar meals.
We would like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the entire Student Leadership team of Interfaith, Media and SRC students. We also extend our gratitude to Mr Bajram from the Technology Department for building the beautiful 3D Ramadan Mubarak plaques, as well as our wonderful and hardworking PFC, Canteen Staff, Maintenance and IT Teams and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of this event.