Ramadan (2019) | Members Statement

Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan) (09:52:14): I had the privilege of attending many iftar dinners during the holy month of Ramadan, including the one that was hosted by our Premier, the Honourable Daniel Andrews. I was joined by several parliamentarians, councillors, interfaith leaders and community leaders at each of the iftars. I had the honour of being a part of the iftar dinner organised by the Amafhh Federation and the iftar dinners organised by La Trobe University and the Islamic Council of Victoria. I represented the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Richard Wynne, at the iftar dinner organised by the East African Women’s Foundation and the iftar dinner organised by the Dawoodi Bohra community. Along with my parliamentary colleagues the Honourable Adem Somyurek and Katie Hall, I also attended the iftar dinner organised by the Australia Light Foundation in Tottenham. I was amazed to see the volunteers at this iftar work tirelessly to accommodate over 450 people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Each iftar was unique in its own way but also had the common theme of selflessness and unity. They promoted the real spirit of Ramadan—of social belonging, unity, brotherhood and equality before God. Gatherings like these truly uphold the commitment of the Andrews Labor government to nurture Victoria’s vibrant multicultural and multifaith society. I look forward to supporting and attending such gatherings in the future.