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Monash Interfaith Gathering in conjunction with Monash City Council held an Interfaith Festival at the Clayton Community Centre on Sunday 22nd April.  This event brought together people of many faiths sharing their beliefs and practices and talking together on the theme of ‘Promoting Peace Faith and Harmony in our Multicultural Community’.

Monash Interfaith Festival Organisational Committee

Council was granted funding from Victorian Multicultural Commission. The stated objectives were to be all-inclusive and involve participation across people of all faiths.There were table displays and explanations of many faiths, including Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, Sikh, Buddhist, Christians including Catholic, Uniting Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christian Scientist and others, where people learned from each other and got to know and better understand each other.

Youth Forum Panel (left), Women's Forum Panel (right)

A women’s forum discussed ideas to strengthen marriages, families and relationships. The youth forum discussed how their faith helps them to live more fulfilling lives and become better people. A group of Hindu dancers entertained with their traditional dance and costumes. The buffet lunch enabled socialising and sharing of ideas on the theme. Holding the Festival on a Sunday afternoon enabled all faiths to attend their church services.

Distinguished Guests (left), Master of Ceremonies (right)

Victorian Government Member Michael Gidley, representing the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, spoke and mixed well with the mainly local people. Monash Mayor Stefani Perri, Councillor Charlotte Baines, Community Services Director Carolyn McClean and her staff attended and mixed with the hundred or so attendees. Prior to the Festival Elder Aunty Di Kerr of the Wurundjeri Aborigine tribe performed a smoking ceremony and welcome to Country.

Faith Table Displays

The event successfully fulfilled the stated objectives of bringing people together to promote peace and harmony in our multicultural community.