By Suprovat Sydney | Reporting by Abdullah Yousuf & ANM Masum
In a vibrant display of multicultural harmony, the Community Voice of Australia (CVA) hosted its annual community Iftar dinner on Saturday, 14 March. Held at the Greg Percival Community Hall, the event brought together an extraordinary cross-section of civic leaders, faith representatives, and local residents to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.
A Fusion of Traditions
The evening opened with a spiritual foundation as Hafez Rehan Hassan performed a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. In a moving tribute to Australia’s heritage, Uncle David Bell delivered the Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a traditional Aboriginal dance that set a tone of mutual respect and shared belonging.
The proceedings were officially opened by Cr Masud Khalil, President of Community Voice of Australia, and expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Soliman Hossain.
Voices of Harmony
The central theme of the night was social cohesion. Khaled Halabi, Secretary of CVA, alongside Cr Abba Suri and Cr Soud, delivered addresses focusing on the strength found in diversity. Community perspectives were shared by Dev Gurung and Fia Pesa, highlighting the grassroots impact of the organization.
The event’s keynote address, delivered by Br Nazih Ali, explored the intersection of Ramadan and Social Harmony, while Shibly Abdullah (Chief Advisor) outlined the future mission and vision of the CVA.
A Multi-Faith Gathering
The dinner was a true testament to interfaith dialogue, with messages of unity shared by a diverse range of representatives, including:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Catholic Church (Fr. Yousef Fanos)
- Al Baraka Center
- Kali Mondir Minto (Hindu community)
- The Samoan Church & AMWC
- The Church of Scientology
Distinguished Guests
The guest list reflected a strong partnership between the community and local institutions. Notable attendees included:
- Government & Police:Cr Eva Campbell and representatives from the NSW Police Force (Campbelltown Area Command), representing Commander Grant Harley and Inspector Maroney.
- Education:Heather Ale, Principal of Edmondson Park Public School.
- Community Groups:Leaders from the ABBF (Ratan Khan), Amader Kotha (Paramita Bosh), and various multicultural media outlets including Desi Australia.
Breaking the Fast
As the sun set, the Adhan (call to prayer) echoed through the hall, signaling the breaking of the fast. Guests shared a meal that embodied the core values of Ramadan—patience, generosity, and compassion.
The Community Voice of Australia team—including Sajjan Karki, Peni Founa, and Syeda Ishrat Ferdousi—concluded the evening by reaffirming their commitment to building a cohesive society where every voice is heard.
