We don’t tolerate diversity. We celebrate it
The 11th annual Victorian State Parliament Iftar Dinner took place in Sofitel Hotel’s Latrobe Ballroom on Monday; 20 June 2016. Organised by the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS); the event was attended by 250 guests; including more than 20 MPs and consuls representing more than 30 countries.
The dinner was co-hosted by two Parliamentarians: The Hon Minster Robin Scott of the Labor Party and Mrs Inga Peulich MLC of the Liberal Party. AIS Advisory board member George Donikian was master of ceremonies for the evening.
The keynote speaker was Hon Linda Dessau AM; Governor of Victoria who wished “Ramadan Kareem” to Muslims of Victoria.
Additional speakers included Mr Ahmet Keskin; executive director of AIS; and Sheikh Abdurrahman Malas; who gave the call to prayer (adhan) and recited several verses from the Quran.
The evening concluded with a lovely Turkish instrumental musical performance and gift presentation.
Credit to Begum Yılmaz for photography
Keynote Speech
Hon Linda Dessau AM; Governor of Victoria’s transcript
Addresses by Hosts
Welcome address
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”11″ gal_title=”2016 Victoria Parliament Iftar Dinner”]