The Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) was established in 2000 by Muslim Australians who were one of the pioneers of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, engaging with wider society to build bridges through interaction, information and co-operation.

Australia is a diverse society. It has a history that dates back a millennia with our First Nations People. European settlement and migration from all corners of the globe have made the island continent a mosaic which captures the rich colours of the world. This mosaic is tested at times. Thus, the AIS is working to sustain harmony within our pluralist society and upholding shared values – such as respect for the rule of law, advocating for democracy and social justice, promoting understanding and acceptance underpinned by mutual respect. We are committed to working within the democratic framework of Australia to ensure everyone is given the due respect of the human dignity.

It is our belief that
• people from diverse cultures and faiths must co-operate for a peaceful co-existence;
• power is with the truth; a refutation of the common belief that truth relies on power;
• freedom of belief and opinion and the physical and mental well-being of individuals cannot be violated;
• the privacy of human beings and protection of a person’s life must be maintained;
• no one can be convicted of a crime without evidence; or accused and punished for someone else’s crime even if the suspect happens to be his or her closest relative; and
• all types of violence; atrocities and terror should be condemned by all cultures and communities.
• Loyalty should not blindly be to a flag but rather on shared principles with the truth prevailing no matter the conditions.

As the AIS was established in a pre-9/11 world to serve the great state of Victoria, it was the first organisation to conduct a Mosque Open Day (inaugural open day in July 2001 at Sunshine Mosque), Ramadan Iftar Programs (since 2002), and interfaith conferences, symposiums and panels (since 2001) such as Abrahamic panels – Muslim, Jewish and Christian panels, Study Tours to Turkiye, Youth Panels and engagement programs, Tree Planting Day and the like.