Arfa addresses dinner
United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley president Arfa Khan of Trafalgar was a guest speaker at the recent Victoria Police iftar dinner.
Victoria Police hosted its third chief commissioner’s iftar dinner to commemorate Ramadan with representatives and leaders from Victoria’s Islamic community.
More than 150 people attended the event, including representatives from the Islamic Council of Victoria, the Victorian Board of Imams, Islamic Shia Council of Victoria, Benevolence Australia, United Muslims Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV), Rabbinical Council of Victoria and the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria.
Chief commissioner Graham Ashton said he was proud to host his third Iftar dinner which had a theme of ’social cohesion’.
“The relationship between Victoria Police and the Islamic community is one that we value greatly – and it’s one that is continually strengthened,” CCP Ashton said.
“We are proud to serve a vibrant multicultural community and believe everyone has the right to live free from prejudice regardless of faith, background, age or gender.
“With the recent challenging events across the globe, it’s more important than ever that we focus on those things that unite us, as members of a rich and diverse Victorian community.”
These interactions through dinner, and numerous other iftar dinners between local Islamic communities and Victoria Police members across the state, provided invaluable opportunities to share experiences and build understanding and respect.
The evening included a presentation by Ms Khan and Sergeant Ben McWilliams on Victoria Police’s ‘Social Cohesion Partnership Project’, which focusses on the co-design and delivery of projects by culturally and linguistically diverse communities and their local police.
It aims to promote harmony, and cultural understanding in local communities.
Mr Ashton said Victoria Police was committed to remaining connected with all communities:
“We value all faith communities across the state and our commitment to community engagement will only be strengthened over the coming years,” he said.