Northern Interfaith/Intercultural Network update: June 2009
Participants at the release of the Northern Interfaith/Intercultural Network Initial Report, June 2009.
Participants at the release of the Northern Interfaith/Intercultural Network Initial Report, June 2009.
Participants at the release of the Northern Interfaith/Intercultural Network Initial Report, June 2009.
The initial report on An Interfaith and Intercultural Network in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs was released during a community consultation on 23rd June 2009 at Darebin City Hall. The consultation was well attended by nearly 80 faith and cultural community activists and leaders. There was good representation of all faiths and cultures of the region with a cross section of age and genders involved. This mix ensured a diversity of views, lively interaction and a very enjoyable evening.
The community consultation had a number of important outcomes regarding the establishment of the Interfaith and Intercultural Network in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs.
The consultation saw the launch of the Initial Report of the NIIN (PDF 1.46MB). The result of an Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant, the report was the result of months of research and preparation, consultations of various kinds, focus group discussions, a survey of public attitudes and many meetings. The report was compiled by the Centre for Dialogue in collaboration with five Local Councils (Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland and Whittlesea) as well as a number of other partner organisations.
The report calls for the establishment of an Interfaith and Intercultural Network in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs, which would build upon and support the many good initiatives that already exist within the region. It sets out a number of findings as well as ideas, proposals and recommendations for the way forward. Across the board support was expressed for the Initial Report, particularly of the key findings, and for the establishment of the Network.
There was lively exchanges during the round-table discussions about the future direction and key priorities of the Network, and the establishment of an Interim Steering Committee. A number of participants expressed their interest in standing for the Interim Steering Committee. It is proposed that the Committee will operate till the end of 2009 with members drawn from each of the five municipalities.
Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success.