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There is an undeniable air of anti-islamic, and a broader, anti-religious feel in the atmosphere at the moment. The ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ frame of mind is in the foreground of our society, as it has been in Australia’s history at different times. While so much of the world’s attention focuses on religious conflict and rivalry, it’s easy to overlook the effective work being done particularly in Australia to promote peace and understanding between cultures and faiths.
On Sunday 1 October, at a gathering of over 200 guests which was made up of religious leaders, academics, politicians, educators and various other individuals from differing backgrounds, Affinity Intercultural Foundation presented its Australian Affinity Awards, to recognise the efforts of individuals who actively promote interfaith dialogue and the removal of religious prejudice in the Australian community. Last years interfaith award receiver, Cardinal George Pell was also present amongst the audience.

Notable award receivers included Mrs Barbara Perry, NSW Labor Party MP for Auburn, who was awarded with the Public Officer award; Mr Jim Mein, NSW Moderator of the Uniting Church, as he has been an active advocate of Interfaith Dialogue; and Dr Stewart Sharlow of the Australian Catholic University for establishing the Asia-Pacific Centre for Interfaith Dialogue within the Australian Catholic University.

The youth of today have been noticeably in the forefront of this interfaith and understanding of the ‘other’ service. Education manager for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Josh Levin has been involved in steering and participating in a number of projects involving Muslim, Christian and Jewish youth. Mrs Fulya Celik, teacher and VCE Coordinator at Isik College in Melbourne has been, and continues to be, involved in educational and interfaith projects in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Fulya is also an executive member of the Australian Intercultural Society of Melbourne which is one of the leading interfaith organisations of Australia.

The Hon Mrs Barbara Perry MP was awarded in the area of Public Service. Barbara’s commitment and dedication to serving her community and beyond, greatly contributes to building dialogue and addressing women and youth issues of today.

The keynote address by Adj. Professor Peter Manning focused on the theme “Us and Them”, which is also the title of his recent book. Peter says, “Building bridges between communities that share Abrahamic tradition is more important than highlighting differences. The work that Affinity is doing to create dialogue between groups is healthy and encouraging and a positive way forward for all Australians.” Importantly, many of those listening were eating their first meal since dawn, as the dinner marked the end of the day’s fasting, a practice required by all observing Muslims during the month of Ramadan. The sharing of a meal is considered in all cultures of the world to be one of the most significant gestures of accord and goodwill.

In all, 8 awards were presented at the dinner hosted by the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, an organisation founded in 2001 by a group of young Australian Muslims specifically to promote cultural and religious awareness and understanding across the entire Australian community.

According to Mr Mehmet Ozalp, Affinity’s President and author of 101 Questions You Asked About Islam, “The Awards recognise individuals for their significant contribution in bringing together Australians, and improving understanding between Australians of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds”.