Following the landmark signing of agreement in Canberra between Affinity and Charles Sturt University (CSU) for Islamic Studies to be given at CSU, the Islamic Sciences & Research Academy (ISRA) of Australia was officially launched at historic Sydney Customs House on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010.
In collaboration with the City of Sydney Council, Affinity Intercultural Foundation and Living in Harmony Festival 2010, this inaugural program had key representations from the academic, religious, media, secular and community sectors across New South Wales. From the Vice Chancellor of Charles Sturt University to the President and CEO of Jewish Board of Deputies to the President of the Buddhist Council of Australia, Imam's and councilors and other community-based leaders, a high and diverse caliber of guests were present and acknowledged by the Master of Ceremonies.
The program was officially opened by City of Sydney Councilor Mr John McInerney who expressed his delight at being part of the launch of such a significant organisation.
Chaired by Assoc Prof Jake Lynch, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney, the luncheon panel on "Media and Inclusion" became the focus of stimulating presentations on the subject matter. The panel which comprised of expert speakers presented on the following topics:
Mr Mike McCluskey, NSW State Director of ABC, "The ABC's role in reflecting the national identity and cultural diversity of Australia."
Mr Mark Coulton, Deputy Editor of Sydney Morning Herald, "More than a festival - the challenge of reporting minorities in a broadcast media."
Ms Zuleyha Keskin, Vice President of ISRA Australia, "Muslim perception of Australian media."
Prof Jock Collins, Co-Director of UTS Cosmopolitan, Civil Societies Research Centre, "The Media, Immigrant Minorities and Ethnic Crime in Sydney."
Ms Elisha McIntyre, doctoral student in the Department of Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney, "Salam Mate! Humour and the Deconstruction of Islamophobia in Salam Café"
The rich discussions opened the floor to question and answers which mainly focussed on the critical role that media can and does play in our society. Prof Jock Collins remarked "we have a richly diverse multicultural society which is the great asset we need to jealously protect."
The panel concluded with great applause and the next segment of the program drew the anticipated focus towards the launch of ISRA Australia.
To discuss the evolution of Affinity and the need for the establishment of ISRA Australia, Mr Mehmet Saral, President of Affinity Intercultural Foundation expressed, "It is a significant transition from an intercultural dialogue phase to an intercultural and interfaith cooperation phase where we can cooperate in social, educational and other important areas of concern to address issues facing all of us as Australians."
Mr Mehmet Ozalp, Executive Director of ISRA Australia then followed with his presentation on "ISRA Australia's place and value in the educational landscape of Australia."
Mr Ozalp remarked that Affinity played an important role by introducing the concept of 'specialisation' within the Australian Muslim community. Mr Ozalp continued his presentation by sharing his vision, "ISRA Australia rises on the foundations laid by the pioneering educational work of Affinity. Over time, it intends to contribute to the social capital of Australia by engaging with all the educational and research institutions in Australia. We are also looking forward to continuing our interfaith and educational cooperation around Australia to create more space for dialogue between Muslims and contemporary Australia."
Sheikh Fehmi, Mufti of Australia, also conveyed his applause and best wishes for the success of ISRA Australia along with other key members of the Muslim community such as Imam Bilal Aksoy the Imam of Auburn Gallipoli Mosque and Mr Khaled Sukkarieh, Chairman of the Islamic Council of NSW.
ISRA Australia was officially launched by Prof Terry Lovat, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education & Arts, University of Newcastle who was "honoured to be part of such a historically significant launch."
The program officially concluded with guests continuing to congratulate Affinity and ISRA members on the establishment of ISRA Australia members.
The presence of such diverse and significant organisations, was a testimony of the strongly established good relations already formed and was indicative of the natural progression into the next level of cooperation that ISRA Australia will endeavour towards.
