On Tuesday 31st of August 2010, Auburn City Council and partners Affinity Intercultural Foundation and The Association of Bhanin El-Minieh (Australian Arabic Community Welfare Centre) organised Auburn City Community Harmony Ramadan Iftar Dinner for local community leaders, councillors and politicians at the Auburn Town Hall. Around 200 guests attended including Christian Church leaders, Muslim organisational and mosque leaders in the area particularly from Lebanese and Turkish communities who are the largest communities in the area, local councillors and government representatives serving in and around the area. NSW Parliamentarians included The Hon. Mrs Barbara Perry MP, The Hon. David Borger MP, The Hon. Mr Shaoquett Moselmane MLC and The Hon. John Ajaka MLC. Federal Parliamentarians included The Hon John Murphy MP and The Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP and The Hon. Jason Clare MP.
Auburn Council General manager Mr John Burgess was the MC for this event, introducing all important politicians as well community and religious leaders attending the iftar.
Auburn City Mayor Hicham Zraika welcomed all guest and introduced the importance of community harmony and tolerance in Auburn City Council‟s very multicultural community.
"Being involved in creating a better local and state community is priority and our mission is to support Affinity, Bhanin and all other organisations in Auburn doing progress for a better local community", said Mr Hicham Zraika.
The Hon. Barbara Parry MP shared her positive opinion with all guests and co-hosts of the iftar. "Creating harmony and unity in Auburn should be an example to other community representatives and other councils. I would like to congratulate Turkish and Lebanese communities for such activities in Auburn and New South Wales", said The Hon. Barbara Perry.
At the end of the program, Mr Mehmet Saral, President of Affinity, gave a vote of Thanks when he thanked all community leaders, councillors and politician's present. He also thanked partners Auburn City Council and Bhanin Association. Mehmet stressed the importance of holding programs jointly in breaking down barriers and building community harmony.
