By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A GROUP dedicated to promoting social harmony in Casey over the past decade has taken out a state multicultural award.
Casey Multi-Faith Network received a Meritorious Service to the Community award as part of the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence at Government House on 14 October.
President Stephanie Saunders, 78, said the network aims to dispel misconceptions about religious traditions and to foster greater understanding.
In noting a recent flashpoint involving a proposed Narre Warren North mosque, she said there needed to be a “generational change” for that to occur in Casey.
Ms Saunders is demonstrably unafraid of making a stand and staring down bigotry.
She describes a moment at a Lyndhurst pub in which she confronted some young males who were racially taunting a family of diners.
“You’re spoiling my lunch,” Ms Saunders told them.
Then the men “slinked off”, she recalls.
Casey Multi-Faith Network has held tours of places of worship as well as hosted domestic violence forums and multi-faith concerts and art shows.
Its members also broadcast a weekly radio program called Voices of Faith.
There are plans to hold Ramadan evening meals for the community to better understand the Islamic faith and to find ways to help young Muslim men have more involvement.
Vice-president Pam Mamouney said that, subject to funding, there were plans for a sports event, service project, a barbecue and an overnight camp in Gippsland.
“Discussions are taking place with a local Muslim business owner, youth leaders from other churches and Casey council.”
Since its formation in 2007, the network has overcome early opposition from Casey Pastors Network and come to peace with the municipality’s traditional Christian churches.
Former president Jim Reiher recalled that pastors were concerned that the multi-faith network could usurp the opening prayer spot at Casey council meetings.
“We said we don’t want it but instead we got to say our faith statement after their prayer.
“We just want people to live well together.”
