By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY’S Multi-faith Network may get the chance to address the United Nations in New York.
The Mayor of Casey will call upon the State Government and State Opposition to support a bid for the group to speak at the famous UN headquarters in Manhattan.
In a notice of motion that he plans to submit next week, Cr Geoff Ablett, the newly elected mayor of Casey, will call for the council to meet with the State Government and Opposition to discuss the viability of the Casey Multi-faith Network travelling to UN headquarters in New York to present its mission objectives and explain its community involvement.
The development comes after Cr Ablett spoke of the virtues of the Casey Multi-faith at a special dinner last month to celebrate his appointment as mayor, calling for the group to meet with delegates at the UN.
“I’d like the multi-faith to put a presentation together for the UN,” Cr Ablett said this week.
“I will recommend that council write to both State Government and State Opposition to co-ordinate a meeting regarding the concept.”
Cr Ablett, a Casey Multi-faith delegate along with deputy mayor Amanda Stapledon, said the network’s message of tolerance and harmony had to be heard on a global scale.
Jim Reiher, president of the Casey Multi-faith Network, said he was humbled by Cr Ablett’s UN suggestion and agreed that the network’s message was one that the whole world needed to hear.
“It would be the opportunity of a lifetime,” Mr Reiher said.
“We would need the help of political channels and Australia’s seat on the Security Council could also be an advantage.”
For more information on the Casey Multi-faith’s UN hopes, pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Berwick News.
To find out more about religious and faith organisations in Casey, contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200 or visit www.casey.vic.gov.au to view the multi-faith statement.
