PREMIER BAIRD HOSTS IFTAR DINNER AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

24 July 2014

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

NSW Premier Mike Baird has tonight hosted an Iftar dinner for those in the NSW Muslim community observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Mr Baird hosted the NSW Government’s annual event at NSW Parliament House.

The Premier’s Iftar Dinner was attended by Members of Parliament, Muslim Imams and community leaders, as well as religious leaders from other faiths.

“It is an honour to host an Iftar dinner – the breaking of the fast – with members of the NSW community who are observing Ramadan,” Mr Baird said.

“Ramadan holds special significance in the life of Muslim Australians. It is a time of spiritual reflection and asks members of the Islamic faith to fast between sunrise and sunset.

“The focus and reflective nature of Ramadan supports our way of life, and is a timely reminder of the values we all share, including kindness, honesty, family and charity.

“These are values that contribute to the strength of our multifaith, and multicultural State, which the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government supports.

“I’d like to wish everyone observing the holy month, Ramadan Mubarak,” Mr Baird said.

Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello, who attended the Premier’s Iftar Dinner, said the annual event reflected the efforts of the NSW Muslim community to promote interfaith harmony and understanding.

“Looking around the room, it was humbling to see so many political, religious and community leaders from different faiths and backgrounds eating together,” he said.

“We should acknowledge the strong spirit of generosity evident among our Muslim communities, not only during Ramadan, but throughout the year.

“Those who have attended an Iftar dinner or an Eid celebration can attest to the willingness of Australian Muslims to share their important traditions with friends, neighbours and colleagues from all walks of life.

“Ramadan is a period of reflection and fasting for the 220,000 observers of the Muslim faith in NSW and I wish them peace as they undertake these solemn commitments.”