I S L A M I C C O U N C I L O F V I C T O R I A ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - 17

ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA The ICV wishes to express our sincere appreciation to a host of organisations we have worked with and who supported the ICV in various capacities throughout the 2016-17 year.

Our special gratitude is particularly extended to many sincere friends who have been incredibly supportive, whose personal and professional advice, mentoring and expertise has made huge differences.

VALUED PARTNERS

AFIC - Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Interfaith Centre of Melbourne AFL - Australian Football League Islamic Relief Australia AFP - Australian Federal Police JCCV - Jewish Communities Council of Victoria Al Wasat Newspaper JCMA - Jewish Christian Muslim Association AMES - Adult Migrant Education Services Jesuit Refugee Service Australia AMF - Australian Multicultural Foundation Justice Connect Anglican Church Leadership Victoria ANIC - Australian National Imams Council MAG - Multifaith Advisory Group Australia Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program MCCA - Muslim Community Co-operative Australia Australian Greens Party Melbourne City Council Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights Melbourne University- Chaplaincy Australian Religious Response to Climate Change Muslim Aid Australia Benevolence Muslim Legal Network BOIV - Board of Imams Victoria MPA - Muslim Professionals Association CCN - Community Care Network National Zakat Foundation CMY - Centre of Multicultural Youth NCEIS - National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies CCYP - Commission for Children & Young People OMAC - Office of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Community Four OTA - Organ Tissue Authority (Donate Life) Corrections Victoria Pax Christi Deakin Uni Alfred Deakin Ins. for Citizenship & Globalisation Red Cross Blood Service DFAT - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade RISEAP - MUIS: Islamic Council of Singapore DHHS - Department of Health & Human Services RMIT - School of Global, Urban and Social Studies DHS – Department of Human Services SBS TV Diyanet - Turkish Ministry of Religious Affairs SHV - Spiritual Health Victoria DPC - Department of Premier and Cabinet Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria Drummond Street Services Sisters of Mercy DSS - Department of Social Services SMCT - Southern Metropolitan Cemetery Trust ECCV - Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria State Library of Victoria Ecumenical & Interfaith Commission Uniting Church Faith Leaders Group - Prison Chaplaincy VCC - Victorian Council of Churches FCCV - Faith Communities Council of Victoria VEOHRC - Vic Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Comm. Foundation House Victoria Police Good Shepherd Microfinance Vic University - Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing Governor of Victoria Victoria University - Sir Zelman Cowen Centre HAI - Human Appeal Australia VMC - Victorian Multicultural Commission IMA - Islamic Museum of Australia West Metro Community Justice Immigration Department - Border Force YACVIC - Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Initiatives of Change Youth Justice The best of you (in the sight of God) is The four key factors in ICV's success include: one who is the most benefit to others · Strong support from membership, community partners and government; “ Hadith · Strong management team with a dedicated staff who have a ” passion for working with communities; ABOUT THE ICV · Committed Board that gives direction, ensures responsible The ICV is the peak Muslim body in Victoria representing an and accountable governance, with an ability to advocate on estimated 200,000 Muslims with over 70 member across 70 behalf of the organisation and our diverse communities; diverse ethnic communities. · Support from the community; both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. We are a community based, member driven organisation committed to advocating on behalf of the Muslim The ICV in recent years has demonstrated its forward-looking communities in Victoria. We are proud to have been the key socio-religious leadership by the promotion of greater advocate for the Muslim communities in Victoria for over 40 understanding, an engagement of people of all faith years, being a link between multicultural communities, communities, to strengthen the social bonds amongst the government and the wider community. We have a volunteer numerous diverse communities making up modern-day Board who are engaged in representation, advocacy, strategic Australia to build a more cohesive and resilient society while planning and capacity building. anticipating its predominantly young population and it’s emerging needs and expectations. In addition to advocacy, the ICV offers social welfare services. It has experience in building meaningful engagements, The ICV in recent years has: partnerships and projects with a number of organisations (Muslim and non-Muslim) including many multi-faith and · Collaborated in research with leading universities in the multicultural groups. country which has assisted government in policy development; ICV leads on many national initiatives on social cohesion · Participated in Parliamentary Inquiries and acted as and through community consultation and advice to all levels of advisor to government departments and lead agencies; Government and NGO's. ICV is the leading state advocate for · Represented Muslim communities at Government Muslims with best practice experience of bridging complex Commission Roundtables; Muslim Australian socio-political and grass-roots community programs and services. · Partnered and presented papers at major local and international conferences; The ICV's vision is: “to foster and enable a vibrant Islamic · Developed policies and positions on a range of current socio- community where Muslims enrich society through the values political agendas. of Islam”. This vision is intended to remind us all of the high level of responsibility we have as Victorian Muslims, We envisage strengthening Muslim community organisations Australian Muslims and as global citizens. to;

The ICV operates on two key platforms; · Foster strong working relationships with all tiers of government and other non-Muslim NGO's; 1) Advocacy – on matters of interest and concern to Muslims · Establish strong regional and global community networks; through advocacy, consultation and cooperation with · Harness a local Australian Muslim identity to further enrich governments, other peak bodies, faith communities, service and strengthen Australia's multiculturalism and social providers, the media and the general public. cohesion; 2) Social Welfare Services – we run over a dozen community · Build strong community resilience and greater self-reliance; programs, helping improve the welfare of disadvantaged and · Empower our community, with a focus on youth and women, vulnerable groups within the Muslim community. to build diverse leadership capability and future succession planning. The ICV aims to support all Victorian Muslims to have a strong sense of belonging, through strong relationships with key As Muslims we strive for harmonious living as we celebrate our stakeholders leading to increased understandings and diversity and build the bonds of humanity. respect for all.

3 ICV EXECUTIVE COMMITEE

Mohamed Mohideen Adel Salman Anam Javed President Vice-President Secretary

Ramzi Elsayed Umber Rind Nazeh Baarini Treasurer Executive Member Executive Member

Ruqaya Almirgani Abdiaziz Farah Nada Kalam Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member

4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

programs for youth and women, and only strengthens the bond but also also formulating strategic policies and facilitates capacity building of the documents that will help steer the ICV in community. A strong and vibrant the coming years. community is a strong ICV.

Supporting youth is one of our key Our vision is to work together with each priorities, and we are happy to say that and every member society and raise we have a very vibrant and dynamic ICV the profile of the Muslim community in Youth Committee in place. We have Australia. Together and united, we will held leadership and training programs deal with any issues that will come our for our youth, they have been way with Allah's (SWT) blessing and Assalamu Alaikum Waramthullahi recognised at International forums and guidance. Barakath, also invited to represent the Muslim community at both State and Federal We have also worked closely with the Another year gone by and the Islamic level. Grand Mufti of Australia HE Dr Ibrahim Council of Victoria can stand proud of its Abu Mohammed, the Australian achievements. The ICV continuously One of the highlights was the Victorian National Imams Council (ANIC) and the builds on the success of previous years Governor's Iftar held for the first time at Board of Imams, Victoria (BOIV) in while venturing into new areas and Government House in Melbourne addressing concerns of the Muslim activities. It's nearly 12 months since the where 20 of our youth attended with community. I would also like to thank new Board took on office and may I youth from other faiths. Programs such the past Presidents of ICV for their begin by saying how humbled and as the Campaign Fellowship which aims counsel and support. h o n o u r e d t h e n e w E x e c u t i v e to build valuable skills for participants in Committee are for being elected to lead g r a s s r o o t s a n d s o c i a l m e d i a I would like to acknowledge our the ICV. It is an Amanah (sacred trust) campaigning and activism is an dedicated and committed staff led by from Allah (SWT) and each one of us example of the innovative approach our Executive Director, Nail Aykan. They takes our responsibilities seriously. May we're taking with youth empowerment. are an invaluable asset for the ICV and I Allah (SWT) always guide our words and cannot emphasise enough how deeds. Another area that we have focussed on important their role is to the success of deliberately is in the area of community our programs and services. We also In these current times of trials and engagement and interfaith dialogue have numerous volunteers who form tribulations for the Muslim community, and this year we had events which have the backbone of ICV and sacrifice much we believe it is vital the ICV strongly celebrated not only the rich diversity of of their time in service to the community r e p r e s e n t s t h e c o n c e r n s a n d our community but also promoted and - a big thank you to all of them. aspirations of our members. To this engaged with the wider community in extent we have reached out and building a strong and resilient Further, I would like to take this consulted with our members and the community. opportunity to thank all Executive broader community and listened to Members for their support and their concerns on how best we can The Open Mosque Day, where 14 cooperation. The personal sacrifices collectively move forward. Mosques from all over Victoria opened some of them have made is a credit to their doors and hearts was well received them. We reviewed the three year strategic by the general public. Our Iftar with the plan which was commissioned two First Nations Community at the Bupup Finally, I would like to thank the years ago, and have identified priority Centre, a first in Australia was a Victorian Muslim community for having areas. In our visits to many of our wonderful experience bringing faith in us and giving us this opportunity member societies, we consulted them together young and old from both to serve the community with the for their input and support. We believe communities to share in their culture blessing and guidance of Allah (SWT). that there needs to be a sense of and traditions. Holding the ICV annual ownership from our members in interfaith iftar in Ballarat this year was a Inshallah, together we will ensure that whatever ICV embarks on. resounding success. we build a strong and vibrant Muslim community, thereby supporting a The year has been an exceptional one in Our Executive Committee members strong multicultural Australia. terms of activities. We have broken new and staff have attended many member ground, reaching out to the First society events. We have shared in their Mohamed Firdausy Mohideen Nations people, holding ICV events in celebrations and achievements and OAM, JP regional Victoria, the rally in solidarity look forward to doing so in the future. ICV President with the Rohingya people, leadership The ongoing engagement with them not

5 ICV STAFF

Nail Aykan Ayman Islam Liyana Schroeder Suaad Warsame Sumeyya Kutlu Executive Director General Manager Executive Assistant Executive Assistant Accounts Officer

Bahriye Bol Apak Cornelius Romein Sh Abdinur Weli Sh Majidih Essa Sh Moustapha Sarakibi Project Hayat 2017 IT Administrator Imam CISP Liaison Officer Prison Chaplain

Altaf Hussain Abboma Abdi Daniela Ascone Selcan Kurnali Carl Gopalkrishnan Senior Prison Chaplain EMY Project Officer EMY Program Manager EMY Project Officer Senior Policy Advisor

Remzi Unal Anthony Vitale Mukhtar Mohammed Gavin Ackerly Yasser Soliman CISP Liaison Officer CISP Program Manager Muslim Connect Youth Consultant Prison Chaplain

Ayesha Bux Lina Ayoubi A sma Siddiq Esref Avda Bakri Shanino Project Hayat 2016 Hospital Chaplaincy NILS Program Coordinator CISP Liaison Officer Muslim Connect

6 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

years. Further initiatives and highlights of individuals, groups and communities, who the year include: have supported and worked with the ICV over the past year. · Victorian Mosque Open Day We often underestimate the effort and · Ramadan Iftars commitment from so many, over so many years, to drive the growth of the · Policy Officer organisation. Often we take for granted · Media & Communications Officer the work done on the ground, at a g r a s s r o o t s l e v e l , i n c o m m u n i t y · 25 Positive Stories organisations. They constitute the life-line of the ICV. I would like to express my · In Conversation Forums It gives me great pleasure to report on sincere gratitude to all of our community another busy and successful year for the · Islamophobia Action Network partners and stakeholders, for their ICV. 2016-17 has seen growth and support and commitment to our p r o g r e s s i n m a n y a r e a s o f t h e · Greater engagement with our important work. Your invaluable input is organisation, and in particular it proved to regional member societies key to our present success and our future have been a year of pioneering initiatives. planning. Collectively we all play a vital role Our programs, Community Engagement in our society. Over the past year, the ICV has continued activities and events, Interfaith, Social to support our communities through Welfare Services, Financial Inclusion In particular I wish to pay a very special innovative programs and services, with Programs, City Mosque Services and thanks to our President Mohamed new partnerships and strategies, greater Prison and Hospital Chaplaincy continue Mohideen who works tirelessly, and has re p re s e n t a t i o n a n d e n g a g e m e n t to be consistent features of the ICV. provided me strong advice, guidance and alongside consistent consulting and encouragement. It is also a privilege to advocating. A primary focus this year has When assessing the work the ICV has done work with a dedicated and highly skilled been around youth. in the last 12 months, and during its forty- Board, and I thank them all for their year-plus history, we should take some leadership, friendship and generous We are investing in our people through time to reflect on what makes the ICV what input. Furthermore, I thank all of our training and development opportunities, it is: its community connections. We are a dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters to ensure they have the skills and membership organisation which listens to and friends, for their hard work, capabilities to increase community its members, supports community dedication and tireless commitment to participation and enhance social leadership, and responds to the changing building better communities. It was cohesion. We have helped build capacity and growing needs and expectations of a another great year for the ICV which could and leadership for over 100 young people diverse society. not have happened without you all. through their involvement in ICV programs, initiatives and projects. Community work always operates in I feel proud to be part of a very dedicated challenging environments, and it is and committed team and wish to pay my 2017 has seen a number of significant pilot essentially our strong bonds with our deepest thanks to our management team, programs which includes the following: community which continues to underpin in particular our General Manager Ayman the success and relevance of our Islam, as I have been both humbled and · Two youth leadership programs (Victoria organisation. At the same time, certain e n e r g i s e d b y t h e i r p a s s i o n a n d University Aspire and the Australian challenges also create opportunities that enthusiasm for serving our community Multicultural Foundation Peer Mentorship assists in deepening our relationship with and for building a professional, efficient, programs) funded by the Department of our members and building stronger a n d u n i q u e l y c o m p a s s i o n a t e , Social Services communities. organisation.

· Empower Muslim Youth (EMY) funded by We remain humbly confident, that we Community work is a journey and we will the Department of Health & Human have been able to deliver on many continue to develop and refresh our Services. initiatives we committed to and remain mission to keep the organisation as relevant to our communities. It is a relevant and effective as ever. In doing so, · Campaign Fellowship with Democracy in reminder of the important role all of us at we will harness the experiences of our Colour the ICV have in enhancing the well-being of many dedicated staff, the insights of our our members and our wider community. B o a rd , a n d t h e ex p e r t i s e o f o u r · M u s l i m Wo m e n's i n i t i a t i v e w i t h community partners and stakeholders, Leadership Victoria There are many factors that contribute to a and channel them into mapping our successful year's work. The purpose of this collective journey over the next decade. · Muslim Youth, Adult and Family (MYAF) report not only reflects on our efforts, but Program with MyCentre also serves as a to tribute to, and thank Nail Aykan y o u t o n u m e r o u s p e o p l e a n d Executive Director These projects have provided many new organisations who have contributed to insights into the journey of young people that success. Hence, I wish to thank and and will inform our work over the coming acknowledge all the wonderfully spirited

7 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Opening Doors and Hearts for Victorian Mosque Open Day

V I C T O R I A N

Victoria Police, other faith groups and beautiful space with people from all OPEN DAY curious media. walks of life.

Warm smiles, deep discussions and “Australia's Muslim community is very •While Elsedeaq thoughtfully catered delicious meals were aplenty across hospitable and friendly but with all the for little visitors with a jumping castles 14th Mosques in Victoria over the negative news surrounding us - a little and a soccer ball. weekend of the Victorian Mosque Open disheartened. It was a great opportunity •Virgin Mary Mosque didn't get a break Day. for Muslims to heal and reach out and with visitors streaming in right up until make some friends out of people we close. The ICV's state-wide Mosque Open Day wouldn't normally see in our space.” •GAMCI handled some tough questions attracted hundreds of open minded by a group of people who attended with Victorians who visited participating “We opened our doors and hearts and they ill intentions but didn't let that get in the mosques across the state on Sunday, graciously opened their minds and came way and went on to have a positive day. 7th May 2017. in," ICV President Mohamed said. •Ballarat Mosque had beautiful Qur'an recitations along with translations and a Fourteen Mosques united to open their ICV Executive Director Nail Aykan said barbecue. doors and hearts on the day to embrace the true pioneers behind the successful friendships with their neighbours who day were the Mosque communities. The Victorian Mosque Open Day hopes wanted to better understand the "They worked tirelessly in the lead up to to be an annual event with a larger Muslim faith beyond the negative the day to host their unmet neighbours, group of Mosques participating next headlines. dotting their i's and crossing their t's to year. make things perfect.”

Each Mosque played an integral part in Highlights of some of the mosques: Project Manager Bahriye Bol said “Good making the day a success by going prevailed this weekend. All praise is due to above and beyond in preparing for the •Preston Mosque saw 200 visitors enter Allah and each and every one of you arrival of their guests, which included the Mosque with some from as far away mashAllah. Thank you all for being a part local neighbours, councillors and as Geelong! of a dream team, thank you for being so Mayors, members of Parliament, •Monash Mosque helped their local keen and open to run this invaluable Mayor try on a hijab in the name of initiative and thank you for uniting and inclusiveness and took some great acting as an Ummah - that to me was the photos. highlight of this project” •Hallam Mosque and Emir Sultan Mosque welcomed SBS World News film To find out more about the day visit - crews www.facebook.com/events/20787908302 •Thomastown Mosque and the Albanian 9351/ Mosque put on a spread with flowers, pastries and presentations. •Benevolence Australia shared their

8 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Peer Mentorship Training Program - Australian Multicultural Foundation

In partnership with the ICV, the solving within the Commonwealth Bank “The mentorship program has been Australian Multicultural Foundation of Australia; unique in connecting young people with delivered the Australian Muslim ·Sarah Denholm, expert in public prominent members from a wide variety of Leadership and Peer Mentorship speaking; sectors who wholeheartedly embraced the training program. The training program ·Dr. Tania Miletic, expert in conflict program by agreeing to share their was designed to challenge young resolution; experience and expertise with these future people to further their skills in ·Dr. Hass Dellal AO, Executive Director of leaders”. - Dr. Hass Dellal AO. advocating on issues important to their the AMF and Chair of SBS. community. Secondly, the young leaders used their The program allowed the participants to skills and knowledge developed from Sixteen young men and women from a deepen their engagement with the the training program to design a vast range of cultural backgrounds open broader community and express their conference on 'Belonging and Active to diversity of thought and aspiring to views and thoughts with confidence. Citizenship' with a focus on issues become positive agents of change were Participants were given insights and affecting young Australians and young selected to participate in a 4-day skills required to successfully interact Australian Muslims in particular. It training program followed by 4-months with prominent community leaders, covered topics such as health and mentorship during 2017. scholars and politicians. wellbeing, careers, empowerment, art and environment. The participants were lucky to be given “I really enjoyed the workshops. They've insights and advice at the training opened up opportunities for me and I've One participant gained employment program in leadership, political gained long life friends who share the through their participation in this engagement and media by experts s a m e g o a l s a s I d o i n t e r m s o f program and many others were able to including: strengthening the Muslim community.” - make invaluable contacts for their Participant future endeavours. Due to the ·Mark McKeon, Australian Inspirational program's success, it is envisaged that it Speaker; Following the training sessions, young will be run again in 2018. ·Simon Nette, a social change and leaders put their learnings into practice. leadership expert; Firstly, each participant was linked with “The leadership program brought together ·Paige McKenzie, Producer, ABC 7.30 a mentor working in the young leader's young Muslim Australian leaders, it built a Report; field of interest and was given the platform for us to further our community ·Nathan Templeton, presenter and opportunity to shadow the expert at and provided effective mechanisms in journalist, Sunrise; w o r k . S e c t o r s s p a n n e d a c ro s s achieving this. We learned that we truly are ·Rohan Leonard, experienced Australian community, advocacy, media, politics the future." - Participant camera person ; and professional services. ·Prominent religious leaders; ·Specialists in innovation and problem

9 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Aspire: Young Muslim Women's Governance and Leadership Program - Victoria University Sir Zelman Cowen Centre

The ICV in partnership with the Victoria University Sir Zelman Cowen Centre piloted a leadership program for young Muslim women aged 16 to 24 across Victoria. The program will be offered again in 2018.

Sixteen high-achieving young Muslim women participated in Aspire, a twelve month program of tailored leadership and governance training.

The participants came from all across Victoria including the cities of Moonee Valley, Banyule, Wyndham, Darebin, Casey, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Monash, Whittlesea, Greater Dandenong and Moreland. They also had very different cultural backgrounds – including some who were born in Kenya, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia and speaking more than ten different languages.

The young leaders worked on a project to improve a selected aspect of a Muslim organisation's governance while simultaneously developing their individual leadership skills.

The program commenced with an orientation evening followed by a three-day leadership camp in the Victorian bush. The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre enlisted the help of four model During the camp, the women participated in workshops to agencies with exceptional governance and strong female improve their knowledge and skills on topics including legal leadership to help build the women's skills and assist with the governance in not-for-profits, personal values, leadership project part of the program. styles, public speaking and dealing with the media. The women also made time to go on bush-walks, dance, play These four agencies - Justice Connect, Fitted for Work, AMES football and drink hot chocolates. and the Ardoch Youth Foundation generously gave their time for three parts of the program: Participant Rasheeda Wilson said the camp was “a memorable experience”, which helped to build confidence, skills and The CEO panel session - the female CEOs provided career friendships. insights and advice to the young women;

Following the camp, the women participated in six events as The Field Placement Day - the agencies opened their doors to part of the program: the women so they could network with key staff, sit in on senior meetings and see governance in practice; Field Placement Day CEO Panel Session The Mentoring Program - staff from the model agencies Interview and Recruitment Workshop worked with a group of 3 to 4 participants to guide the Mentoring Program development and delivery of a governance resource. Networking Dinner Presentation and Learnings Night The program ends in December 2017 with a graduation ceremony and presentation of the participants resource Running alongside the workshops, the women met regularly projects at a conference run by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre. with their mentors to develop a governance resource for Muslim organisations. Feedback from participants has been very positive and planning is well underway for the second offering of Aspire in 2018 which will focus on the media, law and government.

10 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Muslim Women’s Leadership Scholarship - Pilot

The ICV piloted a scholarship of the Williamson Leadership Program with Saara Sabbagh being the first participant and alumni. From the success of the pilot, the ICV entered into a 3 year commitment with Leadership Victoria to offer a scholarship every year for the next three years.

Saara says "the Williamson year-long program is Leadership Victoria's most sought-after leadership development experience. It is known to 'change lives,' and creates the opportunity for transformation to occur on a personal and professional level. Upon entering the program, I took this sentiment with a grain of salt. However, from the Opening Retreat - I immediately knew there was truth to this adage."

"Williamson provides participants with the unique opportunity experience has inspired me to work towards change beyond to explore current issues facing the individual, society, country the Muslim community. As a woman of faith that has strong and world at large. With a deep-dive exploration of values grounded in the Islamic Tradition, Williamson has contemporary challenges and the opportunity to meet leaders reaffirmed the need for authentic leadership founded in the and policy makers in various sectors - it empowers the ancient universal wisdom of integrity, compassion and participant not only through self-awareness of one's respect. " leadership character, but also to gain insight into the challenges facing our globe today." "I wish to thank the ICV for providing me with this opportunity, and for continuing their commitment to support Muslim "The experience and knowledge gained through Williamson women in the field of leadership through the Williamson has not only been of benefit to me and the organisation which I Scholarship Program." says Saara Sabbagh. lead (Benevolence Australia) - but rather this transformational

Muslim Women's Leadership Initiative Launch

The ICV in partnership with Leadership Victoria proudly launched the 'Muslim Women's Williamson Leadership Initiative on Wednesday 19th July 2017.

The aim through offering these programs and activities, is to empower Muslim women to strengthen their capability and confidence, represent the community, and to challenge the stereotypes about Muslim women. Participants will build networks and connections to drive broader systematic and cultural change, and to contribute to making progress on complex social, economic and environmental issues facing Victoria, Australia and the world.

The Williamson Program is designed to foster leadership in Muslim women in Victoria through building connections with people currently exercising leadership, and to establish connections and understanding within and between faith, ethnic and other demographic communities in Victoria.

Muslim women were invited to apply for a 2018 Williamson Scholarship. Funded by the ICV and the LV Foundation, the recipient will participate in the 2018 Williamson Program, one of Australia's most sought-after leadership development www.leadershipvictoria.org/programs/muslim-womensinitiative experiences.

11 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Ramadan Iftars 2017

Governor's Iftar The Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda Dessau AO held a pioneering multi-faith youth Ramadan Iftar on Thursday 15th June 2017, the first ever held by a Victorian Governor and the first at Melbourne's Government House.

ICV Board Member and youth portfolio Executive, Ruqaya Almirgani, and Executive Director Nail Aykan along with 20 Muslim youth attended. Sheikh Ala read the Azan (call to prayer), Amna Iqbal gave a speech on the meaning of Ramadan and Islam to the non-Muslim guests and Sarah Baarini gave the keynote address.

First Nation's Iftar

ICV held a symbolic Iftar with the First Nations People at the Bubup Willam Centre in Thomastown on Tuesday, 20th June 2017. ICV President Mohamed Mohideen co-hosted the evening with Bubup Willam CEO Lisa Thorpe.

ICV President Mohamed Mohideen holds the portfolio of First Nations relations, and had these words to say: “History was made with the first Iftar held in solidarity between Muslims and the First Nations People”.

Interfaith Iftar - Ballarat

The ICV chose to hold its annual Interfaith Iftar in regional Victoria this year with the Ballarat Islamic Society in Ballarat on Saturday 10th June 2017. Around 300 Victorian-Muslims are living in and around Ballarat. The interfaith Iftar aimed at building intercultural understanding and sharing, as well as fostering respect and acceptance for our Victorian-Muslim communities.

Guest speakers delivered truly inspiring and powerful speeches, namely VMC Chair, Helen Kapolos; Leader of the Greens Senator Richard Di Natale MP; Member for Caldwell Maria Vamvakinou MP; Suleiman Alnaimi, President of the Islamic Association of Ballarat; Cr. Belinda Coates, representing Mayor of Ballarat, Josh Morris, MP Western Victoria MLC; Rateb Jnaid, AFIC; Bishop Peter Danaher, VCC; and Ms. Margaret Lenan Ellis, Chair, Ballarat Interfaith Network.

12 ADVOCACY Joint Standing Committee on Migration Inquiry

The ICV made a submission at a public hearing to the 'Joint Standing Committee on Migration Inquiry into Migrant settlement outcomes' at Parliament House on Wednesday 13th September 2017. ICV President Mohamed Mohideen, VP Adel Salman and Executive Director Nail Aykan represented at the Inquiry chaired by Jason Wood MP, with a set of Recommendations.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration are reviewing migrant settlement outcomes with reference to; the mix, coordination and extent of settlement services available and the effectiveness of these services in promoting better settlement outcomes for migrants; national and international best practice strategies for improving migrant settlement outcomes and prospects; the importance of English language anti-social behaviour such as gang activity, and the adequacy ability on a migrant's, or prospective migrant's, settlement of The Migration Act 1958 character test provisions as a means outcome; and whether current migration processes to address issues arising from this behaviour. The ICV adequately assess a prospective migrant's settlement discussed the effectiveness of migrant settlement services in prospects. promoting better settlement outcomes for migrants, and any cultural sensitivities; the importance of English language The Committee is giving particular consideration to social ability on a migrant's, or prospective migrant's, settlement engagement of migrants, including involvement of migrants in outcome; and social engagement of migrant youth.

Nada Kalam at the National Press Club ICV Executive Member Nada Kalam delivered a passionate speech at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 15th March 2017.She spoke of global issues and concerns that are not appropriately being managed, and emphasised the immense contributions young people make while working tirelessly to create a nation that acknowledges our history, celebrates diversity and thrives on equality.

Nada articulated some personal struggles which included a personal account with racism stating that her "right to simply exist is constantly under fire and occasionally under threat".

The ICV thanks the Greens Party and Senator Richard Di Natale for this unique opportunity and their consistent and compassionate support for the Muslim community.

Multifaith & Multicultural Tolerance Legislation Roundtable The ICV hosted a Multicultural and Multifaith roundtable on the Victoria’s Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 on Thursday 26th October 2016.

The roundtable brought together representatives from the diverse faith communities including prominent Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Jews, student organisations and local law enforcement.

Stephani Cauchi from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission was the guest speaker and she spoke about the role of the commission, the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and some of the inherent problems in the legislation and barriers to reporting.

13 ADVOCACY 18C Submission By Multi-ethnic and Multi-faith Groups Welcomed by the State Labor Government

The Andrews Labor Government on Wednesday, 7th December 2016 stood with representatives from more than 60 local ethnic, Indigenous and religious community groups and announced its support to maintain the current version of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA).

The ICV worked closely with other peak bodies to help draft a submission to the federal government's established inquiry into the effectiveness of the RDA, particularly Section 18C – the clause which cites that it is unlawful to “offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” based on a person's ethnicity or race.

Although abstaining from extending the parameters of the section to include religion, the Victorian Government pledged that it will be making a submission to formally display its Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott stated, “There willingness to defend the current legislation. should be no changes to the Federal Racial Discrimination Act and we'll be very, very clear in our submission to say so”.

White Ribbon Day To commemorate White Ribbon Day, the ICV supported the Board of Imams Victoria and ANIC's state-wide Khutbah initiative which encouraged religious leaders to speak up about Men's Violence Against Women in their Friday sermons.

White Ribbon Day is an annual reminder aimed at engaging men to make women's safety a man's issue too. The ICV is committed to supporting the campaign to ensure community members stand up, speak out, and take action to stop family violence in our communities. All members of society need to work side-by-side to promote the message that violence against women is never acceptable.

The City Mosque Imam, Sheikh Abdinur Weli delivered a powerful message for a large congregation.

Muslim Youth, Adults & Families (MYAF) program ICV has been instrumental in the establishment of the first their families, through initiating community conversation, Victorian drug and alcohol program designed to address the providing facilitation, liaison, and 'reach' within the unmet needs of Muslims with drug and alcohol issues and community- a bridging role between community, family and their families. individual; and funded drug treatment services.

The Muslim Youth, Adults & Families (MYAF) program is a MYAF's approach is an integrated service delivery model with federally-funded AOD initiative supporting the Muslim contributions from multiple agencies. The MYAF program population of north-west metropolitan Melbourne to access delivers a coordinated service including shared case drug treatment when required. MYAF comprises a partnership management between services. This client-focused model of of AOD providers and Islamic organisations, namely Odyssey assistance with its flexibility, action-research orientation, and House Victoria (OHV), The Salvation Army's / VincentCare Muslim community endorsement, will enhance positive Victoria's STAR program, the Youth Support & Advocacy outcomes for Muslim clients with AOD issues and their Service (YSAS), and the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre families. “this is innovative program and first of its kind in (SHARC), MyCentre, ICV and Preston Mosque. Australia” said Abdiaziz Farah, ICV Exco member and one of driving force of MYAF. He said MYAF works collaboratively with MYAF's ambition is to assist in enhancing and coordinating partner agencies to support the needs of clients from the access to and provision of drug treatment to individuals and Muslim community and their families.

14 ADVOCACY

Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for the Persecuted Rohingya Minority of Myanmar

The ICV in partnership with the local Rohingya community, The ICV believes that the Australian Government could be held a public rally on the steps of the State Library of Victoria more generous in its aid and should make every effort to on 9th September. Over 1,500 people attended the rally and ensure that the aid money actually benefits the Rohingyans heard a range of speakers condemn the genocide and ethnic themselves. Request were also made for the Australian cleansing, calling on the Australian Federal Government to do Government unequivocally condemn the Myanmar more. The ICV leadership subsequently presented a petition government and its military forces for its brutality and crimes signed by 1,000 people to the office of Foreign Minister Julie against humanity. Bishop on Wednesday 13th September 2017. The ICV asked the Australian Government to join the Furthermore, the ICV wrote to all Parliamentarians of grave international community and apply pressure on the Myanmar concerns pertaining to the plight and fate of the Rohingya Government to recognise the legitimate rights of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, asking the Australian Government to minority, including the right to safety and security, education, open an emergency intake for Rohingya refugees. healthcare, freedom of movement, and political participation. These are basic human rights, and the Australian Government The intake should be commensurate with the scale of the should champion the cause of the Rohingyans in the relevant crisis, and the ICV supports the call for an initial intake of international forums. The ICV believes that Australia can make 20,000 Rohingya children, women, and men. Hundreds of a difference. thousands have fled the violence and persecution over the past weeks and have no homes to return to.

Inquiry into the Status of the Human Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief

The ICV made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee frustrations with government. Non-Muslim youth, however, on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Inquiry into the status are generally not at risk of being detained for expressing of the human right to freedom of religion or belief in May volatile or inflammatory emotions. Thus, fear of Muslims have 2017. extended to an insistence that we do not express opinions, or have emotions. A historically poor attitude to have in any The Inquiry had international attention for both the ICV, and democracy. for how Australian Muslim community organisations advocate for their communities at a time when the Muslim When the ICV recommended mainstream youth work voice is not well represented in public policy. The fifteen page concepts like 'safe spaces' to de-brief from Islamophobia, the document addressed the Inquiry's terms of reference and the outcry from the media and State Government illustrated the ICV's eleven recommendations focused on how to prevent very principle of Islamophobia at the heart of the submission. Islamophobia migrating from the media into public policy. The Despite this over-reaction, leading researchers, politicians, vulnerability of Muslim youth was a key recommendation. Inter-faith Leaders and youth workers sprung to the ICV's defence. The Guardian Australia, the BBC and Al Jazeera At one level, the submission explained the violations and recognised the importance of the submission, and that abuses faced by Muslims on streets, schools and public engaging with governments must be more than apologising transport; that anti-racism legislation does not prevent or for the crimes of others. punish. At a systemic level, the ICV explained that, despite an unprecedented wave of public funding into countering violent By re-investing energy spent on defensive apologies into real extremism research, there remains a lack of research and data policy and advocacy, we can improve the health, employment into Islamophobia - or violations of Australian Muslims’ right and aspirational values of Muslim families and contribute to to freedom of religion or belief. Australian society as equals.

The ICV realise that all young people are vocal and express www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Fore volatile emotions, including sometimes expressing ign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Freedomofreligion

15 POLICY

ICV Publishes New Muslim Community-University Research Guidelines http://bit.ly/2fSRdhE

ICV Quarterly Community Policy Newsletter http://bit.ly/2y7FPJf

In March this year I was invited by the ICV With the support of Yale University in the Mental health is a key priority informing to be the first policy staff member in its US and seven leading Australian our Empower Muslim Youth and Muslim distinguished history as the voice of researchers, we have created new Connect programs. The ICV will continue Muslim Victoria. At the end of my six guidelines for Muslim community- to advocate for culturally competent months as Senior Policy Advisor I feel university research partnerships to mental health services beyond 2018. that I have grown in knowledge and address the communities' feedback that appreciation of incredibly diverse they are over consulted and that the Better policy making may sound dry but individuals, many of whom I have formed growing number of Muslim research i t i s i m p o r t a n t . We n e e d m o re lasting friendships with. Most of all, I projects must benefit Muslim families. community members to become have had fun as everyone in the office involved in community policy. Strong has helped me to learn and, I hope, have I have spoken with very diverse Muslim policies help our community in all walks also learned some of my skills. I know youth to ask them what makes them feel o f l i f e , i n c l u d i n g e m p l o y m e n t , that ICV staff and the Board are better safe enough to fully enjoy Australia's celebrating culture, and strengthening equipped to talk about the importance of economic and cultural wellbeing. Young our physical and mental well-being. To certain aspects of organisational life, Muslims especially have a passion for reach that vision the ICV must continue such as research, consultation and making a difference to Australia and their to work with the community, and our developing policies for communities. community. member societies to help support their voices. It has also been a challenge personally Whether they are advocating for a family and professionally, as nobody can know member or writing to the Parliament of ICV's team and I have been working on a the pressures on a Muslim family, their Australia, community policy making is a new ICV Community Policy Newsletter to friends and colleagues until they walk in skill that young Muslims want to know inform the community about the vast their shoes. In the last few months I have more about. Our two youth policy number of policy initiatives and actions walked in those shoes and it has volunteers Anushe and Rasheeda have that are occurring. In a brief glance, this reinforced to me the lesson that culture, been amazing. They have given me great quarterly newsletter will keep everyone faith and politics are no match for the insight into the meaning of 'wasted up to date on ICV's research and forces of friendship, laughter and really resources' and that young people are the community policies which have emerged great food. solution – and not the problem. from to our consultations.

2017 is the 3rd year of a three-year 2015 I have also spoken with committed Board Policy may be part of the political ICV Strategic Plan commissioned by the Members going out into the community process, but it can be so much more. It ICV from Alexandria Agenda which to challenge gender equality, and family can make our lived experiences and i d e n t i fi e d p o l i c y a s a k e y violence and from this developed ideas clearer to people across and recommendation for the organisation working papers for staff to develop beyond our communities in a common and the Muslim community. I have policies to advocate for better resources language. therefore been assisting staff to review on issues. The ICV Board has a strong its policy capacity and created new representation of women, some of My time at the ICV has proved more than processes to build staff knowledge and whom work in areas of general practice, anything that resilience is about love, skill over time. clinical mental health and family laughter and hard work. In that order. I v i o l e n c e . Vo l u n t e e r s h a v e a l s o thank everyone at the ICV for their We wrote a powerful submission to the contributed services to drug and alcohol patience with me for my demanding Joint Standing Committee on Foreign clinics and helping women experiencing deadlines and constant nagging about Affairs, Defence and Trade's “Inquiry into family violence to develop safety plans. process and documentation. Nail and the status of the human right to freedom the ICV Board are on a journey to work of religion or belief”. The ICV made For the next twelve months, the ICV will with all communities and I commend eleven recommendations to reduce the also advocate more for mental health. them for it. Mostly I thank everyone for level of Islamophobia for Victorian After running Resilience to Racism, an the sense of family that thrives in the Muslims. It garnered wide and mixed emergency community event for young Muslim community which extends to responses in the media worldwide, people in 2016, the ICV co-hosted a their neighbours, friends, and colleagues which in itself highlighted the level of ‘Mental Health for Young People’ Forum like me. My message to the wider Islamophobia facing Muslims which was at the University of Melbourne aimed at community is: trust the Muslim not lost on key decision makers. The equipping young people with tools for community. They're total dags and really Guardian Australia, the BBC and Al dealing with the current political climate. nice people. Jazeera were key media outlets that Carl Gopalkrishnan understood ICV’s efforts to make a Senior Policy Advisor contribution to freedom of religion in Australia.

16 RESEARCH Victoria University Research Report: http://bit.ly/2yPlzZV “ T h e c i v i c p o t e n t i a l o f M u s l i m strongly refutes common public Moreover, the report indicates Muslim c o m m u n i t y o r g a n i s a t i o n s f o r perceptions that Muslim community community organisations play key roles promoting social cohesion in Victoria”. o r g a n i s a t i o n s t h r e a t e n t h e in helping migrants from multicultural (Peucker, Victoria University 2017) cohesiveness of Australian society. backgrounds settle and succeed in Australia, socially, politically, and Victoria University and the ICV formally Dr. Mario Peucker said a Victoria-wide economically through their range of launched a joint research report “The survey of Muslim organisations s e r v i c e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r civic potential of Muslim community revealed that most of them run, in members to become active in their organisations for promoting social addition to religious services, a range of community. cohesion in Victoria” on Wednesday educational, counselling and outreach 29th March 2017 at VU MetroWest programs, and promoted cross- Mohamed Mohideen said the ICV was Footscray campus. community collaborations with groups keen to delve deeper into the study to such as churches, local councils, and further acknowledge and support the The report presents the findings from charities. contributions of Muslim community an empirical study carried out by Dr. organisations in Australia: “It is Mario Peucker and his research team at “Attitude survey consistently show high incredible to see the wide variety of VU's Centre for Cultural Diversity and levels of scepticism and mistrust p r o g r a m s o ff e r e d b y t h e s e Wellbeing (CCDW), in partnership with towards Islam and the perceived organisations. We are proud to be part ICV. It provides, for the first time in negative roles Muslim groups play in the of a community that is proactive and Victoria, evidence-based insights into broader community, but this research s u p p o r t i v e o f c o m m u n i t y - w i d e t h e a c t i v i t y p r o fi l e o f M u s l i m shows there's no reason for it.” initiatives," he said. community organisations across the state, underscoring their manifold The comprehensive survey responses Dr Peucker said while the VU research contributions to promoting social from Muslim organisations, which also would do little to change the minds of cohesion in Victoria's diverse and multi- included 32 mosques, indicates that those disinterested in facts that faith society. bridge-building between Muslims and challenge their ideas on Islam, Muslims the wider community is a leading goal, and their institutions, it could The research shows Muslim groups and even more prominent among the encourage Australians who are open to enhance, not threaten community surveyed groups than strengthening an reasonable debates to re-think their cohesion. Victoria University research Islamic identity among members. views.

RMIT University Centre for Global Research Report: http://bit.ly/2hUAyyF “Religious visibility, disadvantage and Further, the report highlighted that a The report also identified public bridging social capital: a comparative diverse workforce is essential to transport as a threatening setting for investigation of multicultural localities strengthening local community Muslim women. “We know that many in Melbourne's north” (Colic-Peisker V cohesion while reducing Islamophobia. Muslim women often feel threatened and K. Dekker, RMIT 2017) and are attacked on public transport. “While local governments successfully ICV commended the release of new ICV run community development and other The recently launched Islamophobia supported RMIT research into religious programs, it seems that focusing the Report highlighted public transport as visibility in local areas of Fawkner and efforts on further strengthening English one of the hot spots.” said Nail Aykan. Broadmeadows which advises that all language and employment programs He continued “It is disappointing that in l e v e l s o f g o v e r n m e n t n e e d t o for migrants in diverse, relatively a state so concerned with guaranteeing collaborate with key community disadvantaged areas, may be the most equality and stamping out the scourge o rg a n i s a t i o n s t o p re s e r v e a n d beneficial for the wider community,” of violence against women, Muslim strengthen community cohesion and RMIT's Associate Professor Karien women are too afraid to leave their tolerance in Victoria and nationally. Dekker said. locality on public transport on a train.”

RMIT's conclusion is that the study While the report found that people It's not only Muslim women who feel confirms a premise of 'contact theory': living in more multicultural suburbs unsafe on our trains as reported by the that direct social interaction with experience more 'diverse local social ABC media report (ABC 10/08/2017) m i n o r i t y g r o u p s l e a d s t o t h e networks' and significantly lower levels which highlighted that train stations are diminishing of prejudice against them. of Islamophobia, RMIT's Associate sexual harassment hot spots. “Violence The report identified key factors that Professor Val Colic-Peisker said, “Low and intimidation of women is never Muslims in disadvantaged areas were socio-economic indicators for an area acceptable, whether in the home or in not able to access resources such as seem to be a stronger predictor of our public spaces”, stated Nail Aykan. adequate employment training prejudice against Muslims than their opportunities and safe public transport. visible local presence”.

17 MEDIA STATEMENTS

12 January – ICV Statement Against 16 January – Clarification concerning Mr. Ibrahim Forced and Child Marriages Omerdic's position at the Bosnian Islamic Society and Noble Park Mosque

22 January – Pauline Hanson Should 30 January – ICV Condemns Inhumane and Apologise For Her Irresponsible Discriminatory US Immigration Policies Statements

18 MEDIA STATEMENTS

30 January – ICV expresses shock and sorrow 21 February – ICV Objects to visit at the Quebec attack and stands in solidarity by Israeli PM and calls for Australia to with the Canadian Muslim community recognise Palestine

22 March – PM Attempt To Water Down RDA 18C 6 September – Stop the Violence and Ethnic Cleansing – Rohingya minority in Myanmar

19 ICV AWARDS ICV President Receives Premier's Volunteer Champion Award

ICV President, Mohamed Mohideen, received the Premier's Volunteer Champion Award in the leadership category, on on 4th December 2016 at Government House. The event was hosted by Victoria's Governor the Hon. Linda Dessau AM.

The Premier's Volunteer Champions Awards celebrates and recognised the extraordinary contributions of all volunteers in Victoria, and the vital role they play in creating happier, healthier and well-connected communities. Reflecting on the award, Mohamed Mohideen felt it was a recognition of collective efforts of the many volunteers in the community stating, "This is an award for the Muslim community and the thousands of volunteers who do so much work. May Allah (SWT) reward them all”.

Victorian Mosque Open Day Award The ICV Victorian Mosque Open Day event on Sunday 7th May 2017 was a huge success with 14 participating Islamic centres. In recognition of the people who made it all possible, the ICV took the opportunity to award the Project Manager, Bahriye Bol .

Bahriye, upon accepting her award said, “I was so humbled by the opportunity. It was a fantastic event which revived my faith and hope for the Muslim community living here in Australia. There is definitely light at the end of this tunnel and ICV has always fronted 12 the right steps towards that light through its interfaith activities, community engagement and pioneering initiatives ”.

Friends of ICV Awards 2016 The “Friends of ICV Awards” aims to recognise community contributions, sacrifices, and achievements have not been leaders and pioneers who have served communities, taken for granted. Both Prof. Camilleri and Dr. Dellal are extraordinarily well - both within the Muslim community and community role models, and key contributors to the ICV. wider Australian society. The Plaque reads; On Sunday 20th November 2016, two very close friends of the ICV, Prof. Joe Camilleri and Dr. Hass Dellal were honoured to In gratitude of your sincere friendship and invaluable be the recipient of the Awards. commitments to the Islamic Council of Victoria. And in “appreciation of your leadership to Multiculturalism, Social The awards were presented to acknowledge and show a token Harmony and Cohesion and in particular community of appreciation to both reputable leaders whose efforts, engagement with the Victorian Muslim communities.“

Dr. Hass Dellal with Mufti of Australia Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamed Prof. Joe Camilleri with ICV President

20 MAJOR EVENTS IN CONVERSATION SERIES

Wadah Khanfar Forum

The ICV hosted a Forum with Wadah Khanfar on Saturday 11th March 2017: “In Conversation with Wadah Khanfar - Global perspectives on citizenship and identity for Australian Muslims"

ICV VP, Adel Salman moderated the conversation designed for community leaders, and ICV's member societies. Discussions focussed on many local and global issues and contemporary themes: challenges and opportunities for Muslims in the West (particularly given the rise of populist anti-immigrant, anti- Muslim sentiments); Wadah previously served as the Director General of Al Jazeera political empowerment for Muslim communities; Media Network for 8 years. He has been ranked by Foreign media engagement to change the public narrative; and Policy Magazine in 2011 as the first in The FP Top 100 Global nurturing the next generation of Australian Muslim leaders. Thinkers, and in Fast Company as the first in the 100 Most Creative People in Business and as one of the most 'Powerful Wadah Khanfar is the President of the Al Sharq Forum, a People in the World' by Forbes Magazine. leading think-tank based in Geneva and Istanbul, focused primarily on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It Wadah's presentation inspired the audience to proactively is an independent network dedicated to developing long-term work for issues of global concern. His broad-range of strategies for political development, social justice and experiences put him in a prime position to showcase the economic prosperity of the people of the Middle East. He is a contribution of Muslims to redirect the narrative of Muslims in Board Member of the International Crisis Group, President of media. Wadah was able to display his media expertise when the Common Action Forum in Madrid, and Chairman of he was invited as a guest on ABC's Q&A Panel post this Forum. Huffington Post Arabi.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Forum

The ICV had the pleasure of hosting international guest Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, the Under Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as part of its 'In Conversation' Forum on Monday 14th August 2017.

The event was in partnership with the Australian Red Cross and Deakin Uni (ADI for Citizenship and Globalisation) with the theme 'Youth and Civic Engagement - The role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent' held at Deakin Downtown Uni Collins Square Docklands. Facilitator ICV VP Adel Salman with guest speakers Ruqaya Almirgani (ICV Executive for the Youth Portfolio) and Judy Slatyer (CEO Red Cross Australia).

For further information on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies www.ifrc.org and Dr. Jemilah Mahmood www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/governance/global-senior-management-team_old/dr-jemilah-mahmood

21 MAJOR EVENTS Campaigning Fellowship for Young Muslims

The ICV in partnership with Democracy in Colour launched another important initiative; an exciting new program to train passionate, young community minded Muslim Youth in campaigning, advocacy and strategic community leadership.

An opening retreat took place on Saturday 9th September 2017 with 20 chosen youth applicants (ages 15 - 35) from a cross-section of the Muslim community.

The Campaign Fellowship aims to build capability in campaigning formation for the Muslim community. The program will help build knowledge, networks and relationships, skills, and confidence to participate and lead issue-based social and political campaigns. Over a six-month period, participants will attend two weekend The program will train participants with all the skills they retreats, participate in workshops, be mentored by would need to be effective change-makers: covering areas experienced campaigners and lead real-life campaigning including but not limited to campaign strategy, project projects. Given the success of the program, the ICV envisages management, communications and messaging/framing, to run additional programs in 2018 to upskill and empower media awareness and political engagement. young Muslims to be active, empowered, and strengthened contributors to the broader community.

Islamophobia Workshop

The ICV hosted an Islamophobia Action Network workshop on The workshop brought together over thirty academics, Monday 31st July 2017 with Voices against Bigotry and the activists, and community workers who are each, in their own Challenging Racism Project from UWS. way, working to better report and challenge the growing threat of Islamophobia to the security, sense of belonging, and As anti-Muslim sentiment grows in Australia and globally, social participation of Australian Muslims. It was broadly Muslim community leaders, academics, writers and activists agreed that forming a network would facilitate information who have taken a public stand against Islamophobia came exchange and identification of potential collaboration together to discuss issues and examine strategies to challenge initiatives. dominant narratives about Islam and Muslims, and aim to increase our collective effectiveness by encouraging collaboration, mutual support, new ideas and proactivity.

22 MAJOR EVENTS MUIS-RISEAP - Singapore

ICV Executive Director, Nail Aykan attended the RISEAP-MUIS Prism program in Singapore representing the ICV and Australia, between the 21st and 25th of August, 2017.

MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. RISEAP is the Regional Islamic Da'wah Council for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The program was for RISEAP member organisations to strengthen their respective institutions and Muslim communities through deeper study of religious services, programmes and institutions in Singapore in order to have a thriving religious life.

The program discussed Muslim minority communities' approaches to strengthening institutional capabilities and building assets in order to address various lived realities, Learning outcomes were the analysis of policy issues, social contexts and challenges, provide clear norms, creative challenges and dilemmas faced by key institutions (i.e. Islamic ideas and innovative solutions for positive social change. authorities, government agencies and community organisations) in administering the socio-religious life of Key program themes included; learning about MUIS Muslim minorities; appreciation of the various processes organisational milieu, context and transformational phases; involved in the management of context, institutions and strengthening systems and programmes to meet socio- programmes for their respective Muslim communities; the religious needs of a Muslim minority community; exploring application of lessons from Singapore's governance model in innovative models of Wakaf management to build assets for the management of Muslim affairs to the respective sustainable growth; understanding the evolving role of participants' own community and systems. mosques as central nodes for community development; highlighting the importance of organisational transparency and good governance to strengthen institutional capabilities.

SalamFest 2016

SalamFest, a Muslim Arts Festival is unique and pioneering event showcasing Muslim creative talents which was held in October 2016. The inaugural event celebrated the spirit of multiculturalism through the medium of arts and music for a wider Melbourne audience. The event showcased the Muslim heritage of music, fashion, arts and crafts. The key objective being to promote intercultural understanding and offer large scale opportunities for local artists to collaborate with international artists and came together through inspiring work.

This event was an opportunity for Muslim artists to collaborate with the other Victorian artists and contribute to the community through inspiring work. The program had over 400 attendees who enjoyed the festival immensely and SalamFest demonstrated that it serves as an important bridge Islamic culture and traditions are based on the universal for the non-Muslims to learn more about Islam through film values of love and compassion, promoting peace, unity and and arts lens, and helped break down barriers by encouraging equality. SalamFest displayed these values, and aimed to community engagement and increasing collective awareness. celebrate and preserve Muslim traditions in meaningful ways, while showcasing the benefits of multiculturalism to the wider This event was designed to harness the valuable heritage of Victorian community. the multicultural Muslim communities of Melbourne to enrich the Melbourne community at large though inspiring and interactive arts.

23 MAJOR EVENTS Home Gatherings: Family Violence Education Program

The Home Gatherings program is an extension of the Muslim Women's Legal Training Program delivered by ICV and the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre in 2016.

The program involved a group of 20 female participants who were trained to act as peer-to-peer supporters of other women in their communities by learning to identify legal issues, navigate legal processes and connect with services.

The same group of women are now organising local events to share their knowledge about these key issues with other members of their communities.

This includes: · The Muslim Women's Legal Training Program · The Imams Legal Training Program Yasmin Moussa also organised an event as part of the National Zakat Foundation's 'Eyes Wide Shut' series. The half-day Five Home Gatherings have been delivered so far in the form workshop brought together a range of community members of small community groups, public lectures, meetings and in Melbourne's West. Participants heard from an Imam, a workshops. Further events will be held over the remainder of psychologist, and a lawyer, before working in small groups to the year. discuss case studies of family violence – learning that it covers a wide range of situations and can take many forms. The first of these, led by Kauthar Abdulalim through her organisation 'HerProject', was a high tea focused on The Home Gatherings program is part of the wider Muslim empowering young women, which received positive coverage Leaders Education Program (MLEP) being delivered by the Sir from ABC News. Zelman Cowen Centre and the ICV.

VU Imams Graduation – Government House

The ICV proudly co-organised the Graduation of the first ever 'Legal Training Program for Imams and Female Muslim Leaders', in partnership with the Victoria University Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, hosted by the Governor of Victoria the Hon. Linda Dessau, AM, at Government House on Wednesday 16th November 2016.

ICV President Mohamed Mohideen congratulated all graduates, 8 Imams and 19 Sisters, who undertook this very important training and who will now be better placed to serve the community in matters requiring legal arbitration and advice.

Mohamed thanked and presented the Governor with a plaque reading “In recognition of your exemplary service to the 1.Intr oduction to Australian Legal System and Government Victorian Interfaith Community and for your support and 2.Intr oduction Criminal Law dynamic leadership towards social harmony and cohesion in 3.Intr oduction Consumer Law engaging with the Muslim Communities of Victoria” along with 4.Alternative Dispute Resolution a gift of a Classic Oriental Plate. He also presented the Chair of 5.Family Law the VU Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, the Hon Nicola Roxon with 6.T enancy and Housing and Charities Law an Oriental Vase. 7.Migr ation Law 8.Go vernance and Community Organisations Over about 10 weeks, the imams have attended a series of workshops and also visited some of Victoria's legal The program also involved visits to State Parliament and institutions. The 8 topics included; Courts

24 ICV ACTIVITIES ICV New Executive Committee

The ICV held its AGM on Sunday 9th October 2016, with a new Board elected to represent the members over two years;

President Mohamed Mohideen Vice President Adel Salman Secretary Anam Javed Treasurer Ramzi Elsayed Exec Member Umber Rind Exec Member Ali Abou Zeid

Newly elected President Mohamed Mohideen said he was humbled by his new role and looked forward to serving the community as ICV's President. Mohamed praised all those who participated in the elections and thanked his former Board colleagues for their support over the last period saying The elected Executive Committee nominated four additional “May Allah (swt) accept all your efforts and reward you Executive Members to serve on the Board: accordingly. We all look forward to continue working with you in the years ahead”. Nazeh Baarini, Nada Kalam, Mohamed also thanked the outgoing president Bayram Abdiaziz Farah, Aktepe, who served on the Board for one term (two years) and Ruqaya Almirgani was president from October 2015 to October 2016. Bayram said "It was an honour and a privilege to have served the ICV All four Board Members have brought invaluable experience, and our community”. skills, knowledge and expertise to the ICV. Given the various roles and demands on the Board it was also decided to create Any success that we have achieved in the last 12 months has new roles of Advisory Executive Members which would been due to the grace of Allah (SWT) only and we give thanks support the work done by the Board. The ICV will consult with and praise for His Blessings”. its membership about proposed ideas the organisation would like to make to facilitate further growth of the organisation.

Eid Prayers at Flagstaff Ramadan 2017 at ICV City Mosque

The ICV City Mosque held its annual Eid al Adha prayers at The ICV successfully offered its annual City Mosque Iftar and Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday 1st Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan 2017: 27 May to 25 June. September 2017. Sheikh Abdinur Weli lead the prayers with a congregation of over 1,500 people. The open-air An open-house meal was provided Mosque visitors every atmosphere of the Gardens provided a delightful prayer night for 29 nights with an average of 200 fasting guests per experience which brought together Muslims from a variety night. of different backgrounds.

25 ICV ACTIVITIES Annual Members’ Dinner 2016 The ICV held its Annual Members’ Dinner on Sunday 20th November 2016 where over 200 friends, partners and member society representatives attended. The newly elected ICV Executive Committee was introduced along with a host of programs, iniatives and strategies moving forward for the ICV.

Guest speakers included the Hon. Robin Scott - Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Australian Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale and former Victorian Governor Sir James Gobbo. The evening saw a special tribute to the late Sheikh Fehmi Imam, a pioneering Muslim leader who has served communities and Australian society for 60 years.

It was a great opportunity to bring together representatives of diverse and multicultural community. ICV’s Partnerships are desire to serve in the best interests of humanity, and the built on a foundation of mutual respect, common values and a Members’ Dinner serves to recognise these contributions.

ICV Family End of Year Dinner

The new ICV Executive Committee gathered all staff and volunteers for a first Meet and Greet on Tuesday 8th November 2016.

The ICV strongly believes that those serving on the ICV, for the benefit of the community, are the organisations' greatest asset. It is not only important for the organisation to value and recognise their efforts in serving communities through all the programs and services provided, but also to strengthen connections between ICV staff, Board and volunteers.

ICV President Mohamed Mohideen thanked each person for their commitment and loyalty and said he and his new team looked forward to continuing to work with the ICV Family.

Dinner with Staff and Volunteers The ICV Staff and Volunteers Dinner held on Tuesday 25th July 2017, was a wonderfully spirited occasion which afforded each staff to be better aware and appreciate the diversity of the services and those behind the scenes making it all happen.

The ICV commits to numerous services and manages over two-dozen programs through-out the year. Approximately 25 paid staff and over a dozen volunteers, most being out-reach workers’ and with recent new staff and volunteers, it was a good opportunity to get together to enable each member to meet all other members of the ICV family.

ICV President Mohamed Mohideen thanked all those who serve in the genuine spirit of earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT)' and noted that “at the ICV, our greatest asset is our people”.

26 HUMAN RIGHTS Srebrenica Genocide Memorial July 11th 2017 marked the 22nd Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide where over 8,372 men and young boys were killed solely because they were Muslims. Srebrenica, a town in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, was home to Bosnian Muslims. Not only was there a massacre of innocent Bosniak (Bosnian Muslims) but also over 20,000 civilians were expelled from the city as part of the ethnic cleansing. This was the greatest atrocity carried out after World War II with no action from the global community.

The massacre left deep emotional scars in the survivors who are still trying to come to terms with their loss of loved ones and also created obstacles to reconciliation amongst the various ethnic groups of Bosnia. Mohamed Mohideen attended the function organised by the Survivors of Srebrenica Association at the Noble Park Islamic Cultural Centre.

Walk for Justice for Refugees 2017 The 10th Annual Palm Sunday March took place on Sunday 9th April 2017 in Melbourne. Despite the heavy rains and winds the march was attended by over 1,000 people from all faiths and many community organisations. Over 150 organisations had endorsed the march.

The program started off by talks from refugees, faith leaders and refugee advocates, and was followed by a March around Melbourne. A speech from one of the refugees from Manus Island seeking liberation and access to live in Australia moved the crowd. There were also speeches from teachers who had worked on Manus and Narau speaking about the plight of young children who had lost all hope of ever being released and resorting to self-harm and despair. the community for their own ends. Wars are breaking out in all Mohamed Mohideen, said “Today we gather here in a time parts especially in the Middle East and the casualties are the that the world is in turmoil. Hate and bigotry seems to be the innocent.” key words that spout out from opportunists who wish to divide

Rohingya Muslims Rally

The ICV organised a Rally in solidarity with the persecuted Rohingya minority of Myanmar, on Saturday 9th September 2017 at the State Library of Victoria with a 1,500 strong crowd.

Speakers included First Nations spokespeson Rob Thorpe, ICV President Mohamed Mohideen; local Rohingya leader Habibiurahman from ABRO (Australian Burmese Rohingya Org); Ronan Lee, an academic expert on Rohingya (Deakin University); Senator Richard Di Natale, Leader of Federal Greens Party; Maria Vamvakinou MP; Federal Labor member for Calwell and ICV Imam Sheikh Abdinur Weli.

The Rally called for a 'Stop to the violence and ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims'. The ICV calls upon the Myanmar regime The ICV called upon the Australian Government to use all to bring an end once-and-for-all to its apartheid policies and diplomatic and economic means available to pressure the inhumane treatment of the Rohingya people who have Myanmar regime to end this ethnic cleansing. Australia should suffered grave injustices for decades. also provide immediate humanitarian aid to the thousands of victims and refugees and offer asylum to those being persecuted.

27 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Child Safe Standards Training

The ICV conducted its 6th 'Child Safe Standards Information and Training Session' on Sunday 10th September 2017 at the City Mosque.

The Victorian Government has introduced new Child Safe Standards for organisations with direct and regular contact with children. Child Safe Standards aim to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect towards children. The leadership of all organisations has the responsibility to implement policies for their organisations that meet these standards.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle - AMSSA Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle visited AMSSA - Australian Muslim Social Services Agency (aka North Melbourne Mosque) with his Deputy Cr Arron Wood on Friday 14th October 2016 immediately after Friday congregational prayers. Hundreds of predominantly Somali community members gathered in the hall area to listen to the Lord Mayor.

The visit was organised by the ICV where the Lord Mayor wanted to visit a Mosque in the City of Melbourne to show his support for the Muslim community.

Robert Doyle showed great leadership in supporting a new City Mosque. He strongly advocated for the right of places of worship and added “every great city in the world has a great Mosque – I want to see Melbourne join those cities with our own custom designed and custom built City Mosque”.

Clean Up Australia Day

Muslims from around Victoria took to the streets, gloves and garbage bags in hand, to help clean Australia. Every year in March, Clean Up Australia Day, a national not-for-profit organisation, strives to inspire and work with all Australians to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment.

The ICV has been supporting local volunteers who have stated, "Participation in clean up Australia Day event has a humble beginning from one suburb in 2013 to approximately eight suburbs in 2017. All credit goes to the volunteers and their families who come out to show their support and contribution from in and around Melbourne”.

In the past 26 years, Australians have devoted more than 31 million hours towards the environment through Clean Up Australia Day and collected over 331 thousand tonnes of rubbish and the ICV proudly commits to supporting this commitment to protect the environment.

28 INTERFAITH JCMA Friendship Walk The Jewish Christian Muslim Association (JCMA) held their second annual Friendship Walk on Sunday 6th November 2016, in which over 100 people participated by walking from St. Peters Anglican Church to the Melbourne synagogue and finally the Carlton Mosque. The event was organised in partnership with Victoria's major religious peak bodies: the Victoria Council of Churches (VCC), the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the ICV to promote peace and understanding.

The day began at the St. Peters Eastern Hill Anglican Church with commencement speeches from Father Hugh Kempster, Rabbi Ralph Genende and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Mrs Inga Peulich. Participants then proceeded to light a candle in the church's chapel before starting off for the After the synagogue they walked 3.3 kilometres to Carlton synagogue. The Jewish organisers began with an introduction Mosque where they were greeted by the committee of the by Rabbi Dovid Gutnick into some of the nuances of Jewish Albanian Australian Islamic Society (AAIS). After piling into the ethnicities before giving the floor to a musical display from two small prayer room the final speeches for the day began with of their congregants which had many of the event participants members from across the community gathering together to dancing. hear from several guest speakers.

JCMA Annual Women’s Retreat Jewish Christian Muslim Association (JCMA) Women's Office held its annual retreat on the weekend of 12-14th May 2017. The main theme of the Conference was “inspiring women of faith”. Twenty-five women of the three Abrahamic faiths came together to share each other's worship traditions including Shabbat, Muslim prayer and Christian service.

Keynote speakers presented inspiring women of each faith starting with the Beruriah (the Second Century Jewish scholar), the Hildegard of Bingen and Aisha (wife of the Prophet Mohamed PBUH). The weekend exhibited a precious nurturing sharing environment – an inspiration for the world today – breaking down barriers of ignorance and fear, sharing what is common to us as human beings and providing a safe environment to explore differences. participants were able to form deep connections between each other. The event concluded with a sense of unity, being The program featured discussions on faith journeys, morning sisters of Abrahamic faiths, with a common purpose and walks, smaller cluster groups and speakers corner, where the shared values.

Multi-Faith Opening of the Legal Year for 2017

Religious leaders from all walks of faith and members of the legal fraternity came together on Monday morning for the Multi-Faith opening of the Victorian legal year for 2017. Initiated by the former Governor of Victoria the occasion brought diverse faith communities together to celebrate the Victorian legal year.

Sheikh Majidih Eissa and Seema Siddiqui represented the ICV in a procession before joining other faith leaders on stage to share readings and prayers from their own faith tradition. The opening of the legal year has been held by all leading religious faiths in Victoria since 1946, and dates back to the 14th century in England, when judges would have a religious celebration at the start of each year prior to their administering justice to the community.

29 INTERFAITH The Not-So Holy Comedy Debate The ICV and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) teamed up together to host the 2017 Jewish – Muslim Comedy Debate with the topic 'North of the Yarra is Better than South of the Yarra' on Monday 20th March 2017. This was the second time the event has been held, following on from the inaugural Jewish – Muslim Comedy Debate in 2013. This event was a part of Cultural Diversity Week with all proceeds from the night going towards the Bourke Street Fund.

A capacity crowd of over 280 people witnessed a ferociously funny debate at the Melbourne Town Hall with Father Bob Maguire as its Moderator. Panellists for the South featured Mo Elleissy, Steve 'Bedders' Bedwell and Michael Shafar. The panellists for the North, and ultimately the winning team by popular acclamation, were Justine Sless, Rana Hussain and Beyond the light-hearted atmosphere on the night, the Louise Baring. audience and panellists were aware of the deeper message - building bridges across communities and having fun in a multicultural environment.

Building Bridges Breaking Barriers Workshop

ICV Secretary Anam Javed, presented at the Catriona Devlin from Pax Christi/Kildara Centre to organise a ground-breaking interfaith workshop, on Sunday 30th April 2017, to a large congregation of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Sharing personal stories of hardship and resilience shared by two Australian Muslim women: Inaz Janif and Manal Shehab.

The event was organised by Pax Christi and the ICV and came into being to promote an understanding of the daily struggles of Muslim women in Victoria in today's socio-political climate. An interactive discussion was held post the event with informal questions and answers.

The event was extremely well received, and a number of speakers left a long-lasting impact with their narratives, one attendees promised to carry on the momentum by holding that will hopefully be translated into a number of meaningful similar group workshops in their own community areas. Both endeavours.

Justice and International Mission Convention

The Justice and International Mission Unit hosted a 'Building Bridges not Walls' convention at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville on Saturday 27th May 2017. The convention comprised of a panel discussion and tailored workshops focusing on the global rise of the far-right and conservatism. The panel consisted of Anam Javed, Secretary of the ICV (Interfaith Portfolio Executive), Prof. Joe Camilleri of La Trobe University, Monica Melanchthon, Hebrew and Bible Studies teacher at the Pilgrim Theological College.

Prof. Joe Camilleri discussed the rise of right wing parties in Europe, culminating in events such as Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump. Monica Melanchthon took the audience on a journey to the biblical past and touched on the idea that walls and fences have always been there; it's what we choose to use community as a result of irresponsible and sensationalised them for that matters. Anam provided insights into the reporting by media agencies, and the impact of this on the increasing demonising and marginalisation of the Muslim wellbeing of the young Australian-Muslim population.

30 INTERFAITH AFP Unity Cup 2017 The ICV Women's Team in the AFP Unity Cup 2017 made it into the Grand Final and was awarded the 'Play Fair Award'. The AFL Unity Cup is a highly anticipated annual event which brings together community groups from across Melbourne to celebrate diversity, solidarity and a strong sense of community. The tournament is held at JJ Holland Park in Kensington. The ICV has been an ongoing regular participant in the Unity Cup over the years, with strong representation within the male's divisions.

This year, for the first time, a women's team were proudly represented the ICV, under the leadership of ICV Executive Member, Ruqaya Almirgani. The men's team was led by Oussama Abou-Zeid. Both the men's and women's teams from the ICV played exceptionally well supported by the including the Kick-Star (an Indigenous Australian) team, the Western Bulldogs. Both teams progressed through the day 'Jew Crew', and several others. Overall both teams enjoyed with a number of wins. ICV's women's team brought home the being part of the sporting action and the interaction with 'Fair Play' award and evidently made their mark appearing on people from diverse backgrounds. the 6 o'clock news. They played against various teams

Sikh Conclave: Freedom and Peace - Is there a Conflict?

The ICV took part in a Sikh Conclave on Saturday 5th August 2017 at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. The conclave was a joint initiative of the major Sikh community bodies in Victoria including the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, United Sikhs and Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council.

The speakers at the conclave included human rights activists, politicians and faith and non-faith groups all drawn together to speak on the topic of Freedom and Peace - Is there a conflict. The topic has been a major talking point in the Sikh community after a school banned a five year old boy from wearing his traditional Sikh patka (Turban) to class.

Manal Shehab who represented ICV on the day as a speaker spoke about her own experiences around religious dress and displaying respectful curiosity and saying hello, and starting a how to make a difference in the world by bringing conversation. It's easy to build bridges when we learn about communities closer together saying, "we can make a each other from each other." difference by choosing to get a little uncomfortable by

Bendigo Peace Park ICV in collaboration with Islamic Association of Bendigo donated an Islamic Artwork to the Peace Park in Bendigo.

The Peace Park has an interfaith space where all faiths are made welcome. The park statues or symbols from different faiths, with representatives from the Sikh, Hindu and Catholic communities to date.

The Islamic mosaic depicts lanterns signifying light and hope to all. It is a symbol of peace and hope to all seeking shelter.

31 ICV WOMENS Consultation with Muslim Women

The ICV Office for Women had the privilege of hosting the pioneer of the Muslim Women's Association and human rights activist extraordinaire, Sr. Maha Abdo, on Tuesday, 4th April 2017.

25 Muslim women from different professional and ethnic backgrounds participated in an intimate consultative discussion that centred on pressing issues relevant to the Muslim community in Australia, and brainstormed creative but realistic ways of addressing them. The session provided a valuable platform for women to network and develop strategies on core issues such as the misunderstanding about the role of women in Islam, lack of awareness about mental health, prevalence of domestic violence and youth disengagement from Islam and the broader Australian community.

The aim is to carry on the momentum generated from this event and have it culminate in affirmative action which addresses the afore-mentioned issues.

ICV YOUTH ICV Youth Engagement: Health Services Workshop

The ICV Youth Engagement Portfolio had its final Stakeholders Roundtable Discussion; on Tuesday 15th November 2016. A full agenda was discussed around Health Services for Muslim youth.

The ICV Youth Engagement Officer Maryum Chaudhry commenced the discussion by showcasing a video snippet from ICV youths Mental Health Forum with young Muslim specialists sharing their insights and thoughts on the topic. As stated by a panellist, Omar Haniffa, "The reality is if you have a mind, you have mental health. If you are going through life you are going to have issues. Understanding that mental health is something that belongs to everyone. Therefore everyone is automatically validated into the conversation”. Attendees included representatives from a range of areas Young Muslims are leading the way bringing health issues to including mental health, health services, youth services, the forefront and giving context through their professional homelessness, drugs and alcohol, multiculturalism and policy. and religious lenses. ICV Research Officer Mahir Mohammed Together the ICV workshopped ways to address the gap outlined relevant findings and analysis from the ICV Baseline between health service providers and Muslim youth. Mapping report; A pioneering research study reviewing Muslim Service Organisations in Victoria. Ilker Abak, a cross- Recommendations included the need for a holistic cultural consultant and provisional psychologist, provided framework, greater cultural awareness training, evidence cultural awareness training to improve understanding and based research and data collection, collaboration between competency of service delivery in the health sector. stakeholders, development of youth and women leadership and empowerment programs.

32 EMY - EMPOWER MUSLIM YOUTH

A new initiative was launched in 2017 by the ICV aptly named Empower Muslim Youth (EMY). The EMY program is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The program enables ICV to engage youth workers and career professionals to provide intensive and coordinated support to young people to strengthen their health and wellbeing, their connection to community, their engagement in education and training and improving pathways to employment. This new program will be servicing young Muslims aged 18-25 years who live, learn or play in and around the City of Hume. The team have been busy coordinating events, workshops Project Manager, Daniela Ascone says “We are keen to link in and seminars to be better informed of how to serve young with local agencies to raise the awareness of the program and people in Hume. Furthermore, they have been engaged by look at ways in which we can work collaboratively to support media to highlight the challenges that young Muslims face to Muslim youth”. The team also includes Selcan Kurnali and gain employment in a competitive labour market. Abboma Abdi who are both Youth Engagement Officers. Youth unemployment is at its highest in Australia with The EMY program will be running for a three year period unemployment rates twice the national average for Muslim within the City of Hume. The team is looking forward to the youth so it has been a priority for the ICV to look at ways in challenging task ahead as they are aware that the City of which it can support the Muslim community to support young Hume has the second highest youth unemployment rate in people to achieve their life, education and employment goals. the state of Victoria. The EMY team will be utilising their varied backgrounds including corporate, teaching, careers The program will enable the ICV to strengthen partnerships counselling and mental health professions, to provide a with local agencies to work collaboratively to support Muslim holistic support service to young people. youth.

PRISON CHAPLAINCY

Prison chaplains provide spiritual support in the prison environment to prisoners, staff, and family members. Visits are weekly in most cases but for some regional areas it can be fortnightly and can also be arranged on request. The chaplains are from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to meet the needs of the diverse population inside the prison.

Prison Chaplains and transition workers gathered together for a training session on Thursday 21st September 2017, with Sheikh Suhail Wadee, education coordinator of the National Muslim Prison Board of South Africa.

The Muslim Prison Board is the official organization The Sheikh reflected on his experiences in the prison recognized by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) environment and engaged in lively discussion. He also representing all Muslim Offenders in South Africa prisons The introduced one of his training modules on anger Muslim Prison Board believes that spiritual guidance is the management and walked the chaplains through running a cornerstone of rehabilitation, transformation, and similar course in Victorian prisons. Senior Prison Chaplain reintegration, and that Muslim inmates remain at all times a Altaf Hussain remarked that "It was a priviledge to host Sheikh beneficiary of spiritual and religious knowledge through the Suhail and there are a lot of things we can learn from the visits of the respective Muslim Spiritual Care Workers. One of prison programs in South Africa", before inviting him to visit the primary objectives of the Muslim Prison Board for prison some of the local prisons. welfare is to regularly visit Muslim Inmates incarcerated in prison and uplift them spiritually by exposing and educating The ICV runs several prison related program across the state them in the fundamentals of Islam. including general chaplaincy, Muslim Connect (Pre and Post- Release transition) Juvenile Justice Chaplaincy.

33 PROJECT HAYAT 2016

Project Hayat, sponsored by the Organ U rd u a n d P u n j a b i t o V i c t o r i a n P r o j e c t H a y a t h o s t e d e l e v e n and Tissue Authority's DonateLife communities from the Middle East, information sessions in total at the ICV campaign, aims to educate Muslim Turkey, Pakistan and India. and across Victoria, including a Doctor's communities in Victoria about how Conference in November 2016. There people from all walks of life depend on The Project Hayat 2016 team were busy were a number of representatives from organ and tissue donations regardless conducting seminars about organ and d i ff e r e n t a s s o c i a t i o n s a n d of age, ethnicity, religion or language. tissue donation within the Urdu and organisations collectively representing Hindi speaking Muslim communities. over 700 Muslim doctors in Victoria. The team has reached hundreds of The program, aimed at better educating Victorian Muslims thus far, delivering women about organ and tissue information sessions in various donation and its permissibility in Islam. languages; English, Arabic, Turkish,

PROJECT HAYAT 2017

In 2016, a record 1,713 Australians received a life saving transplant thanks to the generosity of 503 deceased and 267 living organ donors and their families. A further 9,000 Australians benefited from tissue donation.

Project Hayat was back in 2017 with the donation decision with family and Project officers and religious leaders H o r n o f A f r i c a n c o m m u n i t i e s , friends. were presented with information continuing its annual awareness surrounding the facts and figures about campaign surrounding the importance The Project Hayat 2017 Team held organ and tissue donation, the process of organ and tissue donation. The several Info Sessions working with of transplants and why it's necessary for program encouraged more people to leaders of the Somali, Eritrean and Australians to start talking about their join the Australian Organ Donor Oromo communities ready to go out donation decision with family and Register online and to discuss their and help save lives. friends.

34 HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY

ICV Hospital Chaplaincy Service over the last year has extended a hand to hospitals, patients and beyond, in keeping with the tradition of previous years. The Chaplaincy Service continues a close working relationship, support and advisory roles to many organisations within and surrounding industries such as churches, government organisations, NGOs, working with refugees, asylum seekers and international individuals finding themselves unwell and isolated.

Islam Immersion Day: The ICV in conjunction with Spiritual Health Victoria as well as Stirling University hosted an immersion day for 17 students from Stirling University on Thursday 13th October 2016. Information about Islam was presented and participants interacted with the leaders and community members to explore the religion and its distinctive resources and spirituality.

Advisory Role - ICV Hospital Chaplaincy played a significant role in providing an Islamic perspective to a range of community groups and bodies:

1.“Islamic Spirituality and End of Life” document for Meaningful Aging Australia database; 2.Australian Centre For Social Innovation, “Emerging ageing communities”; 3.Centre for Applied Policy in Positive Ageing (CAPPA), “Emerging ageing communities”; 4.“Exclusion and Embrace” Conference committee; 5.Spiritual Care Australia; 6.Spiritual Health Victoria; Volunteer Training: The ICV's Hospital Chaplaincy team held 7.Melbourne City Mission: client support and referrals; it's first training session for the year on the 19th and 26th of 8.Victorian Arabic Social Services; February 2017 at the Board of Imam's office in Coburg. Spread 9.Australian International Academy: Eid toy drive for the over 2 weekends the program attracted over twenty young children's hospital coordination; and young at heart volunteers who came together to immerse 10.Children of Janna; themselves in a two-day reflective and mindful training to 11.ECCV – Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria; prepare themselves for chaplaincy work.

Education via Community Presentations Volunteers Appreciation Afternoon: 1.“Death and dying: The Halal way” with palliative care unit The inception of the official Hospital Chaplaincy portfolio has Latrobe university; marked its six-year anniversary on Tuesday 1st August 2017. 2.“Dying to talk end of life wishes an Islamic view” palliative The celebration was primarily an appreciation and award matters; event for the volunteers and supporting team within ICV and 3.“End of life the Halal way” Stirling theological college; outside it. It was only complete with the presence of the most 4.“What is Ruqya and spiritual healing” Royal Children precious assets, the volunteers, reflecting on their journey, Hospital; stories and growth. 5.“Understanding Islam” DHHS; 6.“Say Salam: A greeting reflective of a peaceful religion” Church of immaculate conception Ararat; 7.“Palliative care an Islamic perspective” Epworth Richmond.

35 FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMS NILS – No Interest Loan Scheme The ICV Qard Hassan NILS is committed · Providing support to improve financial to achieving a more just and equitable capabilities; society for people living on low income · Enhancing community participation by promoting economic and social through the recycling of funds into participation in a market which has additional loans for other community resulted in structural and financial members. forms of exclusion. This is embodied through the provision of safe, fair and A snapshot of NILS for the financial affordable credit for the purchase of year 2016/17 essential items and service without · A total of 82 loans were written with keynote speeches and panels. Some of interest or fees, where other financial total loan book value of $93,158.; the topics covered throughout the assistance is unavailable. This is · Single women were the primary conference included media strategy achieved through a process which borrowers coming in at 60%; a n d e n g a g e m e n t , v o l u n t e e r enhances the dignity and respect of the · The Majority of borrowers are between recruitment and leading well. individual whilst helping them gain the ages of 35 and 44; some form of financial control and · Main items purchased continues to be One of the highlights was the personal empowerment in their lives. white goods including washing stories from some of the top CEO's in machine, dishwasher and fridges; t h e c o u n t r y i n c l u d i n g K o n This year the Qard Hassan NILS · The average loan amount was $1,093; Karapanagiotidis from Asylum Seeker program partnered with the Sisters of · The default rate was 3%. Resource Centre and Amanda Young Mercy, AMES and Jesuit Social Services from the First Nations Foundation who for a pilot program aimed at asylum N I L S C o n f e re n c e 2 0 1 7 spoke of the importance of financial and seekers. The Asylum Seeker Project No social inclusion for communities. Sr The Qard Hasan NILS Team headed by Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provides a Asma reflected on the conference said "I Coordinator Asma Siddiq, attended the holistic response to financial exclusion really appreciated the opportunity to 2017 National NILS Conference held at within the Asylum Seeker community network with other providers across the the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne in August. by: state and around the country, and The conference's theme 'Small Loans · Connecting asylum seekers to learning about some of the innovative and Big Hearts' was explored through alternative consumer and financial ideas they have implemented for their diverse opinions across workshops, assistance; programs".

NILS Conference & Zakat Asylum Seeker Pilot 2016 ICV Zakat Fund aims to utilise Zakat funds collected in Australia to provide a lifeline for local, deserving recipients. This group consists of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including widows, orphans, refugees, the elderly and the homeless. Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 in assistance as a one-off.

· 60% of recipients are asylum seekers/refugees and the predominant purpose was rent, followed by utility relief and living expenses; · We have partnered with reputable refugee/asylum seeker orgranisation to help deliver the program including the following: AMES, Life Without Barriers, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, RISE Refugee Services, South East Community Links. The Victorian NILS conference was held on 3rd November 2016, with around 250 of the state's microfinance providers ICV Zakat Fund was established in 2010 and since then has including ICV's own Qard Hassan NILS Program providing an distributed over $400,000 to over 600 people in Victoria. opportunity to network, learn about new innovations in the T h e s e i n c l u d e b u t a re n o t l i m i t e d t o a s y l u m sector and hear the personal stories of clients. The ICV seekers/refugees – Temporary Visa Holders not allowed to Services Manager Ayman Islam was a guest speaker on a work, Victims of domestic violence, families of prisoners, panel and introduced a new exciting microfinance project the destitute and homeless and those suffering major Asylum Seeker No Interest Loans Scheme Pilot saying that "A financial debt. We are grateful and thankful for community significant amount of refugees are often excluded from contribution and notes there is still much more to be done. conventional credit streams. So it is great to be able to give There are thousands of Victorians that are in need of them an opportunity to access fair and affordable credit". assistance so please donate generously this Ramadan.

36 ACTIVITIES OF 2016-17

37 25 POSITIVE STORIES - YOUTH Profiles of a young community of champions who serve our communities in all facets of society.

Ali Abouzeid Amna Iqbal Aseel Sammak Ayan Omer Shere Aysenur Ljatif

Eva Maleken Hanan Ibrahim Jazeer Nijamudeen Linna Abdi Merjem Colan

Naba Masad Alfayadh Nursen Turker Omar Haniffa Oussama Abou Zeid Owais Fazil Saeed

Oz Malik Rasheed Elachkar Rasheeda Wilson Saajeda Elsayed Sajda Yakub

Sarah Baarani Tharaa Elachkar Yasmin Moussa Zainab Aboueid Zakia Haque

38 25 POSITIVE STORIES - WOMEN A representative sample of the diverse Muslim women, recognising their inspirational stories.

Ayesha Bux Azmeena Hussain Eugenia Flynn Faeeza Jawaid Farah Farouque

Hana Assafiri Inaz Janif Louise Baring Maha Sukkar Manal Shehab

Manar Fawzi Maryam Chaudhry Maryam Omran Monique Toohey Rana Hussain

Rufiath Yousuff Saba Hakim Sarah Charmand Sherene Hassan Sithy Marikar

Sue Najjarine Tasneem Chopra Wafa Fahour Zeynep Sertel Zuleyha Keskin

39 TREASURERS REPORT 2016/17

By the grace and generosity of Allah (SWT) the Islamic Council ICV has a finance committee which comprises of Mohamed of Victoria Inc. has delivered another year of financial growth Mohideen (Chair), Adel Salman, Nazeh Baarini, Nail Aykan and and healthy operating surplus. The FY17 net operating I respectively. The key goals of the finance committee are to: surplus of $179,144 is a pleasing result and continues the financial growth of the previous two financial years. a) Improve transparency and accountability; b) Set budgets for the year with an aim to drive cost Approximately 80% of ICV revenue is derived from programs effectiveness and sustainability; received from State and Federal government grants. The ICV c) ICV financial independence; has continuously maintained a philosophy that all programs d) Funding sources and revenue growth. should be self sufficient, self sustaining and self funding. Each ICV funded program is generally costed with allowances for The committee within this framework has endeavoured to contingences, managerial and administration fees. The later improve the financial capability of the ICV. fees form the basis of the ICV operating surplus. It is this philosophy that has seen ICV achieve its third annual I would like to take this opportunity to thank key staff involved consecutive six figure operating surplus. in critical bookkeeping and accounting roles. This includes Sr. Sumeyya Kutlu and Br. Pialla Marttria respectively. This The strong operating surpluses of the past three financial gratitude is extended to all staff members involved in the years have seen a significant increase in ICV cash reserves. finance and treasury areas. Much of the cash surplus has been invested translating into increased dividend revenue of more than 120% on in 2016. The financial performance and condition of the ICV is only by Moreover, ICV is well positioned to make a substantial the grace of Allah (SWT). This result in my assessment is due to investment into other asset classes should the opportunity the financial prudence, dedication and devotion of the current arise. and past management, staff and Board Members.

While ICV's strong financial position is pleasing, challenges to May Allah (SWT) continue to bless ICV in all its affairs and maintain strong operating surpluses remain. Being a service protect and improve our financial and general condition. organisation employee costs is our single largest expense. Employee benefits against revenue grew to 49% in 2017 Ramzi Elsayed compared to 40% in 2016. While cost control is a priority, Treasurer fairness and equity in all matters including employee remuneration is equally important.

40 AUDITOR’s REPORT 2016/17

41 AUDITOR’s REPORT 2016/17

42 MEMBERS

Afghan Islamic Society Goulburn Valley Turkish Islamic & Cultural Society Afghan Islamic Centre and Omar Farooq Mosque (AICOM) HIYC – Hume Islamic Youth Centre Albanian Australian Islamic Society IISCA – Islamic Information & Support Centre of Australia Albanian Muslim Society of Shepparton IMAN (Institute of Muslim Academic Network) Al-Ehsan Centre Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria (IMCV) Ararat Islamic Welfare Association Islamic Association of Australia (Tayyiba Institue ) ASWJ South East Melbourne Islamic Association of Monash Mosque Inc. Australia Bangladesh Islamic Council Inc. Islamic Call Society of Australia Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre Deer Park Islamic Education and Welfare Assoc of Dandenong (IEAWAD) Australian Burmese Rohingya Organisation (ABRO) Islamic Guidance Society of Australia Australian Islamic Mission Islamic Society of Albury-Wodonga Islamic Community Milli Gorus Australia Islamic Society of Ballarat Australian Muslim Media Islamic Society of Geelong Australian Muslim Social Services Agency (AMSSA) Islamic Education & Awareness of Casey Association (IEACA). Bendigo Islamic Association Inc Islamic Society of Victoria - Preston Mosque Benevolence Australia Maarefa Group Bilale Ethiopian Community Association Victoria Mano River Association of Victoria Bosnia Hercegovina Islamic Society MuslimCare Victoria Cyprus Turkish Islamic Community Inc. My Centre (IISNA) Dandenong Turkish Islamic Cultural Society (Emir Sultan Mosque) MYAF - Muslim Youth, Adult and Family (AOD) Program Darubilal Education Charity and Welfare Association Newport Islamic Society Darussalam Society Oromo Learning and Guidance Centre EHSAN (Aust Islamic Affairs & Human Capital Development Assoc) The Light Foundation El Sedeaq Islamic Society (heidelberg mosque) United Muslim Migrant Association Eritrean Islamic Society of Australia United Sri Lankan Muslim Association in Australia (USMAA) Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth (FAMSY) Melbourne Islamic Cultural Society Inc (MICS) Gippsland Australian Muslim Community Inc (GAMCI) Werribee Islamic Centre

AFFILIATE MEMBERS Arkan Toledo MuslimCare Victoria Believe Achieve & Inspire Leadership Program (BAILP) Muslim Legal Network Care With Me Nurul Huda Acedemy Inc. Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle In Victorian Police Muslim Association MCCA (Muslim Community Co-operative of Australia) Islamic Relief Australia Islamic Weekend School Muslim Aid Australia Minhaj Ul Quran Victoria Australia Muslim Unity Trust (AMUT) Muhajiroon Community Development Association Inc. Sanad Foundation ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA

66-68 Jeffcott St West Melbourne VIC 3003 (03) 9328 2067 [email protected] www.icv.org.au