Continuing a 15-year tradition, the Victoria Police Muslim Association (VPMA) yesterday hosted its annual Iftar dinner with Victoria's Muslim community to commemorate Ramadan.
The event, held in partnership with Benevolence Australia at the UMMA Centre in Doncaster, brought together more than 240 community members, including young people from local and neighbouring schools and mosques.
In the lead up to the event, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton expressed his honour in being able to take part in the special event and deliver a keynote address on the night.
"Victoria Police is proud to have hosted Iftar dinners since 2005 to promote a harmonious and multi-faith society and strengthen relationships with the Muslim community," CCP Ashton said.
"The event gives us a chance to connect with the community through the act of sharing a meal and provides us with opportunities to learn more about our colleagues, neighbours and friends.
On the night, CCP Ashton thanked the VPMA for their dedication and excellent leadership, highlighting the recent shoulder to shoulder walk they organised to show support for their Muslim colleagues following the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.
"The walk signified solidarity for our Muslim colleagues as well as the community both in Australia and overseas," he said.
Among this year's special attendees included representatives from New Zealand's Muslim community and police. Inspector Peter Copper from Canterbury Police, and Anthony (Jamal) Green from the Al-Noor Mosque in New Zealand each delivered keynote speeches at the Iftar dinner.
Established in September 2013, the VPMA was formed to promote social harmony and cohesion, and raise the profile of Muslims working in Victoria Police. Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton is the proud patron.
VPMA President Sergeant Maha Sukkar said she felt humbled at the great turnout at this year's dinner.
"We are lucky in Victoria to have many vibrant and diverse communities but in order to do a good job, we must have good relationships with our community," Sergeant Sukkar said.
"It makes me proud to sit with my fellow police officers who are eager to understand our traditions and to stand side by side with us in honouring Ramadan."
For the first time, Victoria Police officers and employees were also offered optional Islamic cultural awareness training by Benevolence Australia ahead of the dinner, empowering them to have respectful conversations and giving them an opportunity to increase their understanding of the event.
"On behalf of the VPMA, I would like to wish our Muslim community and colleagues a reflective, peaceful and meaningful Ramadan."
