Al Salam Festival

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (16:38): As the local member of parliament in which the Islamic Society of South Australia is situated, I was really delighted a few Sundays ago to attend and give support to the second well-attended Al Salam Festival (festival of peace). Following the warmly welcomed inaugural Al Salam Festival last year, attended by many South Australians, it was wonderful to witness the increase in momentum of energy and enthusiasm, which saw the second festival be even bigger and better. This year's volunteer base increased from last year's small group of around 30 or so to over 100, demonstrating how this shared idea has captured the imagination of the community.

When Ahmed Zreika, the President of the Islamic Society of South Australia, approached me just under two years ago with the idea of offering opportunity for non-Muslims to have a venue to ask Muslims everything and anything they wish to know about their way of life, it was clear to me that he and his community knew the value of open conversation and education, as well as the value of shared community. Like so many South Australians, I embraced the Al Salam Festival, the festival of peace, in a world of continual troubled happenings of cycles of violence. To meet this negativity by way of a public festival recognises that education is the vehicle for communicating and promoting peace and tolerance as opposed to fuelling dislike and suspicion.

The possibility and opportunity to break down stereotypes and giving people the chance to ask any questions and discuss any issues and trying on women's headwear is a great initiative. I am really saddened when I hear directly from women in my community of the abusive encounters they experience when people are not accepting of how they might dress. People do not appear to understand that we should be living in a society of tolerance and acceptance.

I would also like to pay tribute to Imam Riad for his measured approach and leadership, for always being available, committed and welcoming to his community while realising the importance of connecting with the wider community. Last year, the Muslim community in my electorate also initiated a program to invite a neighbour into their homes to share dinner. This, I am told, was very successful and there is a plan to repeat this very activity this year.

I also make mention of the passion of the Muslim youth who work tirelessly in so many aspects of our community to connect and create understanding. They are wonderful young Australians who are contributing and leading on so many levels and in many areas. Testament to this is when Sowaibah Hanifi headed to New York last year as a representative of Australia for a special youth conference organised by the United Nations.

The way the community cares for their youth is exceptional, as evidenced by the recent course created and run by Associate Professor Mohamad Abdalla, utilising his 25 years of experience in Islamic studies and community affairs. A Griffiths University academic, he is regarded as one of Australia's most respected Muslim leaders, combining the roles of serious academic scholar, public intellectual and religious leader. He passionately supports social inclusion and takes much pride in his role in fostering peace and harmony in the community.

Mutual respect, cultural awareness, empathy and kindness are skills that build nations and a just, free and harmonious Australia. The Al Salam peace festival makes our state all the better and adds to the building of a culturally diverse and rich society. Australia is one of the world's most culturally diverse yet socially cohesive nations. Our future is dependent on what we do today and how we plan for tomorrow. This peace festival answers both those calls.

I would like to make mention of my fellow parliamentarians who also attended this particular festival: ministers Close and Bettison. Minister Bettison committed to continue funding over the next three years in support of this festival. Also present were the members for Torrens, Croydon, Wright, Unley, Hartley and Hammond and also the Hon. Russell Wortley MLC.

To the Islamic Society of South Australia and the South Australian Muslim community, I applaud your initiative and commitment as demonstrated by the second Al Salam peace festival. Progressive change begins with individuals with a shared vision. I love working with this community, but we have so much more to do; we have just begun. Your actions speak volumes. I look forward to working together and working towards the third Al Salam Festival in 2017.