Victoria Police hosted its 10th Chief Commissioner’s Iftar dinner on 1 July to commemorate

Ramadan together with representatives and leaders from Victoria’s Muslim and faith

communities.

Two hundred people attended the event, including more than 60 young people of Muslim

faith, 50 police officers and employees, and Muslim and faith communities from across the

state.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said he was proud the Iftar Dinner was his first official

function as Chief Commissioner and greatly valued the opportunity to acknowledge the

Victorian Muslim community.

“The Victoria Police Iftar dinner gives police a chance to show respect to the Islamic

community whilst breaking fast and reflecting together,” he said.

“Ramadan is also an opportunity for all of us, regardless of faith or background, to reflect and

acknowledge the important contribution the Muslim community has made to Victoria.”

The dinner provided Victoria Police members an opportunity to extend their own

understanding of the Muslim faith and create networks amongst the community.

The evening included a panel of young Muslim students from Al Taqwa, Sirius and Ilim

Colleges and members of both the Hazara Association of Victoria and Benevolence Australia

facilitated by Superintendent Dave Cowan.

CCP Ashton said the panel gave young people of Muslim faith an opportunity to provide

insights on the challenges young people face today.

“The views of young people are particularly important to Victoria Police. We all need to hear

their fears and aspirations and take them into account when we make decisions that affect

them,” he said.

“The insights from young people tonight have helped deepen the already valuable relationship

that police have with young people from the Muslim community.”

The Victoria Police Muslim Association (VPMA) also hosted its inaugural Iftar Dinner on 24

June as a part of Ramadan to further strengthen relationships with police and Muslim

communities.

This is the Victoria Police Muslim Association’s first Iftar Dinner since it was established in

2013.

President of the Victoria Police Muslim Association Senior Constable Maha Sukkar said the

VPMA was established to increase an understanding of the Muslim faith with police and to

support stronger relationships between the Muslim community and police.

“The Association aims to provide knowledge to police on issues relating to Islam and the

diverse Muslim community whilst promoting engagement and dialogue between the Muslim

community and police.”