By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
GREATER Dandenong Interfaith Network’s president has thrown her support behind the call for her network and others in the state to make a presentation before the United Nations in New York.
But Helen Heath, involved with the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong since 2000, said the concept would be dependent on funding and bi-partisan support.
The news comes hot on the heels of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett pledging this week to call upon the State Government and State Opposition to support a bid for the Casey Multi-faith and other networks, including the Dandenong Interfaith, to speak at the UN headquarters in Manhattan.
Cr Ablett plans to submit a notice of motion to Casey Council next week requesting it organise a meeting with the State Government and opposition to discuss the viability of a group of multi-faith representatives travelling to UN headquarters, to present their mission objectives and explain their community involvement.
“We would need to flesh out the purpose and objectives of the visit and find out who will help us fund it,” Ms Heath said.
“But it would be great to talk to the UN about the development of interfaiths in Victoria and how the concept has grown.”
Ms Heath said she planned to raise the idea at tomorrow’s (Friday) South East Region Tours Steering Group meeting, which includes interfaith and multi-faith representatives from Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Monash, Kingston, Frankston, Knox and Mornington.
“I think it’s a great idea but there are over 40 interfaith and multi-faith groups in Victoria and a presentation to the UN should involve as many regional representatives as possible,” Ms Heath said.
“We need to build upon our cultural diversity, and it would be great to have a Victorian delegation go to the UN.”
The Dandenong Interfaith will celebrate its 25th anniversary in August next year.
