By CASEY NEILL
GREATER Dandenong’s Interfaith Network notched up a unique double-ton last week.
The group held its 200th meeting at the City of Greater Dandenong council chambers in Dandenong on Wednesday 5 February.
Mayor Jim Memeti and Victorian Multicultural Commission chairman Chin Tan attended to congratulate the oldest interfaith network in Australia on the milestone.
Mr Tan said the group’s work was important to keep the peace and offered to support a publication to celebrate its 25th birthday in October.
Agnes Kean from the Baha’i community attended the first meeting and has missed few since.
She said first stirrings of the network came in 1988, with a view to controlling misbehaving youths.
Ms Kean said there was a feeling that people needed to work together, and different religions needed to show leadership for the community.
“We knew there was a willingness,” she said.
“People wanted to work together for peace and harmony within the city.”
She said each member respected the other religious leaders.
“We’ve not here to promote our own background,” she said.
“We’re here to work together for peace and harmony.
“It really touches your heart because you’re with people akin to yourself.”
The group farewelled Gurdarshan Singh Gill at the meeting. He’s stepping down from his place on the network after 15 years.
“I’ve grown. I’ve learned about other religions,” he said.
He said the network had taught him to be accepting of others and was a valuable resource for the public as well as its members. It introduced him to the white sari-wearing Brahma Kumaris.
“And I come from India!” he said.
Councillor Roz Blades said the group should be proud.
“We’re still here. We’re still relevant. How good is that?” she said.
