Australian Intercultural Society

Today, on Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD), we recognise the more than 45,000 young people across Australia experiencing homelessness each year.

With many turned away from crisis accommodation due to limited resources, too many are left facing unsafe and uncertain conditions.

Youth homelessness impacts not just housing, but mental health, stability, and future opportunities.

By raising awareness, we can help drive meaningful change and support those who need it most.

If you or someone you know needs support, Melbourne Salvos 614 offers meals, essential services, and a safe place for people experiencing hardship in Melbourne.

A home iftar dinner during Ramadan is more than just the breaking of a fast—it is an intimate cultural and spiritual experience built around hospitality, reflection, and connection. As guests arrive, often as strangers, they are welcomed into Muslim homes with warmth and openness, gaining insight into the meaning of fasting from dawn to dusk. The moment of breaking the fast at sunset, typically with dates and simple dishes, carries a quiet sense of gratitude and intention, inviting everyone at the table to pause, reflect, and share in a deeply meaningful tradition.

Beyond the meal itself, the essence of a home iftar lies in the relationships it fosters. Conversations flow easily, moving from everyday topics to deeper discussions about faith, identity, and belonging, dissolving initial uncertainties and building genuine connections. Both hosts and guests come away enriched—hosts by sharing a cherished part of their faith, and guests by experiencing a new perspective. Ultimately, a home iftar dinner becomes a powerful expression of community, generosity, and understanding, showing how opening one’s home can create lasting bonds across cultural differences.

The 20th Victorian Parliamentarians Iftar Dinner, hosted by the Australian Intercultural Society and the VIC Parliament MPs - Ms Nina Taylor MP and Mr Nick McGowan MLC, marked both a celebration of Ramadan and a milestone of 25 years of intercultural engagement. Held at the State Library of Victoria, the event brought together political leaders, community figures, and representatives from diverse backgrounds to share in the tradition of breaking the fast. Through formal addresses and reflections, speakers emphasised the importance of unity, mutual respect, and dialogue in strengthening Victoria’s multicultural society, particularly in the face of rising intolerance and social division.

The evening highlighted how shared experiences like iftar can foster meaningful connections across cultural and religious differences. Keynote speakers and attendees underscored the value of coming together to listen, learn, and build trust, reinforcing common human values such as respect, peace, and inclusion. Reflections from participants illustrated the event’s impact as a platform for bridging communities, promoting understanding, and encouraging ongoing efforts toward social cohesion and harmony in Australia.

Last night the AIS co-hosted with Deakin University the 16th Deakin Uni Iftar dinner. There was a great turnout from Melbourne's diverse community. We had the honour of hearing Karen Louise Percy speak about the importance of (re)building trust within society and with its institutions. Great speech and well received by the audience.

Thank you Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, in particular for your hard work behind the scenes to make this iftar a regular fixture on our calendar. Wishing everyone Ramadan Kareem !