ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA

ANNUAL REPORT2017-18

OUR VALUED PARTNERSJCCV - Jewish Communities Council of Victoria

JCMA - Jewish Christian Muslim Association

Jesuit Refugee Service Australia

Justice Connect

La Trobe University

Leadership Victoria

MAG - Multifaith Advisory Group

Maurice Blackburn

MCCA - Muslim Community Co-operative Australia

MPA - Muslim Professionals Association

Muslim Aid Australia

Muslim Legal Network

MYAF - Muslim Youth, Adult and Family

NCEIS - National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies

NZF - National Zakat Foundation

OMAC - Office of Multiculturalism and Citizenship

OTA - Organ Tissue Authority (Donate Life)

Pax Christi

Red Cross

Red Cross Blood Service

RISEAP - MUIS: Islamic Council of Singapore

RMIT University - Chaplaincy, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion

RMIT University - School of Global, Urban and Social Studies

Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

SABPI - Somali Australian Business and Professionals

Salamfest

SBS TV

SHV - Spiritual Health Victoria

Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria

Sisters of Mercy

SMCT - Southern Metropolitan Cemetery Trust

State Library of Victoria

Table Tennis Victoria

Uniting Church

VCC - Victorian Council of Churches

VEC - Victorian Electoral Commission

VEOHRC - Vic Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Comm.

Vic University - Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing

Victoria Police

Victoria University - Sir Zelman Cowen Centre

VMC - Victorian Multicultural Commission

Voices against Bigotry

West Metro Community Justice

YACVIC - Youth Affairs Council of Victoria

YMCA

Youth Justice

ACU - Australian Catholic University

AFIC - Australian Federation of Islamic Councils

AFL - Australian Football League

AFP - Australian Federal Police

Al Wasat Newspaper

AMES - Adult Migrant Education Services

AMF - Australian Multicultural Foundation

Anglican Church

ANIC - Australian National Imams Council

ANU - Australian National University

Australia Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program

Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights

Australian Religious Response to Climate Change

Benevolence Australia

Blended Learning Group

BOIV - Board of Imams Victoria

Bubup Wilam Centre for Early Learning

CCN - Community Care Network

CCYP - Commission for Children & Young People

Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (UniSa)

City of Melbourne

CMY - Centre of Multicultural Youth

Community Correction Services

Corrections Victoria

Cricket Victoria

Deakin Uni Alfred Deakin Ins. for Citizenship & Globalisation

Democracy in Colour

DFAT - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

DHHS - Department of Health & Human Services

DHS – Department of Human Services

Diyanet - Turkish Ministry of Religious Affairs

DSS - Department of Social Services

ECCV - Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria

Ecumenical Interfaith Commission (Catholic Archdiocese)

Faith Leaders Group - Prison Chaplaincy

FCCV - Faith Communities Council of Victoria

First Nations Congress

Gatehouse Centre for the Assessment & Treatment of Child Abuse

GMCT – General Metropolitan Cemetery Trust

Good Shepherd Microfinance

HAI - Human Appeal Australia

Home Affairs Ministry / Immigration Department

IMA - Islamic Museum of Australia

Initiatives of Change

Interfaith Centre of Melbourne

Islamic Relief Australia

The ICV wishes to express our sincere appreciation to a host of organisations we have worked with and have supportedthe ICV in various capacities throughout the 2017-18 year.

Our special gratitude is particularly extended to many sincere friends who have been incredibly supportive,whose personal and professional advice, mentoring and expertise has made huge differences.

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ABOUT THE ICV

The ICV is the peak Muslim body in the state of Victoria

representing an estimated 200,000 Muslims via 65

member societies representing over 70 diverse ethnic

communities. ICV offers both advocacy and social welfare

services while leading state and national initiatives on

social cohesion through community consultation and

advice to all forms of lead agencies.

ICV aims to represent the interests and concerns of the

community and is experienced in developing meaningful

engagements, building strategic partnerships and

aligning the delivery of our services to the Victorian

Muslim communities.

ICV's vision and purpose is built on the foundation of a

common humanity transcending differences and its role

as a community sector leader. Its commitment to creating

a strong sense of belonging has led to an increasing

respect for shared beliefs and values resulting in deeper

connections within diverse communities.

The ICV operates on two key platforms:

1) Advocacy: on matters of interest and concern to

Muslims through advocacy, consultation and cooperation

with governments, other peak bodies, faith communities,

service providers, the media and the general public; and

2) Social Welfare Services: we run over a dozen

community programs, helping improve the welfare of

disadvantaged and vulnerable groups within the Muslim

community.

The ICV's core objective is to faithfully represent and

advocate for the Victorian Muslim community and by

doing so, promote harmony, respect and understanding

between all elements of society, thereby ensuring that the

integrity of each person's beliefs, cultures and traditions

are respected. Our commitment to active engagement

and consultative processes has led to a deep

understanding of stakeholder needs and priorities which

are incorporated into our programs and policy focus

areas.

The ICV is in a unique position, firmly in touch with the

grassroots through its member societies and other

community organisations, and at the same time able to

engage with government (at all levels) media, civil society

groups, faith bodies, and other stakeholder groups.

Key ICV focus areas can be summarised as:

1. Advocacy and Public Relations

2. Community Engagement

3. Political Engagement

4. Research and Policy

5. Combatting Islamophobia

6. Social Welfare and Inclusion Programs

7. Youth Leadership and Capacity Building

Programs

8. Women's Empowerment

9. Interfaith and Multicultural Relations

10. City Mosque Services

The ICV's sustained efforts significantly contribute to the

strengthening of social bonds between and amongst the

numerous diverse communities making up modern-day

Australia which in turn builds a more respectful, cohesive

and resilient society.

Our Member communities are at the centre of what we

do. What we learn from them helps us develop stronger

communities, support other service providers and lead

positive change at local, state and national levels.

The ICV aims to support all Victorian Muslims to have a

strong sense of belonging, through strong relationships

w i t h key s t a ke h o l d e r s l e a d i n g t o i n c re a s e d

understandings and respect for all. As Muslims we strive

for harmonious living as we celebrate our diversity and

build the bonds of humanity.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the ancestors, Elders and families of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung tribes of the Kulin Nation, as the

traditional owners and custodians of the land.

Recognition of the First Peoples

The ICV recognises the unique place the First Peoples hold in Australia's history and future and we are fully committed to

advocating for their rights and working with their leaders in fostering better understandings and relationships.

Vision

The Islamic Council of Victoria strives 'to foster and enable a vibrant Islamic community where Muslims enrich society through

the values of Islam'.

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Nazeh Baarini

Executive Member

Mohamed Mohideen

PresidentAdel Salman

Vice-President

Anam Javed

Secretary

Ramzi Elsayed

Treasurer

Ruqaya Almirgani

Executive Member

Nada Kalam

Executive Member

Abdiaziz Farah

Executive Member

ICV LEADERSHIP TEAM

Pudak Nayati

Executive Member

The Executive Committee (Board) is made up of a total of 9 members (6 elected and 3 appointed) with two year terms

who are engaged in representation, advocacy, strategic planning and capacity building. The present committee was

elected in October 2016. The Board member are voluntary and responsible for the governance of ICV. In consultation

with the ICV's constituent members and numerous external bodies, it determines the broad policies and strategic

directions of the ICV.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmathullahi

Barakath,

Australia is home to over 600,000

Muslims. We are a relatively young

community (67% below 35 years) with

issues like any other community. We

are dealing with individual identity and

a sense of belonging. Australian

Muslims are made up of over 100

different ethnic groups and form part

of this rich Australian multicultural

tapestry.

It brings to our attention the last

sermon on Mount Arafat by our

beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An

Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab,

n o r d o e s a n o n - A ra b h a v e a n y

superiority over an Arab; a white has no

superiority over a black, nor does a black

have any superiority over a white; none

have superiority over another except by

piety and good action."

How appropriate is this message given

1400 years ago, especially when

people try to divide the Australian

community wi th the ir b igotry,

prejudice and racism. As Muslims we

extend our love and compassion to

people of all faiths, races and nations,

for we consider all to be creations of

God in this world and treat them with

respect and love.

To those who say we don't belong

here, our message is clear " Muslims

have been in Australia for over 400

years and we will continue to live and

make Australia our home:" Our

relationship with the First Nations

People is one of mutual respect and

understanding. Thus, Muslims living in

Australia have a right as any other

citizen irrespective of our faith, colour

or ethnicity.

The ICV's focus has been on our

member societies, youth and the

wider community. To this extent we

have reached out and consulted with

our members and the community and

listened to their concerns on how best

we can collectively move forward.

Emphas is has been p laced on

community, youth programs and

women issues. We have also come up

with strategic policies and documents

that will help steer the ICV in the

coming years. Our vision is to work

together with each one and raise the

profile of the Muslim community in

Australia.

Interfaith dialogue has been another

important activity. Breaking down

barriers and removing the negative

stereo-typing with dialogue and

mutual respect has helped in building

a strong and resilient community. Our

iftar with the Australia's First Nations

People, a first in Australia was a

wonderful celebration of two cultures

and traditions. ICV today is recognised

as a leading Muslim organisation both

nationally and internationally. ICV has

been represented at many Islamic

conferences and events overseas. All

these activities are possible due to our

committed staff and numerous

volunteers. They are an invaluable

asset to the ICV and we cannot

emphasise how important their role is

to the success of our programs and

services.

We would like to take this opportunity

to thank Nail Aykan, our Executive

Director. He has been a driving force

in steering the ICV and bringing about

changes for the betterment of the

organisation. He has been a great

mentor to many in the ICV family. We

like to acknowledge his invaluable

contribution and may Allah (swt)

shower his blessings and mercy on

him and his family.

Two years has gone by since this board

was elected. One thing that stands out

is the unity that the board has always

shown. We might have our differences

like any family, but we have been able

to discuss and come out stronger. We

take this opportunity to thank all

executive members for their support

and cooperation. The board is a

working board and is unique in many

ways. Being on the board requires a

lot of sacrifice and patience and it can

take its toll. The personal sacrifices

some of them have made (balancing

work and family) is a credit to them

a n d t h e i r c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e

community and ICV.

To our community we would like to say,

be proud of who you are. We can be

Australians and also Muslims. Do not

allow anyone to say you don't belong

here. We have a right as any other

citizen of this great nation. You do not

need to apologise for the actions of

few misled individuals. Islam is a

religion of peace and the faith shows

us how to be good citizens of the

world. The Quran says; “And hold fast, all

of you together to the rope of Allah, and

be not divided among yourselves.”

(3:103). Stand together and stand firm.

United, the Muslim community in

Australia can be great.

Finally, we would like to thank the

Victorian Muslim community for

having faith in us and giving us this

opportunity to serve you with the

blessing and guidance of Allah (swt).

Inshallah, together we can all build a

s t r o n g a n d v i b r a n t M u s l i m

community, thereby supporting a

strong multicultural Australia.

Salaams,

Mohamed Firdausy Mohideen

OAM, JP

President

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ICV STAFF

At the ICV, by having diversity and inclusion ingrained in our work culture, we are able to value and embrace the

contributions of all our staff who each bring something unique to their roles. We have a highly engaged and deeply

committed team that enables us to deliver on our commitments and to strive to be a high performing, leading organisation.

Ayman Islam

General Manager

Bahriye Bol Apak

Project Manager

Nail Aykan

Executive Director

Altaf Hussain

Prison Chaplaincy

Yasser Soliman

Youth Justice Chaplain

Liyana Schroeder

Executive Assistant

Sumeyya Kutlu

Accounts Officer

Lina Ayoubi

Hospital Chaplaincy

Selcan Kurnali

EMY Project Co-ordinator

Remzi Unal

Youth Engagement Officer

Suaad Warsame

Executive Assistant

A sma Siddiq

NILS & Zakat Officer

Amie Kanshlo

ETV Project Officer

Mukhtar Mohammed

Muslim Connect

Sh Majidih Essa

Imam

Sh Abdinur Weli

Head Imam

Salim Mohamed

EMY Project Officer

Cornelius Romein

IT Administrator

Mensur Cosic

Care Taker – City Mosque

Holly Claridge

Project Officer

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The 2017/18 year was memorable for the

peak Muslim body with many highlights;

several successful programs were

initiated and pioneering events were held.

The year brought many challenges and

accomplishments, both for the ICV and

for the Muslims communities in the state

of Victoria. It has been a challenging and

yet rewarding period.

In 2017/18 we celebrated many firsts,

many new partnerships and relations

were formed. We have engaged with over

100 stakeholders and undertaken over 60

events and activities throughout the year.

We have engaged many member

communities, worked collaboratively with

many government agencies and the

multifaith/multicultural communities to

achieve common goals; the goodwill

experienced in the broader community is

a testament to these achievements.

Our advocacy activities throughout the

year involved consultations, advisory,

community engagement, presentation of

papers, hosting and convening events,

s t a k e h o l d e r r e l a t i o n s , p o l i t i c a l

engagement, government liaisons,

publications, media interviews and more;

all to promote better understandings and

foster harmony in our society.

The 2017/18 year will be remembered as

ICV hav ing demonstrated s t rong

leadership in a number of areas including

counter ing the r is ing scourge of

Islamophobia, engagement with the First

Nations peoples, youth capacity building

and by call ing for greater Muslim

community civic participation.

Youth

The 2017/18 was the Year of the Youth; a

story of building the next generation of

leaders. We continued our commitment

to youth services and projects with the

launch of several new programs and

undertook dozens of new activities.

One of the most important and significant

youth programs over the past two years

was the DSS – Dept of Social Services

Muslim Youth Leadership Training, as part

of the Commonwealth governments

programs to help build capacity in Muslim

youth, with an emphasis on recently

arrived. In total we provided 6 programs,

in partnership with other organisations,

with over 80 graduates overall. We are

grateful for the support from DSS which

helped the ICV continue to play a very

important role in creating opportunities

for youth leadership, capacity building

and improving the skills of young people

as an effective way of strengthening social

cohesion.

City Mosque

The ICV has been operating the City

Mosque for almost 40 years; it is an

important pillar of the ICV. In recent years

we have experienced an exponential

increase in the numbers of worshippers

at Fr iday congregat ional prayers

(Juma'ah), where we are now offering 4

sessions; 2 in the Mosque itself and 2

across the street in another building. This

essentially highlights the needs of

alternative prayers facilities in the CBD eg)

a second City Mosque, to meet the current

demand and future growth. We are

exploring opportunities and hope to soon

realise this next evolution of City Mosque

services in Melbourne CBD.

Thanks

Over the past year , the ICV has

experienced significant growth which is a

reflection of the dedication of the entire

ICV community. As we look back over the

past 12 months we can be incredibly

proud of the many of our achievements.

The ICV is appreciative of the unwavering

support and trust from our stakeholders,

and we are grateful to all the people who

have contributed so much to ICV's

success.

A special thank you for our communities,

o u r l e a d e r s a n d a d v o c a t e s w h o

courageously champion our diversity, our

shared humanity and common values,

and in doing so, strives to ensure unity for

all. We thank all our energetic, passionate

and talented staff and volunteers for their

dedication and commitment to our

services and programs.

The achievements we made this year

were only possible because of the

dedication of our Board who worked

tirelessly to ensure that the ICV remains

re levant to , and is va lued by i ts

communities and stakeholders. Board

Members serve invaluable roles on a

voluntary basis for the governance and

strategic priorities of the ICV. The ICV is

well governed, financially secure, and

remain well prepared for the challenges

and opportunities of the future. I wish all

retiring executives well for the future and

look forward to the i r cont inued

involvement with the ICV in many

capacities in many years to come.

Finally my heartfelt thank you is reserved

for our president Mohamed Mohideen,

who has worked so diligently throughout

the year to which has resulted in some

exciting and pioneering work. Mohamed

has strengthened our connections with

our grassroots base. And his responsive

and passionate community engagement

and an unswerving commitment to social

justice causes have laid the foundations

for years to come.

Farewells

As ICV is moving into the next phase of its

growth, it is with mixed feelings that I am

moving on from my role as Executive

Director, having had the privilege to serve

for the past 7 ½ years. I am grateful for the

opportunity to have contributed to

growing ICV's capacity in serving our

c o m m u n i t i e s a n d m o re b ro a d l y

Australian society. I thank many for the

trust and support you all have afforded

me over the years and for your

commitment to enabling positive change.

I am very confident the ICV is well

positioned to meet the challenges and

opportunities in the years ahead.

Nail Aykan

Executive Director

MESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Some key highlights for the year

2017 – 2018;

Pioneering initiatives with Australia's

First Peoples

Ramadan Iftars

Youth Engagement

Islamophobia initiatives

DSS Youth Leadership Training

Enrol to Vote Campaign

New Premises at 372 Spencer St

West Melbourne

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ADVOCACY

“The role of a peak body is to effectively advocate on behalf

of its constituency”

by Vice President Adel Salman

The ICV has two main focus areas, advocacy and provision of

services to the community. However it is fair to say that the

actual core purpose of a peak body like the ICV is to advocate

for the Victorian Muslim community. The ICV's constituency

of course includes its member societies and other Muslim

community organisations, but also the various ethnic and

age demographics that make up this dynamic and growing

community.

At its essence, advocacy involves promoting the interests of

the constituency fairly, consistently, persuasively, and

intelligently. To be effective, the peak body must be able to

demonstrate that it not only understands community needs

but that it is broadly representative of the various community

voices and perspectives. The ICV is in a unique position to be

able to fulfil this role because it has a strong membership

base of over 65 diverse Muslim community organisations

and mosque based societies which maintains its grassroots

connection, and because it has established beneficial links

and relationships with all stakeholder areas including

government (at all levels), media (traditional and new),

multicultural bodies, human rights organisations, other

community and faith groups, non-government organisations

(NGOs), Muslim community organisations (MCOs), legal and

security services, and universities and research bodies.

Effective advocacy for a peak body means that it needs to

have well considered public policy positions on a whole range

of issues including Islamophobia and discrimination, youth

engagement, women's empowerment, social welfare, social

justice, relationship with the first nation peoples, refugees,

and mental health. Sound policy must be evidence-based,

and often referencing existing research is not sufficient. Thus

the ICV has developed excellent working relationships with a

number of prominent and reputable universities and has

established comprehensive research guidelines to ensure

that the Muslim community benefits from the research study.

P e a k b o d y a d v o c a c y c a r r i e s w i t h i t e n o r m o u s

responsibilities. The ICV must balance a number of often

competing priorities. It will not please every member of the

community all of the time, and will sometimes get things

wrong, but as long as it is sincere in its intentions and is

following a longer term plan with clear goals, then it should

be supported in its efforts. Over the past year the ICV has

taken tough positions based on principle. These have had

short term consequences but are ultimately in the long term

interests of the community.

It is important that any peak body effectively communicate its

goals, and the ICV's broad advocacy goals are:

Countering Islamophobia and marginalisation;

Countering the increasing securitisation of the Muslim

identity;

Protecting the rights of the Muslim community;

Projecting the Muslim voice including increased levels of

political and civic engagement; and

Increasing support and funding for community needs

including essential infrastructure and services.

The ICV seeks and welcomes community feedback on the

above goals and suggestions for other priority advocacy

areas.

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Some of the key areas and activities undertaken over the

2017/18 year include;

Islamophobia & Racism

Establishing the Islamophobia Action Network

Targeted campaign to the media to highlight the record of

lies and Islamophobic hate speech by Ayaan Hirsi Ali prior

to her ultimately cancelled visit to Australia

Representat ion at the V ic tor ian Government

Islamophobia & Anti-Semitism Workshop

Successful application for a grant to establish a holistic

Islamophobia Reporting Platform

The Islamophobia & Marginalisation of Muslim

Community Position Statement

Taking over responsibility for running the Islamophobia

Register Australia

Presentation to the Islamophobia Workshop hosted by

RMIT

Representation at the Far Right Colloquium hosted by

Victoria University

Policy & Research

Partnered and built working relationships with a number

of universities including ANU, Victoria University, Latrobe,

RMIT, Deakin and ACU over the past year in a variety of

programs and research studies

Produced a statement of Muslim community research

priorities for universities and researchers

Published the Research Guidelines document which sets

clear expectations that universities and researchers must

meet for the ICV to participate or partner in research

studies

Developed a list of priority public policy statements, the

first one being Islamophobia

Issued quarterly ICV Policy Newsletters

Partner to two university consortium bids to establish a

Social Cohesion Think Tank

Participated in research study focusing on the role of

community support in reintegrating children, women and

families returning to Australia from foreign conflict zones"

conducted by Deakin University's Alfred Deakin Institute

for Citizenship and Globalisation

Participated in "Countering Islamophobia: Muslim

Community Organisations in Australia as Agents for

Positive Change" research study conducted by Deakin

University

Co-designed the Youth Crisis Support Service in

partnership with ANU

Government Inquiries and Roundtables

The ICV participated in numerous Parliamentary

Inquiries, made submission and provided advice to

government departments and lead agencies. The ICV

represented the interest of Muslim communities at key

socio-economic and Parliamentary Commission

Roundtables;

Submission to Federal Joint Standing Committee on

Migration – Inquiry into migrant settlement outcomes

and appearance before the committee

Submission to Federal Government Religious Freedom

Review chaired by Phillip Ruddock and appeared before

the committee

Submission to Federal Joint Standing Committee on

Status of Freedom of Religion

Representation at the Australia's Humanitarian Program

2018-19 Roundtable

Representation at the Victorian Government Roundtable

Discussion on Racism and Discrimination in Victoria

Political & Community Engagement

Joint ICV - Democracy in Colour Campaigning Fellowship

Program

Partner in Federal Greens Campaigning Fellowship

Program

Launched Enrol To Vote Campaign

Various meetings with political leaders from all the major

parties, both State and Federal

Participation in the inaugural Australian Muslim

Community Leaders Summit in Sydney

Collective Action

Organised, participated, and spoke at a number of rallies

and protest actions;

Large rally in support of the Rohingya cause in

September, over 1000 signatures collected and presented

the petition in person to the office of the Minister for

Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop

Several rallies and vigils in support of the Palestinian

cause

Rallies in support of indigenous and refugee rights

International Conferences

Partnered, presented papers and represented Australia

at major local and international conferences;

Jerusalem Conference - Palestine

Global Islamophobia Conference - Istanbul

Muslim World Minorities Conference - Istanbul

International City & Civil Society Organisations Summit

ADVOCACY

At the heart of our Advocacy this year has been social justice and human rights; combatting Islamophobia and the

marginalisation of Muslim communities; submissions to parliamentary inquiries; research and policy development; social

inclusion strategies; addressing family violence; and representation at international conferences.

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It is important that Muslim voices are fully projected and heard by

the key political decision-makers. However, anecdotal evidence

indicates that many Muslims are not exercising their civic right to

vote, whether due to apathy, lack of awareness and ignorance, or

personal views about democracy.

The ICV saw an opportunity to change this situation by

undertaking an enrol-to-vote campaign in the lead up to state

and federal elections. A number of experienced, capable, and

passionate Muslims have been recruited to lead this project who

will be complemented by many new volunteers as the campaign

progresses.

The aims of the campaign are to: educate Muslims about the

political process and the importance of exercising the right to

vote; mobilise Muslims that are not enrolled, to do so; and to

engage with political leaders from all the main parties and

provide an opportunity for Muslims to hear first-hand about

policies that matter to them. The campaign will include both

grassroots and online strategies. Importantly, the ICV will be

enlisting the support of community organisations, imams, and

other stakeholders because has the potential to be a

transformational community initiative.

The “My Vote Matters” campaign is adopting a multi-level

approach to tackling lack of engagement and civic participation

by firstly conducting a survey to identify the biggest issues of

concern to Victorian Muslims. The team will then run a policy

scorecard to inform the community about the relative positions

of the political parties on these issues.

Secondly, the campaign we will run seminars and workshops to

educate the community on how to vote and how the political

system in Australia works. Thirdly, we will be training community

leaders and individuals on the organising model and theories of

change to create a more aware and empowered group who can

go out into their own communities to advocate for change.

The ICV believes that this is a holistic campaign to empower and

build a Muslim community that can stand up and speak for itself.

Recognising the breadth and depth of Islamophobia in Australia,

the ICV has been strengthening its response over the past year.

The ICV understands that Islamophobia hinders the potential for

a socially inclusive society, and that the marginalisation and

exclusion of Muslims in Australia compromises their wellbeing

and sense of belonging, and limits their opportunities to fully

participate in all realms of society including civic and political

engagement and workforce participation. Further, the ICV is

greatly concerned about the increasing “securitisation” of Muslim

identity which directly contributes to anti-Muslim sentiment. As

such, the ICV is working to empower the Muslim community and

engage the wider Australian society to recognise and respond to

Islamophobia.

The ICV's took the first tangible step towards development of a

coherent strategy when it established the Islamophobia Action

Network (IAN) in 2016 in partnership with Voices against Bigotry.

A key pillar in the ICV's strategy to counter Islamophobia is to

develop an appropriate public policy response. To this end, the

ICV has engaged with a number of internal and external

stakeholders, here and overseas, and has conducted extensive

research. This position statement highlights the historical

context for Islamophobia, and describes the causes and impacts

to individuals and society, makes a number of recommendations

for government, media, and other stakeholders, and provides

clear actions and commitments by the ICV. The policy is due for

release in September 2018.

Another key pillar in the ICV's strategy is to improve the level of

reporting of Islamophobic incidents. To achieve this requires a

number of actions including educating the Muslim community

about their rights and the importance of calling out

Islamophobia, leveraging existing platforms for capturing and

analysing incidents and complementing them with other

necessary infrastructure, and providing appropriate support

services for the victims. To this end, the ICV is working closely with

the highly respected Islamophobia Register Australia (IRA).

Founded in 2014, the IRA serves as an Australian platform for

recording, analysing, and reporting Islamophobic incidents.

Together with Charles Sturt University, it produced the inaugural

and ground-breaking Islamophobia in Australia Report.

Islamophobia

Enrol to Vote Campaign

ADVOCACY

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR - PIONEERING INITIATIVES 2018

Statement of Commitment with National Congress

Jackie Huggins Humanitarian Scholarship at LaTrobe Uni

Bed Sponsorship - Royal Children's Hospital Foundation

The ICV signed a Statement of Commitment with the

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples to develop

an Accord recognise and Support the First Peoples of

Australia at an Iftar hosted by the Bosnian community on

Saturday 26th May 2018.

Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Co-Chair of the National Congress of

Australia’s First Peoples and ICV President Mohamed

Mohideen co-signed the historic document as part of the

First Nations Iftar program.

The ICV proudly launched the ' Jackie Huggins

Humanitarian Scholarship', for a recently arrived Muslim

refugee student in need of financial assistance, for the

next 3 years commencing in 2019. The scholarship is

another form of commitment to a country where people

from all backgrounds are made to feel welcomed and

given a 'fair go'.

This scholarship supports a recently arrived Muslim

student in the name of First Nation elder, Jackie Huggins as

a symbol of the oldest culture welcoming the newest

arrival.

https://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/the-icv-jackie-

huggins-humanitarian-scholarship

The ICV proudly sponsored 3 Beds as part of The Royal

Children's Hospital Foundation Beds Sponsorship

program. 3 units at the 'Butterfly, Rosella and the

Emergency Departments' at $7,500 each were sponsored

for a total contribution of $22,500.

ICV Vice President Adel Salman and ICV ED Nail Aykan

gifted the RCH Foundation CEO Sue Hunt with a mosaic

artwork of the RCH logo on Tuesday 28th August 2018. Sue

Hunt thanked “the entire Muslim community for this

incredible generosity”.

11

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

International City & Civil Society Organisations Summit

Islamophobia Conference

The ICV represented Australia at an international

conference in Istanbul/Turkey; 'International City & Civil

Society Organisations Summit' on 20-22 October 2017. ICV

President Mohamed Mohideen, Vice President Adel

Salman and Executive Director Nail Aykan joined the

Summit which was attended by people (Muslim and non-

Muslim) from 60 countries, officially opened by the Turkish

President.

Nail Aykan presented a paper titled 'Civil Society Best

Practice in Community Leadership, Social Cohesion and

Multiculturalism', under the parallel session 'The Culture of

Coexistence and Non-governmental Organisations' with topic

'The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Tolerance and

Consistency'.

Muslim World Minorities Conference

12

ICV represented Austra l ia at an internat ional

Islamophobia conference in Istanbul Turkey on 10th

March 2018 by Vice President Adel Salman. The

conference organised by the Foundation for Migration

Studies Turkey (GAV) and the Collective against

Islamophobia France.

The theme of the conference was 'Combating

Islamophobia: Towards Comprehensive and Effective

Solutions'.

The ICV joined over 300 Muslim world leaders from around

125 countries at the World Muslim Minorities Summit

hosted by the Diyanet (Turkish Religious Affairs) in Istanbul

from 16th to 19th April 2018.

ICV Executive Director Nail Aykan represented the ICV

alongside an Australian contingency. The 4 day summit

heard from presented Muslim leaders representing an

estimated 500 million Muslim minority populations from

around the globe, discussing issues and solutions.

The ICV held its Annual Dinner on Sunday 19th November

2017 at Melrose Receptions, with over 330 guests

reflecting and celebrating the 2017 year and extending

our gratitude to a diverse range of friends and community

partners.

Keynote Speaker was Prof Gillian Triggs, former President

of Australian Human Rights Commission who spoke

about “Rising Islamophobia in a Post Truth World”.

Other notable guest speakers were Minister for

Multicultural Affairs Hon Robin Scott (MP); Mufti of

Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammad; Shadow Minister

for Multicultural Affairs, Inga Peulich (MP); ANIC

President, Sh Shady Alsuleiman; Leader of Greens, Hon

Senator Richard Di Natale ; and AFIC President, Dr Rateb

Jneid. The traditional ICV Roving Mike segment

introduced and highlighted a range of grass roots

initiatives and community leaders.

ICV ANNUAL DINNER 2017

Prof Kathy Laster presented by Nada Kalam Rev Ian Smith presented by Anam Javed

Maria Vamvakinou presented by Nazeh Baarini Sam Almaliki accepts on behalf of Helen Kapalos, preseted by Abdi Aziz

The “Friends of ICV Awards” aims to recognise community

leaders and pioneers who have served communities,

extraordinarily well - both within the Muslim community

and wider Australian society.

Four very close friends of the ICV; Prof Kathy Laster, Rev

Ian Smith, Maria Vamvakinou, MP and Helen Kapalos

were honoured to be the recipient of the 2017 Awards.

The awards were presented to acknowledge and show an

appreciation to reputable leaders whose efforts,

contributions, sacrifices, and achievements have not

been taken for granted.

AWARDS – FRIENDS OF ICV

13

The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre at Victoria University in

partnership with the Islamic Council of Victoria delivered the

second iteration of Aspire in 2018, a leadership and

governance training program for young Muslim women aged

16 to 24 across Victoria. Sixteen high-achieving young Muslim

women were given a fully sponsored place in Aspire, a unique

professional development and governance training program

which ran for the second time in 2018. The impressive young

women speak fifteen different languages and half are newly

arrived Australians.

Over a seven-month period, Aspire participants learned what

it means to be a leader through tailored training, mentoring

and exposure to best practice examples of governance. The

program involved a major project, where participants worked

in groups, with guidance from expert mentors, to design and

deliver a governance workshop and share their newly gained

skills with the 34 local community organisations they are

involved in.

Activities included a three-day offsite camp in regional

Victoria focused on expanding their employability, public

speaking, governance and leadership skills.

Following the camp, the women participated in seven events

as part of the program:

Model Agency visit to see governance in action

Governance training workshop

Female CEO Panel Session on leadership

Networking and Iftar Dinner

Mentoring Program

Project presentation day

Delivery of workshops in community organisations

The Cowen Centre enlisted the help of five model agencies

with exceptional leadership and governance expertise –

Oxfam, Justice Connect, Fitted for Work, AMES and the

National Zakat Foundation – that generously volunteered

their time for the CEO Panel Session, Model Agency Visit and

Mentoring program.

DSS MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 2018

Aspire

The ICV in partnership with Benevolence Australia piloted the

SOL - Spirit of Leadership program in 2018. The program was

designed to educate, upskill and empower young Muslim

women and men (aged 18-24) from diverse migrant and

refugee backgrounds to become active citizens and positive

contributors to Victorian communities and Australian

society.

Twenty-two high-achieving young Muslim women and men

have actively and successfully contributed as the selected

participants in SOL. This twelve-month program of tailored

leadership and spiritual development training has helped

participants to successfully engage with diverse Australian

communities by way of Benevolence's various outreach and

community programs, and through programs offered by ICV

member societies. Participants have been able to develop

personal, professional and leadership skills, increase and

expand their community and professional networking and

explore potential future employment and leadership

opportunities.

Selected participants have come from diverse Victorian

backgrounds including the cities of Greater Dandenong,

Casey, Doveton, Glen Waverly, Monash, Ringwood, North

Melbourne, Heidelberg, Preston, Broadmeadows and Altona

and reflect a range of diverse and rich cultural backgrounds.

Some are Australian-born and others have recently arrived

from various parts of the world, including Pakistan, India,

Indonesia, Bangladesh, Unites Arab Emirates, United

Kingdom and Jordan.

The developing young leaders have had the opportunity to

individually shadow and lead an existing and running

program under ICV, Benevolence Australia or an ICV member

society to focus on their personal and professional

development. They have also had the chance to work in

teams to propose potential projects with the objectives of

developing and expanding on ways to build and enrich the

Victorian community with a focus on community

connectedness and social inclusion.

Spirit of Leadership

14

The Peer Mentorship program in partnership with the

AMF – Australian Multicultural Foundation was back for a

second year following its successful pilot in 2017. The 4-

month program is designed to prepare 12 young

Australian Muslims to further engage with the broader

community, to express views and thoughts with

confidence, to interact with prominent community

leaders, scholars and politicians and to gain the necessary

leadership and mentoring skills.

The youth leaders will complete specific tasks including;

being mentored by a prominent professional in an area of

interest identified by the youth leader, engaging with the

broader community through public speaking forums and

participation in the broader community as ambassadors

in selected areas of personal and public interest.

The leadership program involves professional training

with prominent political, community and business

mentors;

Public Relations: media, communications and public

speaking;

Stakeholder Management: engagement with prominent

leaders from the corporate, community and government

sectors;

Advocacy: shifting negative views and shaping public

policy by influencing public opinion on issues important

to the community;

Community Consultation: bringing communities together

to discuss social issues and gain consensus on

approaches to solving complex

An exciting and pioneering new Muslim Youth Leadership

Training program commenced in August, with 12

participants aged between 18 and 24 aimed at developing

the leadership skills of the rising leaders of the Victorian

Muslim community.

An Emotionally Intelligent person is an individual who is

constantly aware of the impact of their behaviour on

others and adjusts accordingly.

The program includes:

Creating the self-awareness needed to understand and

manage our own behaviour

Learning what makes people tick and playing to others

strengths

Understanding Empathy and learning practical tools to

manage relationships with less stress and tension

The ability to inspire others through high impact

presentations

Learn Networking skills that build high potential

relationships

Managing people in teams that delivers outstanding

results

Learn practical people management tools and techniques

that produce tangible and measurable results

Developing a cohort of like-minded rising leaders who can

call on one another for advice and support

The Program consists of 8 full day workshops offered over

4 months with graduation in November 2018.

DSS MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 2018

Emotional Intelligence

Peer Mentorship

15

RAMADAN IFTAR 2018

First Nations (Noble Park)

La Trobe Uni versity

Bubup Wilam

The ICV proudly organised its first of three First Nations

Iftar for this Ramadan on Saturday 26th May 2018 hosted

by the Bosnia Herzogovina Islamic Society, aka Noble

Park Mosque. Keynote included Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Co-

Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples,

Andrew Gardner who gave the Welcome to Country,

Helen Kapalos, Chair of the VMC and Julian Hill MP, local

member for Bruce.

The ICV partnered with Latrobe University to co-host the

10th annual Vice Chancellors Iftar on Tuesday 5th June,

with the theme “Bringing the past, present and future

together” with Keynote speakers Dr Jackie Huggins AM,

Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First

Peoples and Monique Toohey, Psychologist. Other guest

speakers included Professor John Dewar (Vice-

Chancellor), Ahmad Fahour, AO.

The ICV held its second Bubup Wilam Iftar on Tuesday

29th May 2018, after pioneering the first Indigenous iftar

last year. Lisa Thorpe, CEO of the Bubup Wilam for Early

Learning Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in

Thomastown congratulated the ICV on showing such

strong leadership and sincerely engaging with the First

Nations peoples of this country.

16

RAMADAN IFTAR 2018

Ararat (AIWA)

VCC - Victorian Council of Churches

Lord Mayor City of Melb

The ICV hosted its annual rural Interfaith Iftar in Ararat, on

Saturday 19th May 2018, in partnership with AIWA –

Ararat Islamic Welfare Association.

150 guests (Muslim and non-Muslim) both from local area

and metropolitan Melbourne attended the Interfaith

community Iftar at the Gum San Great Hall. The Iftar

reflected local community spirits of support for the new

mosque project in fostering respect and better

understandings for our rural Muslim communities.

The ICV held its inaugural iftar with the Victorian Council

of Churches (VCC) on Saturday the 2nd of June at the

Church of All Nations in Carlton. The theme of the evening

was '2 faiths, 1 friendship' and it was in this spirit that

members of the Muslim and Christian communities

gathered to get to know one another. Keynote speakers

were Sheikh Mahmud Kurcu who touched upon the

importance of Ramadan to the Muslim community and

Bishop Peter Danaher who spoke about Pentecost and its

significance to the Christian communities.

The newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne

Sally Capp initiated the very first Iftar to be hosted at the

City of Melbourne on Tuesday 12th June 2018. A small

representative sample of Muslim who live and operate in

the CBD were hosted by the Lord Mayor, including

members of the ICV.

The Lord Mayor expressed sincere interest in the matters

concerning local Muslim communities and potential

opportunities. Muslim community leaders look forward

to working closing with the new Lord Mayor and seeing

her at Muslim community events in the coming months.

17

RAMADAN IFTAR 2018

EMY - Empower Muslim Youth

SOL - Spirit of Leadership

Aspire

The EMY team hosted its first Iftar on Monday 28th May

with around 30 young Muslim brothers and sisters.

Empower Muslim Youth (EMY) strongly focuses on better

supporting and empowering young Muslims who

experience disadvantage and face social, community and

economic barriers. Between 2017 – 2019 over 300 Muslim

youth will undertake the EMY pilot program in the Hume

(Northern) region.

The young leaders at the SOL held its Iftar on Thursday 31

May at the Morrocan Soup Bar. The program is designed

to educate, up-skill and empower young Muslims and

providing access to a dynamic support network,

consisting of active and successful Muslim leaders in the

Victorian community.

The Aspire young Muslim women's leadership program in

partnership with the Victoria University SZCC (Sir Zelman

Cowen Centre) held a 'CEO Panel Session and Iftar' on

Tuesday 22nd May. ICV Executive member Sr Pudak

Nayati joined 16 young Muslim sisters who were part of

panel program which included the likes of Helen Szoke

(CEO of Oxfam) and Cath Scarth (CEO of AMES).

18

YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMS

Young Muslim Fellowship - Democracy in Colour

Greens Campaign Fellowship

Youth As Agents of Behavioural Change (YABC)

The ICV in partnership with Democracy in Colour initiated

the “Young Muslim Fellowship” pilot program, with 17

participants spanning over 5 months.

Muslim youth were trained in all aspects of campaigning;

everything from strategy, leadership and political

engagement, to digital communications and fundraising.

The program aims to enable its participants, to channel

their energy and amplify their political power through

coordinated action. Targeting everything from legislation,

elections and media practices to government, corporate

and public behaviour.

The ICV sponsored two participants in the Greens

Community Campaigning and Organising Fellowship, with

its graduation ceremony taking place on Friday 23rd

February 2018.

The new and exciting program had been designed to train

passionate individuals in campaigning and effective

community organising. Spread over 5 months,

participants spent 8 days with some of Australia’s best

organisers and campaigners, developing skills in strategy,

communications, organising, and people and project

management.

The ICV partnered with Red Cross to deliver a Youth

leadership program to 24 participants in a 6 day intensive

program called the Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change

(YaBC).

The Program seeks to empower individuals to take up an

ethical leadership role in their community and is based

around skills acquisition, helping people develop skill sets

for inner change and social/community change.

19

ICV Youth Committee

The ICV Youth Committee comprises of young Muslim

Victorians from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The

ICV Youth Committee is committed to fostering social,

spiritual, and educational experiences for Muslim youth

and to creating a strong youth culture and building a solid

foundation, ensuring lifelong Islamic values, beliefs and

identity.

The Committee aims to address contemporary issues

facing Muslim youth across Victoria; via facilitating and

implementing youth related programs to enhance

leadership skills of Muslim youth.

ICV YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Amity Cup Table Tennis Tournament

ICV Youth initiated Amity Cup 2k18 Table Tennis

Tournament in partnership with Table Tennis Victoria and

hosted many tournaments at Islamic Centres.

Training sessions with qualified coaches from Table Tennis

Victoria were first offered for young Muslims to have fun

and develop new skills in recreational sport and give some

the opportunity to represent the Muslim community as a

Table Tennis champion.

20

Sunnah Adventures Youth Camp

The ICV Youth in collaboration with the Australian Islamic

Centre organised a youth camp at 'The Summit” camp site

in Trafalgar, Eastern Victoria in January 2018.

The 3 day event titled 'Sunnah Adventures' offered

campers activities such as 'Amazing Race' style

competitions, team building exercises, Islamic lectures

and leadership workshops. Victoria Police made a

presentation, fostering positive relations between young

Muslims and the police force.

Youth Leadership Camp - Networks Australia Foundation

The ICV proudly sponsored the 1st annual Youth

Professional Leadership Camp, held over Australia Day

weekend 26-28 January 2018. Hosted by Networks

Australia Foundation (NAF), the camp brought together a

group of bright & aspirational young men from diverse

Muslim backgrounds.

The camp focused on un-earthing each individual's full

potential to achieve their highest goals. The camp was

filled with recreational and sporting activities, good food

and socialising to build & strengthen long-lasting bonds.

ICV YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Monthly Indoor Soccer

ICV Youth partnered with Youth Victoria and Werribee

Islamic Centre and organised regular indoor soccer

sessions in Melbourne's West. The sessions take place on

the last Wednesday of each month, at the Westgate Indoor

Sports facility in Altona North.

Although the sessions take place in the western suburbs,

participants from all over Melbourne attended, with

average of 16 young men. Due to very positive feedback,

with participants welcoming the holistic nature of the

sessions, ICV Youth plan to make this a regular activity.

21

Youth Expo

The ICV Youth exhibited a stand at the 2018 SpotJobs

Melbourne Career Expo, July 20 to Sunday July 22, at the

Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

ICV used the opportunity to showcase its programs in the

youth employment and careers spaces and provide

participants with resources and workshops. The stand

provided an opportunity for young Muslims to discuss

employment fields and pathways to access industries they

are interested in.

ICV YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

YMCA Rebuild

ICV Youth Engagement Officer Remzi Unal provided

cultural awareness training to representatives from YMCA

ReBuild on Thursday 22nd February.

The facility maintenance services provider offers a range

of opportunities for young ex-offenders to be supported

back into community life, through education, training,

mentoring, personal support and real jobs. Many of their

clients are Muslim youth.

Aussie Muslims Youth Podcast

ICV Youth in partnership with the University of Melbourne

have been involved in the development of a radio podcast

focussing on Muslim youth.

The podcast simply titled 'Aussie Muslim Youth Podcast',

provides a platform to discuss contemporary issues

affecting young Muslims. Episodes also involve

interviewing young Muslim leaders in the community, to

highlight and publicise the great work they are doing. The

initiative was developed out of the 'Australian Muslim

Youth Leadership and Peer Mentorship Program' run by

the ICV in partnership with the Australian Multicultural

Foundation.

22

AFL Unity Cup 2018

The ICV Youth fielded a female side at the 2018 AFL Unity

Cup, held on Sunday 8th April, aimed at celebrating

Victoria's rich cultural diversity. The Unity Cup brings

together a host of different Multicultural communities for

a day of fun and football.

The ICV team led by Captain/Coach Ruqaya Almirgani (ICV

Executive in charge of the Youth Portfolio) was awarded

'The Passion Award' for displaying great courage and

commitment throughout their matches.

WOMEN'S PORTFOLIO

LV Muslim Women's Scholarship 2018 – Zeynep Sertel

Women of Faith Forum

Zeynep Sertel was awarded 'Muslim Women's Leadership

Scholarship 2018' of the Williamson Program, sponsored

by the ICV and Leadership Victoria (LV). The aims of the

scholarship are two fold; to act as role model, mentor and

lead by example to many young aspiring Muslim women

and to be an active participant in the wider society.

Zeynep values posit ive student-teacher-family

communication and believes this is the key to success on

students' academic levels. She strongly believes in the

concept of “lead by example” when fostering leadership

skills in the leaders of tomorrow.

The Sonder Collective hosted a 'Women of Faith' forum on

Sunday 21st January at the Murrumbeena Uniting Church,

with four women from the Muslim, Hare Krishna, Jewish

and Christian faiths talking about their faith journeys and

their experiences as women of faith in a largely non-

religious country like Australia. Anam Javed, the Secretary

of the ICV represented the Muslim faith.

Governors Women & Health Breakfast

Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC,

Governor of Victoria hosted a Women and Health

breakfast as part of the Governor's Breakfast Series at

Government House Melbourne on Friday 24 August 2018.

The event was part of the VicHealth 'Active Women and

Girls for Health and Wellbeing Program', exploring the

different ways families can support the health and well-

being of women and girls. Sr Pudak Nayati with five young

Muslim sisters represented the ICV and Muslim

communities.

23

INTERFAITH

JCCV-ICV Immersion Day

Fifteen Muslim community leaders from different walks of

life participated in the JCCV's Jewish Immersion Day for

Muslim Community Leaders on 9th of November 2017.

The immersion day was an opportunity to enhance

dialogue, education and understanding between both

communities.

JCMA Friendship Walk

The Jewish Christian Muslim Association (JCMA) held their

third annual Friendship Walk on Sunday 22nd October in

which over 100 people participated by walking from the

Carlton Mosque to the Melbourne synagogue and finally

the St. Peter's on Eastern Hill Anglican Church.

The event which is now running in its 3rd consecutive year

was organised in partnership with the Victoria Council of

Churches (VCC), the Jewish Community Council of Victoria

( JCCV) and the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) to promote

peace and understanding.

Faith-Based Governance & Dispute Resolution Conference

The Faith-Based Governance and Dispute Resolution

Conference, was held on 5th and 6th December 2017 at

Victoria University, aimed to address best practice

governance and examine the challenges brought about by

increased regulatory scrutiny and intensified community

expectations. The ICV was a major partner and participant.

The two day conference was attended by religious leaders,

lay leaders and board members of faith-based

organisations, dispute resolution practitioners,

government service providers and regulators, legal and

other academics with research interests in the

intersection of law, culture and diversity.

24

INTERFAITH

JCMA Women's Conference 2018

Palm Sunday March

The JCMA (Jewish Christian Muslim Association) held its

annual women's interfaith residential conference on 23 to

25 February 2018, with over 30 participants and speakers

ranging from the very informative speakers. The theme of

this year's conference was "Rituals and Worship" and

there were sessions on the spirituality behind our rituals,

importance of bread, water and light to each of the three

Abrahamic faiths.

The Palm Sunday March took place on Sunday 25th March

in front of the State Library. Over 10,000 people attended

from all faiths and even no faith. The common thread was

humanity and the rights of the Refugees to be resettled in

Australia instead of being locked up in Manus and Naru.

ICV President Mohamed Mohideen addressed the rally

with other faith leaders, calling on the government to

show compassion and lead by example and allow these

refugees who have been detained for over 5 years to come

to Australia.

FECCA Conference

The Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of

Australia's, FECCA, conducted a conference 8-10 October

2017 in Darwin. Representatives of ethnic communities,

NGOs, different levels of governments and political parties

par t i c ipated . The current and fu ture ro le o f

multiculturalism in Australia was discussed.

ICV Head Imam Sheikh Abdinur Weli represented the ICV

speaking on the topic of Organ and Tissue donation in

ethnic communities. Reflecting on his experiences the

Sheikh spoke about the importance of engaging the

grassroots community as the best place for social change.

25

HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY

Good Friday Appeal - Victorian Muslims Raise $20,000

Hospital Chaplaincy Appreciation Day

Hospital Chaplaincy Immersion Day

The Muslim community in Victoria have risen up to the

challenge of raising over $20,000 for the Good Friday

Appeal. The ICV via its Hospital Chaplaincy Program

presented a cheque to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH)

Foundation CEO, Sue Hunt, and RCH CEO, John Stanway on

Friday 30th March 2018. The ICV are annual supporters of

the Good Friday Appeal, helping raise much needed funds

for the hospital in the lead up to Good Friday. The ICV

matches dollar-to-dollar for every donation received, up to

$10 ,000 . ICV ’s member mosques , communi ty

organisations, and societies from all around the state

combined their collections in support of the hospital’s

world-class care for Victorian children.

The ICV Hospital Chaplaincy team held it's annual

volunteer celebration day on Sunday 24th August 2018,

celebrating the important role the volunteer chaplains

perform week in week out to provide spiritual support to

the sick and elderly across the state of Victoria.

Hospital chaplaincy chairperson Prof. Aladdin Zayegh

spoke about the importance of chaplaincy and

commitment in Islam. Certificates of Appreciation was

presented to all outstanding volunteers and supporters.

Sr. Lina Ayoubi, hospital chaplaincy coordinator remarked

that "It was wonderful to recognise the work of the

chaplains as they often go above and beyond in their duty"

The ICV in conjunction with Spiritual Health Victoria hosted

an immersion day for 17 students from Stirling University

on Tuesday 17th November 2017.

Information about Islam was presented and participants

interacted with the leaders and community members to

explore the religion and its distinctive resources and

spirituality. The event now in its fifth year gave students

from the theological college a chance to immerse

themselves in Islam for the day.

26

Muslim Connect is the ICV’s community

reintegration program for Male and

Female Muslims prisoners exiting

prison. The program offers, referral and

advocacy services as well as mentoring,

both pre/post-release. The program has

access to 4 male and 1 female prisons

across the state. However, it is available

to Muslims across all Victorian prisons

and it does often receive referrals from

prisons that MC staffs don’t regularly

visit.

Over the last 12 months the program

has supported over 70 Mus l im

prisoners from all parts of Victoria. The

most commonly accessed services

include, financial assistance through

the ICV Zakat fund for the purchase of

new clothes and other basic necessities,

referral to the NZF for assistance with

bond and first month of rent as well as

other forms of financial support, court

advocacy where MC staff members

accompany or write to the court in

support of the MC cl ients court

proceedings and to ensure clients make

all required appointments and comply

fully with their release conditions. With

regard, to mentoring, it starts at the pre-

release stage and the MC program has

dedicated spiritual mentors who

mentor clients regularly. With the hope

of reconnecting them back to their faith

and refer them to their local mosques

upon release and continue to mentor

them until their service periods expire.

Program Introduction to Female

Prison

In March of 2017, the MC program

gained access to the Dame Phyllis Frost

Centre to work with its first cohort of

Muslim Female prisoners. Since that

time, the program has engaged 20

female prisoners and has employed a

female support worker to better engage

its female clients. At minimum the

program’s pre-release support worker

visits DPFC once a month and regularly

attends case conferences, which take

place just, before clients are released to

ensure there’re no gaps in any clients

overall support plan.

MUSLIM CONNECT

Eid BBQ’s Juvenile Justice

PRISON CHAPLAINCY

As part of Eid celebrations Fulham Correctional Centre in

Sale hosted a BBQ on Tuesday the 3rd July, 2018. Visiting

chaplains were accompanied by ICV President Mohamed

Mohideen and local imams from the community to

celebrate the occasion. An estimated Approximately 700

Muslims prisoners are in the correctional system so

community support and chaplaincy services are vital

resources.

The ICV through its prison chaplaincy program has a

chaplain that visits both Parkville Youth Justice Centre and

Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre every week to provide

spiritual support. Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre held its

first Eid BBQ for incarcerated young Muslims on the 19th

June, 2018. Around 0 young men joined the celebration with

ICV chaplains, Cultural workers and other prison staff to

mark the end of Ramadan.

27

The Qard Hassan No interest loan Scheme (QH NILS) is

committed to achieving a more just and equitable society for

people living on low income by promoting economic and

social participation in a market which has resulted in

structural and financial forms of exclusion. This is embodied

through the provision of safe, fair and affordable credit for

the purchase of essential items and service without interest

or fees, where other financial assistance is unavailable. This is

achieved through a process which enhances the dignity and

respect of the individual whilst helping them gain some form

of financial control and empowerment in their lives.

In 2018, QH NILS introduced a number of different

innovations to make the loan process easier for the clients

and for the providers.

Some of these include the following:

Increasing the loan amount from $1200 to $1500. This was

done as many of the individuals wanting the loan needed

more than 1200. Therefore, the amount was increased to

provide extra financial assistance for the clients.

Introducing myNILSapp in order to keep a record of the loan

online. In this app any information that needs reassessment

can be easily checked without the assessment of the overall

application. The supporting documents from clients are also

easily unloadable online and the entire record is kept safe

and can be opened anywhere, at any time.

Introducing finPOWER, which is used for a loan management

and client relationship system that makes assessing and

managing loans and client relationships easy..

A snapshot of NILS for the financial year 2017/18

A total of 82 loans were written with total loan book value of

$93,158.

Single women were the primary borrowers coming in at 60%

The Majority of borrowers are between the ages of 35 and 44.

Main items purchased continues to be white goods including

washing machine, dishwasher and fridges.

The average loan amount was $1,200

The default rate was 3%

NILS - NO INTEREST LOANS SCHEME

EMY - EMPOWER MUSLIM YOUTH

The Empower Muslim Youth (EMY) program which is funded

by the Victorian Government Department of Health and

Human Services (DHHS) has now been running for 1 year. The

program provides holistic support for young Muslims and

has this year assisted more than 40 Muslim youth.

The program enables ICV to engage youth workers and

career professionals to provide intensive and coordinated

support to young people to strengthen their connections and

engagement in the community. EMY has hosted and

participated in a number of events throughout the year.

They hosted their first Iftar Dinner this year with around 30

young Muslim brothers and sisters in attendance together

with 2 of the Senior Project Officers from the DHHS giving the

youth present an opportunity to network and discuss the

challenges they are facing currently.

The EMY team and participants of the program also had a

strong presence at the Department of Health and Human

Services - Office for Youth facilitated ‘Empower Youth

Conference’, which was held at the Telstra Conference Centre

in May. The conference included presentations by Youth

Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) and the Centre for

Multicultural Youth and breakout sessions that allowed all

participants a great opportunity to learn and build on their

communication and networking skills.

The EMY program has received great feedback from young

people who have participated in the program. Some of these

are: “EMY played an important role in my life as an individual and

a student Dietician as I felt supported and empowered to seek

opportunities in the Diabetics area. My mentor assisted me

through key areas for professional development such as resume

writing, interview skills as well as linking me to organisations to

further develop my skills and gain experience through

volunteering” & “ EMY was fully professimal and helpful

throughout the whole employment process and assisted me with

securing my first full time position. The youth engagement

officers were always available to help and always took the time to

see what options I had and took the time to listen to my careers

aspirations. EMY is an asset to the youth of Hume”.

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COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAMS

Victorian Child Safe Standards Information & Training Session

Community Correction Services (CCS)

Governance Workshop for ICV Member Societies

The ICV conducted a 'Child Safe Standards Information &

Training Session' across many member societies. The

Child Safe Standards aim to prevent the physical, sexual

and emotional abuse or neglect of children. This was a

unique session as it also featured a guest speaker; Pauline

Ryan from the Royal Children's Hospital Gatehouse Centre

(Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse). Pauline

spoke about the statistics about physical abuse in families

as well as the impact on children of witnessing domestic

violence, myths and facts about who abuses children,

indicators and signs of physical abuse among many other

topics.

The ICV in collaboration with Community Correction

Services (CCS) conducted a series of cross-cultural Islamic

awareness workshops to CCS staff to assist in their day to

day role in working with Muslims on community orders

and on parole. It is estimated that there are around over

500 Muslims on a community correction order so both

organisations felt it was important to empower staff to

better understand the cultural, linguistic, and religious

backgrounds among Muslims to ensure a high standard of

care was implemented. Workshop facilitator Sue Najjarine

covered many topic including Islamic fundamental core

practices and beliefs.

Members of the ICV were updated and trained with

regards to their responsibilities and made aware of the

changes introduced by various regulatory bodies in

Victoria especially with regard to governance and financial

management; provided an overview of the 7 child safe

standards and reportable conduct scheme; and offered

some practical tips on grant writing. The workshop was

timely for the 'financial year 1st July 2017 to 30th June

2018' and as part of the governance process to ensure in

submitting returning and relevant documents on time to

Consumers Affairs Victoria and Australian Charities Not

for Profit Commission (ACNC).

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ARTS

Salamfest

Digital Insanity- Arts Project

Art Mural Transforms City Mosque

SalamFest held its annual Muslim Arts Festival held at

State Library Victoria from the 24th to 26th November

2017. The primary aim of SalamFest was to celebrate true

Islamic values of ‘Peace, Love and Compassion’ and this

was reflected through all events and projects undertaken

by us. SalamFest celebrated Muslim contributions to Art

with the broader Australian community. Muslims come

from over 70 different ethnicities so the contributions in

the areas of culture, art and cuisine is quite unique.

Another primary aim of SalamFest is to provide a platform

for local talent as well as attract international Muslim

artists with a view to providing potential opportunities to

local Muslims.

The ICV initiated a Visual Arts project funded by the VMC.

The project entitled “A Manifestation of Love” was created

by three Muslim artists Elif Yavuz, Osama Sarakibi and

Omran Omer who worked tirelessly to combine three art

genres into one exhibition masterpiece. The proposed

subject matter is based on the Rumi saying “let the beauty

of what you love be what you do”. The three artists

collected and collated data to illustrate beauty as

expressed by themselves and others around them. The

visual collage showcased calligraphy of Rumi quote “Faith

is to see the light inside your heart, even if your eyes see

only darkness.”

The City Mosque back entrance/exit stairways

experienced a face-lift: a beautiful convergence of graffiti

& the Arabic calligraphic style that has transformed the

building. As you wonder through the stairwell take note of

the different ayah (verses) that have been referenced in

the murals referencing creation and life with each wall

imparting a different story. The commission of the mural is

part of an overall approach to make the Mosque more

welcoming and reflective of the diversity in the community

30

Islamic Council of Victoria’s annual

Victorian Mosque Open Day was

another success th is year . The

statewide annual event, launched last

year, saw 13 Mosques and Islamic

Centres; including the Islamic Museum

of Australia (IMA) open their doors and

hearts to the public again.

Despite the windy and wet weather on

S u n d a y, A p r i l 1 5 , h u n d re d s o f

Victorians put on their winter coats and

visited a Mosque near them. Meeting

Muslims, asking questions about Islam,

observing prayers and experiencing

the various cultures found in many

Mosques across Victoria.

Some visitors tried on a hijab, others

had henna tattoos artistically applied to

their hands while all enjoyed the exotic

food offered – some preferring to stick

to a good old snag for lunch.

The Albanian Mosque enjoyed the

company of local leaders, Church

groups and neighbours while the

Australian Islamic Centre was proud to

show off its new and architecturally

designed building to a long queue of

people who waited patiently.

Benevolence Australia ran in depth

presentations about Islam while the

UMMA Centre was filmed to feature in

an upcoming documentary.

Elsedeaq Mosque donned a jumping

castle for kids and held a barbecue and

Geelong Mosque provided tours of its

revamped building.

ICV City Mosque hosted people from all

walks of life, including MPs and curious

international students and Monash

Mosque welcomed neighbours from

Clayton while Islamic Museum of

Australia talked Islam amid artistic

flare.

Light of Hidayah Mosque, which

opened only a couple of weeks before

the Victorian Mosque Open Day, held

its first Mosque Open in Morwell.

Omar Farooq Mosque, Preston

Mosque and Virgin Mary Mosque

(Werribee Islamic Centre) hosted

visitors right up until the very end and

even after 4pm.

An event like this builds a strong and

cohesive multicultural community and

the ICV looks forward to hosting its

third Victorian Mosque Open Day next

year.

The feedback was so positive and

uplifting and a real testament to why

Mosques should be running more

opens.

Participants shared their sentiments on

social media and some comments

included;

“Thanks! We visited the Albanian

Mosque in North Carlton. We had a

great time.” – Tim O’Thy

“Thank you for hosting our family.

Mosques are such beacons of love and

light and it had been years since I'd

entered one.” – Robyn Corson

“Thanks, we visited the mosque in

Newport, it was beautiful.” – Koto

Fukushima

“Loved visiting the Newport Mosque

today.” – Julie Shaw

“I am really appreciative of the effort all

the mosques have gone to and opening

their doors so that people can

understand what’s going on, what their

neighbours are doing.” - Federal Greens

Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt

MP

The Victorian Mosque Open Day

received great coverage in the lead up

to the event with stories published

across daily, weekly and regional

newspapers – rounding up large

crowds on the day.

We aspire to continue running the

Victorian Mosque Open Day as an

annual event and hope to see more

M o s q u e s o n b o a rd n ex t y e a r .

Subsequently we will be able to reach

more Victorians and provide more

opportunities for Victorians to visit

Mosques all around the state. This

would also see the number of visitors

soar – as the only way to get to know

one another is through a personal level,

which helps break down stereotypes

and misconceptions.

VICTORIAN MOSQUE OPEN DAY 2018

V I C T O R I A N

OPEN DAY

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Project Mosaic is a small grants program for ICV member organizations, providing seed funding for first-off community

initiatives; https://www.icv.org.au/services/project-mosaic/

PROJECT MOSAIC

Islamic Youth Organization (IYO) Carlton – Youth Festival

The Gippsland Asian Cup 2017-18

Western Eagles Sports Club - TRYCricket Clinic

This festival was organized and run entirely by Muslim

youth in Carlton, enabling them to directly experience the

rewards of their hard work and organizational skills. The

festival has become an event that opens the door to other

events/programs though out the year with a specific focus

on youth engagement through sports.

The tournament was held in Traralgon over two weekends -

the 11th & 18th Feb 2018 with the objective of bringing

communities together under the common sport of cricket.

It followed the T20 format between three major south

Asian communities Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. Over 100

people attended both days. There were activities

organized by women and children, an Aussie BBQ with

multi-ethnic food.

The event aimed to get children off their screens and

passionate about cricket. This was about more than just

cricket though - it was about developing fundamental skills

and a passion for active, healthy lifestyles from a young

age. An 8-week TRYCricket clinic with the IMAN Weekend

School, Cricket Victoria and Wyndham City Council.

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ACTIVITIES OF 2017-18

33

TREASURERS REPORT 2017/18

By the grace and generosity of God Almighty the Islamic

Council of Victoria Inc. has delivered a modest operating

surplus of $5,957 for the year ended June 30, 2018.

The 2018 net operating surplus reflects the challenging

financial conditions facing the organisation.

It also is a reminder that operating conditions in the

services sector (and industry in general) is subject to

fluctuations and volatility.

The significant drop in the net surplus from the previous

year can be attributed to a

Drop in revenue due to finalisation of key projects.

Increase in extra-ordinary operating expenses.

Additional unanticipated expenditures in key programs.

The drop in revenue reflects the new paradigm for ICV and

will present challenges in maintaining service delivery for

the 2019 financial year. In recognition of this, certain

measures have been set in place to mitigate these

financial challenges including sub leasing offices and

personnel restructure.

State and Federal government grants account for

approximately 80% of the ICV revenue. This revenue

stream and percentage to overall revenue is likely to

remain relatively unchanged in the immediate future.

While ICV's overall financial position is pleasing,

challenges to maintain a strong operating surplus for

2019 and beyond remain a challenge. Being a service

organisation programs need to be generally cash positive

where possible. The balance between maintaining tight

fiscal controls and quality service delivery will ultimately

need deliberation and wisdom to deliver best case

outcomes for the organisation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank key staff

involved in critical bookkeeping and accounting roles.

This includes Sr. Sumeyya Kutlu and Br. Pialla Marttria

respectively. This gratitude is extended to all staff

members involved in the finance and treasury areas.

We ask God to continue to bless ICV in all its affairs and

protect and improve our financial and general condition.

Yours truly

RAMZI ELSAYED

Treasurer

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MEMBERS

Afghan Islamic Society

Afghan Islamic Centre and Omar Farooq Mosque (AICOM)

Albanian Australian Islamic Society

Al-Ehsan Centre

Ararat Islamic Welfare Association

ASWJ

Australia Bangladesh Islamic Council Inc. (ABIC)

Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre Deer Park

Australian Islamic Mission

Australian Islamic Social Association (Milli Gorus)

Australian Muslim Media

Australian Muslim Social Services Agency (AMSSA)

Bendigo Islamic Association Inc

Benevolence Australia

Bilal Ethiopian Community Association Victoria

Bosnia Hercegovina Islamic Society

Cyprus Turkish Islamic Community Inc.

Dandenong Turkish Islamic Cultural Society

Daru Bilal

Darussalam Society

El Sedeaq Islamic Society

Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth (FAMSY)

GAMCI

Goulburn Valley Turkish Islamic & Cultural Society

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

HIYC

IISCA

IMAN

Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria (IMCV)

Islamic Association of Monash Mosque Inc.

Islamic Call Society of Australia

Islamic Education and Welfare Assoc of Dandenong (IEWAD)

Islamic Guidance Society of Australia

Islamic Society of Albury-Wodonga

Islamic Society of Ballarat

Islamic Education & Awareness of Casey Association (IEACA).

Islamic Society of Geelong

Islamic Society of Victoria - Preston Mosque

Maarefa Group

Mano River Association of Victoria

MyCentre (IISNA)

Newport Islamic Society

The Light Foundation

United Muslim Migrant Association

United Sri Lankan Muslim Association in Australia (USMAA)

Werribee Islamic Centre

MICS

Australian Burmese Rohingya Organisation (ABRO)

Light of Hidayah Organisation Inc

Arkan Toledo

Believe Achieve & Inspire Leadership Program (BAILP)

Care With Me

Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle In

Islamic Weekend School

MCCA

Minhaj Ul Quran Victoria

Muhajiroon Community Development Association Inc.

Muslim Professional Association

Muslim Legal Network

MuslimCare Victoria

Nurul Huda Acedemy Inc.

Victorian Police Muslim Association

Islamic Relief Australia

Muslim Aid Australia

Al Kaareem

Sanad Foundation

Muslim Professional Association

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66-68 Jeffcott St West Melbourne VIC 3003 (03) 9328 2067 admin@icv.org.au www.icv.org.au

ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF VICTORIA