MELBOURNE, 4 February 2026:: An interfaith call for peace and harmony echoed from the steps of the Victorian Parliament today, as members of the Multi-Faith Advisory Group (MAG) gathered to mark the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week.
The visually powerful assembly — attended by leaders from a range of faith communities — served as a prelude to Cultural Diversity Week (21–29 March). Its message of unity carried added significance in light of the recent Bondai terror attacks, anti-immigration rallies, and the rise of hate speech on social media.
Organised by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), the gathering reflected a determined effort to strengthen interfaith connections and promote mutual understanding.
The event began with a group photograph on the Parliament steps during the parliamentary lunch break, where Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP invited fellow MPs to join under a banner promoting social and religious harmony. MAG members later met for a private afternoon tea aimed at deepening interfaith dialogue and nurturing a culture of peace, hope, and respect.
The Multi-Faith Advisory Group includes 27 religious leaders representing Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, and Bahá’í communities. Chaired by the head of the VMC, the group advises the Victorian Government on faith-related issues and supports engagement with Victoria’s culturally and religiously diverse population.
