Council and Hume Interfaith Network extend show of community support
Published on 25 June 2024
Hume City Council supports all members of our diverse community to practice their religions in a safe and inclusive way. Our city's rich cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and we welcome residents of all ethnicities, faiths and beliefs to our city.
For over 20 years, the Hume Interfaith Network (HIN) has brought together members of diverse faiths including Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Baháʼí.
Council and the HIN are proud of our diverse communities and champion harmony and open dialogue among faiths. We strive to strengthen our community as we live, work and learn together in an environment that fosters mutual respect, kindness and understanding.
Following a particularly tumultuous year globally, the impacts of which are being felt by many closer to home, Council and the HIN extends its deepest sympathies and stands in solidarity with community members of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. We believe no one should ever be treated unfairly or subjected to violence based on their race or religion.
Council and the HIN will continue to work together to deliver initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, deepen mutual respect and promote community participation and wellbeing for members of different faiths, and provide a safe space to celebrate and share different cultures.
This includes activities such as a Harmony Week interfaith sports day, a Refugee Week multifaith planting, the Hume Interfaith Dinner and tours of places of worship.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Naim Kurt:
“Hume City Council believes in the rights of all peoples to practice their religion, faith, and culture – free from persecution, discrimination, or coercion, both at home in our community and across the world”
“We hold this right to be absolute, and our Council opposes any efforts to undermine social cohesion and the fundamental right of all our citizens to religious liberty”
“As Mayor, I stand with our Hume Interfaith Network in offering our sympathies to those experiencing prejudice and commit ourselves to continuing to strengthen the work the HIN leads in promoting social harmony across our municipality.”
If you are experiencing distress and feel the need to speak to someone, please see resources below:
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Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
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Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
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MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
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Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
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Partners in Wellbeing provides a free coaching service (over the phone) to improve your wellbeing, develop strategies to cope and provide emotional support. Partners in Wellbeing does not offer crisis or emergency support. Call 1300 375 330.
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Heart Chat - Multicultural Mental Health aims to make it easier for people who speak languages other than English to read and understand information about mental health. You can also find professionals who speak your language and understand your culture.