Hume Interfaith Network statement on the incident at Pacific Epping
Published on 14 March 2025
The Hume Interfaith Network (HIN) condemn the two recent Islamophobic attacks on community members at Pacific Epping 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.
The HIN supports all members of our diverse community to practice their religions in a safe and inclusive way. Hume’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 HIN has brought together members of diverse faiths including Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Baháʼí. 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.
The HIN collaborates with Council 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 upcoming activities such as a tour to places of worship on Saturday 22 March and an interfaith sports day on Friday 4 April.
While we believe no one should ever be treated unfairly based on their race or religion, we understand this is not always the experience of our community. If you are experiencing any racism or discrimination, you can visit https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/ to learn about your rights.
Quote attributable to Co-Chair of the HIN, Madhuri Maskey:
“The Hume Interfaith Network (HIN) condemn the recent Islamophobic attacks and stand in solidarity with all community members. We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive community where everyone can practice their faiths freely"
Quote attributable to Co-Chair of the HIN, Avtar Singh:
"I am proud of our diverse communities that enable us to strengthen our connections amongst different faiths. It promotes fair treatment, no matter someone’s race or religion"
If you are experiencing distress and feel the need to speak to someone, please see resources below:
- Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
- 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.
- 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.
- Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
- 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.
- 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.
- Centre for Muslim Wellbeing provides a professional database of practitioners who are culturally responsive and have experience dealing with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Read our previous media statement