Iftar Dinner

Good evening, everyone and welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

I welcome you all to Government House for this very special Iftar meal; the first I have had the honour of hosting, and I thank you for the plaque commemorating the significance of this occasion.

We are honoured to have so many representatives from different Muslim communities joining us this evening—each of you connected by your faith, and made strong by your traditions.

Tonight, we are joining the almost 2 billion Muslim people globally who are currently observing Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and a sacred time for reflection, fasting, prayer and connection with others.

The rich custom of Iftar, which breaks the daily fast at sunset, focusses on sharing—joining with families, friends or communities, to enjoy food that has been prepared with love. While it signals the end of the day’s fasting, it is also a time for inspiration—feeding the spirit as much as it does the body.

I know that this special time of togetherness also serves to highlight your concerns for Muslim communities in other parts of the world, with fear and sadness currently being felt by so many.

I trust that the strength of friendship in our State, and Queenslanders’ renowned willingness to support each other through adversities, will provide hope.

Our State is so very deeply enriched by the contribution of different perspectives, beliefs, and traditions. Significantly, in 2023, UNESCO added Iftar to its list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage”—highlighting its significance as a precious part of the Islamic faith—linking past to present—that is to be protected, as much as we would a monument or building.

The tremendous value of diversity—in building a Queensland that is more welcoming and understanding—is at the heart of Multicultural Australia’s ethos, and this makes me so proud to be their Patron.

I hope you enjoy Iftar this evening at Government House—which truly is a place for all Queenslanders, and I thank you all for serving your communities with such dedication.

I’d now like to invite Youth Leader, Ms Huda Akhlaki to the lectern to say a few words…