Supporting collaboration and understanding between all faiths
The Multifaith Advisory Group comprises 27 religious leaders from various Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and Bahá'í communities. The Group is chaired by the Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Working with Victoria’s faith leaders to address issues that affect the whole community
The Multifaith Advisory Group assists the Victorian Government to understand and appropriately respond to faith-related issues in Victoria and to support people from a diverse array of cultural and religious backgrounds.
The group meets regularly for robust conversation on contemporary matters affecting faith communities and has provided advice on a range of issues, such as family violence policy, forced marriage and human trafficking.
Victorian Leaders Unite for Peace Forum
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)’s Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) recently hosted a Peace Forum at Parliament House, uniting leaders from across Victoria to reflect on how cultivating inner peace can deepen compassion and strengthen our shared humanity. As a platform for respectful and robust interfaith dialogue, the MAG helps guide both government and communities in fostering social cohesion and harmony.
The event featured the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Iwan Walters, and VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen, alongside a diverse group of faith and community leaders. Delivered in partnership with the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, and Calm in the City, the forum highlighted the power of contemplative practice in building resilience and unity.
Speakers including Professor Craig Hassed OAM, Sister Jayanti, and Bishop Philip Huggins shared thoughtful insights on how inner peace and mindful reflection can help communities respond to today’s social challenges with compassion, clarity, and a renewed sense of connection.
Program Booklet
Group Photo
Group photo
Stage
Prayer session
Event Photo
Networking
Networking (2)
Table Discussion
Group
Members of the Multifaith Advisory Group
The Multifaith Advisory Group currently comprises representatives from the following organisations:
- All Nations Presbyterian Church of Australia Mulgrave(opens in a new window)
- AMAFHH Federation - Shi'a Organisation(opens in a new window)
- Australian Intercultural Society (opens in a new window)
- Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights (opens in a new window)
- Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
- Baha’i Community of Victoria
- Benevolence Australia(opens in a new window)
- Board of Imams Victoria(opens in a new window)
- Rabbinical Council of Victoria
- Buddhist Council of Victoria
- Catholic Social Services Victoria(opens in a new window)
- Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
- Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
- Faith Communities Council of Victoria
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Hindu Council of Australia (Vic)(opens in a new window)
- Hindu Society of Victoria
- Islamic Council of Victoria
- Jewish Community Council of Victoria
- Lutheran Church of Australia
- Presbyterian Church of Victoria
- Rabbinical Council of Victoria(opens in a new window)
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
- Russian Orthodox Church
- The Salvation Army
- Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
- The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
- Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
- Victorian Council of Churches
- Victorian Multicultural Commission
- UNESCO
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