ARAB COUNCIL AUSTRALIA EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER ESCALATING CRISIS IN SUDAN, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
SAFE PLACES FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES GRANTS 2024-25
20 23 21
Al Wasat Magazine
AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY SUFFERS UNDER TRUMP ECONOMIC POLICIES
By Dr. Abul Jalaluddin
As they say, changing an election changes a country, but changing the President of the United States of America can change the world.
The flagged economic agenda of the incoming Trump administration includes raising tariffs, lowering taxes, moving away from global trade order, terminating financial assistance to green industries under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and withdrawing from key industrial agreements of the Biden administration. These measures could have profound impacts on the world, producing even a larger effect for the Australian economy
Trump’s policies are a risk to peoples’ welfare, capable of harming standard of living in the developed and developing world. They will highly likely to result in an uncertain world characterised by economic vulnerability and volatility.
A recent KPMG analysis contends that if all of Trump’s policies are implemented, Australia’s economic growth would be up to 1.5% lower than it would otherwise have been: a projected loss of up to $36 billion. This could represent a dignificant annual economic loss for Australia.
Inflationary pressures
Inflation in the US will certainly drive up if Trump administration moves ahead with their plans to raise tariffs on imported goods and slash taxes.
Tariff policy
The US president-elect has emphatically assured his intention
to place baseline tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imported goods, with up to 60% and 100% for China and Mexico respectively. This is a highly protectionist trade policy, contrary to the contemporary world of free trade and enterprise.
As an outcome, these high tariffs will inevitably be passed on to American consumers, the prices will rise and the import volumes will reduce which will further fuel inflation in the US.
This draconian tariff will likely have substantial bearing on economic growth of China, the largest trading partner of Australia, which will weaken the demand for commodities, resulting in a significant loss of income and employment for Australians.
Tax policy
Trump administration’s tax policies are broadly tilted towards corporations and wealthy Americans. Trump will extend his 2017 tax overhaul, with lowering the corporate income tax rate to 15 per
cent from the current 21 per cent. He will also exempt earned tips, Social Security wages and overtime wages from income taxes. These tax reduction measures will be highly inflationary in the US.
How US inflation feeds into Australian inflation?
Inflation in Australia may be influenced by the US inflation through various ways, including global markets, global ripple effects on increased cost of production, supply chain disruptions, energy prices, exchange rates, global monetary policy and interest rates.
Impacts on Australian economy
The Trump policies will have deep implications for inflation, interest rate cuts and cost of living in Australia. Due to inflationary pressures in the US, the Federal
Reserve is likely to tighten monetary policy which will prompt the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates to prevent capital outflows and manage inflation. This will diminish chances of any possible cuts in interest rates in Australia. In a high inflation environment, it might be fair to speculate that Australian home buyers’ prospects to get a reduction in interest rate is possibly crushed during the period of Trump administration.
Inflation could also cause other adverse impacts on the Australian economy such as reduction in purchasing power, increased cost of living, uncertainty and reduced investment, income inequality, devaluation of savings, increased cost of borrowing, wage-price spiral as well as effects on export and trade balance.
It is to be mentioned that Australia is well-place to mitigate the risk of economic volatility through its flexible exchange rate and independent central bank.
NSW’S FIRST ECO-FRIENDLY CEMETERY LAUNCHES
By Shazma Gaffoor
Greendale Garden Cemetery opened their doors last month to inaugurate years of careful planning to offer environmentally friendly options to those seeking alternative burial solutions to conventional practices.
It is the first eco-friendly burial site located in Bringelly, the heart of New South Wales.
“We recognised the need to provide a place where families can honour their loved ones while respecting the earth,” CEO Sahar Dandan told Al Wasat.
The Cemetery is also the first of its kind combining traditional lawn burials with eco-friendly practices, where only biodegradable materials are used, avoiding any type of chemical embalming.
The body will be treated with natural mortuary care and shrouded with natural fibres. Organic plantbased fibres such as hemp, linen and cotton are also acceptable.
The coffins or caskets are made of timber, wicker, bamboo or biodegradable cardboard.
Rather than placing elaborate or large headstones, simple plaque markers or a small stone is used to identify the grave.
“Our grounds are designed to
promote biodiversity, preserve native vegetation, and minimise environmental disruption, in contrast to conventional cemeteries, which often prioritise concrete vaults, synthetic grave markers, and maintenance practices that can harm local ecosystems,” Dandan said.
The Cemetery offers renewable interment rights and are also dedicated to revitalising the native landscape of the Cumberland woodlands they are located in, minimising their impact on the environment while offering families meaningful, sustainable end-of-life options.
Greendale’s gardens are apportioned and cater to various religious denominations. Their first garden has been assigned to the Muslim community as they currently have right of burial holders that are Muslim.
“Our priority is ensuring that communities have a respectful,
meaningful space that aligns with their values and practices,” Dandan said.
She also mentioned that they offer two types of burial options. The green burial plots involve placing the body in a biodegradable coffin or shroud directly into the earth without the use of nondecomposable materials, chemical embalming, or traditional concrete liners. Ash burials, on the other hand, involve the interment of ashes. These may also be placed in biodegradable urns, allowing them to naturally return to the earth.
The cost of these burial plots is on equal footing to surrounding competitors.
“While prices may vary, our ecofriendly offerings are generally comparable or even more affordable than other cemetery plots. Our focus is on offering value through sustainable choices.”
Challenges in any enterprise is inevitable, and Greendale Garden Cemetery will be looking at unique ones on how to navigate evolving regulations, ensuring adequate public education on green burial practices, and maintaining community awareness.
“It’s essential for the public to know that Greendale Garden Cemetery believes that honouring loved ones can also honour the planet, and every choice made here contributes to a healthier, greener future,” Dandan said.
We invite everyone to learn more, visit our grounds, and see what we are doing for themselves.”
For more information, please head to Greendale Garden Cemetery’s website, https://greendalegarden.com.au
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN PROMOTES STAR RATINGS FOR AGED CARE
A national advertising campaign is underway to raise awareness of Star Ratings, a tool that helps older people be more informed as they start the journey into residential aged care.
By searching the MyAgedCare.gov.au ‘Find a provider’ tool, older people and their support networks can research and compare the quality, safety, and services on offer across residential aged care homes.
First introduced in December 2022, Star Ratings is a response to a critical recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, providing improved transparency and accountability on the quality of residential aged care homes.
Star Ratings is a key milestone in the aged care reforms and helps older people and their support networks to navigate the early stages of planning for residential aged care.
Based on performance, aged care homes receive a rating of between 1 and 5 stars - the more stars an aged care home receives, the better the quality, service and safety of care.
Star Ratings are informed by data collected by the Department of Health and Aged Care across a range of important areas including residents’ experience, compliance with obligations, staffing time and measures of quality across critical areas of care.
Star Ratings offers a nationally consistent method for providers to benchmark and monitor their performance over time and is a driving force in sector improvement. There is now less 1 and 2 star homes and more 4 and 5 stars homes, with 69 per cent of all homes rated as delivering good or excellent care.
An important indicator of the value of Star Ratings is the feedback from older people living in aged care. Insights collected in 2023 tells us that 96 per cent of residents felt safe in their aged care home, 95 per cent said staff treated them with respect and were kind and caring, and 85 per cent of residents said they would recommend their home to someone they know.
Campaign advertising is running until 28 December 2024 nationally across television, digital video, digital search and in medical centres and pharmacies. The campaign is supported by information and resources to help older people and their support networks access Star Ratings and commence their aged care journey.
To find out more about Star Ratings, visit https://www.health.gov.au/StarRatings/translated
A CALL FOR GENUINE DIALOGUE
Nail Aykan
Last month, Victoria witnessed unprecedented political divisions within its multicultural community as a motion in the Victorian Parliament, backed by the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian communities to recognize the events of 1915 as the ‘Armenian Genocide’, was ultimately withdrawn. The motion, scheduled for 29th October 2024, coincided with Republic Day, a day of national significance for Turkish people.
In response, members of the Turkish and Muslim communities in Victoria mounted a robust campaign to oppose the motion, expressing concern over its potential impact on social cohesion. Spearheading this motion was Samantha Ratnam, former leader of the Victorian Greens, prompting intervention from federal Greens leader Adam Bandt.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan recognising ethnic tensions stated that her government would not support the motion if it were presented. In a statement she said that “this is not an appropriate time for this motion. The war in the Middle East has hurt social cohesion in this country and led to so much division. Right now, we need to focus on uniting communities, not creating more division”.
The decision by both the Premier and the Greens leader to not support this motion was a responsible one, as political leaders have a duty to prevent heightened community tensions and to encourage mutual understanding and create pathways to conflict resolution.
This motion would have almost certainly strained intercommunal relations, particularly between Turkish Australians and other ethnic groups, such as Greeks and Armenians, within Victoria. This motion risked undermining decades of progress toward peaceful coexistence and social harmony. At the core of multiculturalism lies the principle of open dialogue, a principle this motion appeared to disregard entirely. Advancing a historically disputed and politically charged motion without fostering a broader, genuine debate is simply unacceptable.
Political representatives have a responsibility to engage with all sections of the community, especially those most directly affected by such a contentious political move. Failing to consult the Turkish community risks alienating them, creating unnecessary tensions rather than alleviating them. The Turkish community, which has long worked to contribute positively to Australia’s multicultural fabric, will rightly question whether the vision of a ‘successful multicultural society’ was ever more than empty rhetoric.
This issue underscored that politicians - whether from Labor, Liberal, or the Greens - cannot afford to dismiss the views of Victoria’s sizeable Turkish and Muslim communities. Ignoring these voices risks not only social cohesion but also votes.
The purpose and timing of this motion were unclear, raising questions about what it sought to achieve and at what political cost. This is especially true for Samantha Ratnam and the Greens, who, after actively courting the Muslim vote in recent months, particularly amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was now engaging in divisive politics at a critical time. With Ratnam vying for the federal seat of Wills, where Muslims comprise 10% of the electorate and the margin is around 4%, this move could have significant repercussions for the Greens’ prospects of winning the seat.
The accusations of genocide against the Turkish people have often been used as a political football to undermine the reputation of both Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, turning a complex historical tragedy into a source of division rather than a path toward understanding and reconciliation.
Political leaders who ignore the complexities of history in favor of oversimplified, politically expedient narratives are doing a disservice to the very people they claim to represent. Our Parliament must reflect the diverse voices of our population and approach complex historical matters with greater responsibility. Without this, our multicultural aspirations will remain little more than rhetoric, devoid of authentic leadership to truly bridge our diverse communities.
By avoiding critical dialogue and pushing ahead with such motions, Parliament would have risked not only alienating a key part of the community but also undermining the credibility of multicultural leadership itself. Attempts to sidestep genuine dialogue will only erode trust and confidence in our multicultural institutions and community leadership.
We must have the courage to engage in these challenging conversations in public forums. The way forward requires fostering understanding and collaboration between communities, rather than perpetuating divisive and politically charged narratives. If we are committed to social cohesion, our political leaders must step up. They must engage in meaningful dialogue with all affected communities and resist the temptation to advance motions that divide rather than unite.
Political leaders in Victoria have a crucial role: not to deepen divisions but to guide all communities toward meaningful reconciliation. With the motion now withdrawn, there is a unique opportunity for real and longlasting dialogue and bridge-building among communities with shared histories and cultural ties.
ICV ECHOES CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT SAFETY OF PALESTINIAN, ARAB AND MUSLIM AUSTRALIANS AFTER RETURN OF IDF SOLDIER FROM WEST BANK
ICV
As members of a community repeatedly marginalised and overlooked by political forces, the events of the past year demand a radical shift in our approach. We are at an important phase, one that compels us to reevaluate our political engagement and strategise for substantive change. The current political climate, stained by the blood of over 40,000 Palestinians and nearly 3,000 Lebanese, necessitates that we move beyond mere rhetoric and confidential meetings that have historically led to unfulfilled promises.
For decades, our community has navigated the intricate corridors of political engagement, often aligning with powers that assure attention and protection. Yet, the brutal reality that unfolds daily in Gaza and Lebanon paints a very different picture—one where our hopes and the promises made to us are dashed repeatedly. These atrocities are not just news items, they are a call to action, highlighting the failure of those political approaches we once trusted.
This moment in history challenges us to be singular in our focus, to channel our collective energies towards achieving one crucial objective, the wielding of our political power to influence the political landscape. It is no longer sufficient to engage in dialogue that does not translate into concrete action or to support politicians whose actions betray their words.
As a community, we need to mature politically. The most fundamental political power we possess is our vote, and the capacity to sway election results. This power must be mobilised effectively, with a clear understanding that the cost of inaction is the continued disenfranchisement and suffering of countless lives.
The upcoming election presents a critical opportunity. It is a chance to voice our
collective dissent against a political status quo that has not only taken us for granted but has also stood idly by as atrocities mount. No matter the nature of ‘confidential’ meetings, or the personal relationships we might have cultivated with individual politicians, the clear reality is that these have prevented the horrors that have unfolded.
Our focus must be unwavering. We need to exercise our electoral power with precision and unity, ensuring that every member of our community understands the weight of their vote. This isn’t merely about changing leaders or parties; it’s about affirming our presence and our rights within a political framework that has long overlooked us.
This call to action is based deeply in our faith and our moral framework, which compel us to act for the greater good, even when it might not align with our immediate or individual interests. The long-term welfare of our community, and indeed our moral integrity, depends on our ability to stand firm in our convictions and to act decisively.
The sacrifices required to change our approach are not minor, nor are the challenges we face insignificant. However, the alternative is a continuation of the status quo, where our voices remain unheard, and our pains unaddressed. As we reflect on the losses of the past year, let us focus our grief into a resolute commitment to political action. Let us step into the polling booths with a clear understanding of our power and the change it can bring. The time for passive engagement has passed. Now is the time to shape the future, not just for our community but for all who suffer under oppression and neglect. Our unity, our votes, and our relentless pursuit of justice are the tools we must wield in this electoral cycle. Let’s not set ourselves back by decades. Let’s move forward, with dignity and conviction, for the long-term good of our community and for the principles we hold dear.
ICOM
In celebration of ICOM Teacher Appreciation Day, we took the time to honour the heart and soul of our school – our incredible teachers.
The whole school came together, in our annual assembly, to celebrate our superstar teachers. Each teacher was presented with a personalised gift as a token of appreciation for their endless dedication, commitment and hard work in shaping the future generation.
Teachers are more than just educators. They are mentors, role models and guides who inspire, support and challenge our students to reach their full potential. Every lesson taught, every word of encouragement and every act of kindness leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our students.
ICOM’S TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
YEAR 12 OFFICIAL LAST DAY OF SCHOOL AT ICOM
ICOM
11th of October marked a momentous day at ICOM as we bid farewell to our incredible Year 12 students on their last official day of high school. This milestone is not only a culmination of their academic journey but also a celebration of the countless ways they have shaped our community, enriched our school culture, and embodied the values of ICOM. The day commenced with a whole school assembly, where students, teachers, and staff gathered to honor the Year 12 cohort’s dedication, growth, and unique contributions. During the assembly, we reminisced on the journeys of these young individuals, from their first days at ICOM to the compassionate and resilient leaders they have become. It was a truly touching moment to witness the pride and emotion on the faces of friends, family, and teachers, reflecting on the bonds formed over the years.
ISLAMIC CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL OF VICTORIA
Helping Australian businesses export halal products to over 140 countries
ICCV is the largest Halal certification organisation in Australia servicing clients locally and internationally.
ICCV is responsible for the certification, monitoring, and supervision of Halal food for the domestic market as well as the export market.
Clients cover a range of sectors including abattoirs, food processing businesses, transportation and cold storage operators.
We are the largest halal certification body in Australia. Professional, experienced and trusted.
We monitor the certified businesses for compliance of halal requirements.
We provide a means for direct supervision in house for quality assurance.
SUPP L Y CHAIN AB A T T OIR
We work with abattoirs to get and keep their halal certification.
ACCREDITED MARKETS
ICCV is specifically accredited within these Muslim majority countries.
Our certification is approved for all halal importing countries.
We provide full turnkey solution for FGMs to get halal.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain,Tunisia,Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Iran, Kosova, Morocco, Maldives.
We provide logistics companies for cold room and transport to get halal.
Our certificate is approved in countries that now require halal certificate if goods have halal stamps:
Canada, South Korea, China, European Union (EU), New Zealand, Russia Federation, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA).
HUGE CHANGES GIVE RISE TO ANXIETY
Bilal Cleland dunk1689@gmail.com
Many commentators are writing and speaking of the anxiety of our times.
Christian nationalists are full of the End of Times propaganda in supporting Israel and the Gaza genocide as steps along the path to the Apocalypse.
There are Muslims talking of the Mahdi and the End of Times. Such ideas often emerge in times of change or great oppression, as in the Mahdi Revolt against the British in nineteenth century Sudan.
While it may be true that the alignment of the powers dominating the world is undergoing rapid change, with the withdrawal of the US from Eurasia, the rise of China, the decline of Russian influence in central Asia, he development of BRICS and the beginning of a huge upheaval in the USA, that change may not be the harbinger of doom. It may point to positive change and the possibility of a world in which power is no longer in the hands of the old white imperial elite.
A generalised anxiety, accelerated in many minds by the advent of Donald Trump with his collaborators, Elon Musk as a general advisor, Robert Kennedy Jnr being put in charge of US health, and Gaetz of spotted past as Attorney General, might be reduced with better understanding of events.
Trump’s rise and the rejection of the Wall St Democrats could have a silver lining, and the certainty of the failure of his theatrical politics is approaching at top speed.
Change can be positive and the degree to which the hypocrisy of the Western powers and the selfproclaimed democracies have been exposed over Gaza, has allowed us to peer through the propaganda.
That Norway, Spain, Ireland and Italy have broken ranks with the UK and US are indications of positive change. Even Zionist fearful Macron has threatened to prosecute returning IDF soldiers.
Even the cowardly Albanese government has stood up to the America of Genocide Joe and the
local Zionist lobby to the extent of supporting the sovereignty of Palestine over its own water and mineral resources, too late but indicating perhaps the beginning of change.
Sabre rattling about China and our need for the Anglo-sphere AUKUS, [USUKA] so ably demolished by Paul Keating, US marines in the Northern Territory and a sycophantic LNP denouncing even the mildest signs of opposition to Israeli mass murder, all contribute to the feeling of impending crisis.
Although our generation sees high anxiety as unusual it certainly is not. In the 1950s and 60s, fear of nuclear war was at peak level, nearly bursting at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when JFK nearly resorted to hostilities with e the USSR.
Anxiety was high in Islamic Spain a thousand years ago, with some justification, given the contested governance of the region, although it was not until 1492 that the cataclysm occurred.
One of our great scholars Ibn Hazm, who died in Islamic Spain in 1064, addressed the issue.
He wrote In Pursuit of Virtue: “I have tried to find one goal which everyone would agree to be excellent and worthy of being striven after. I have found only one: to be free from anxiety.”.
As to how dispelling anxiety might be achieved, he concluded: “You should therefore understand that there is only one objective to strive for, it is to dispel anxiety; and only one path leads to this, and that is the service of the most high God. Everything else is misguided and absurd.”
This involves seeking what is right and defending that with all your ability.
To Ibn Hazm it was crystal clear: “Do not use your energy except for a cause more noble than yourself. Such a cause cannot be found
except in Almighty God Himself: to preach the truth, to defend womanhood, to repel humiliation which your Creator has not imposed upon you, to help the oppressed. Anyone who uses his energy for the sake of the vanities of the world is like someone who exchanges gemstones for gravel.”
It means rejecting falsehood, rejecting all justification of oppression, whether of women, the poor, or those who are the exploited. It means speaking out in defence of justice, in opposition to injustice.
In our contemporary situation the defence of Palestine and of the oppressed of all nations, including First Nations people in our own country, ranks at the highest level. Islam is not a religion restricted to the mosques and styles of dress, separated from issues of the real world, of justice and compassion. The Muslim vote in the recent US presidential election showed a growing level of awareness. Both the Democrat Zionist ticket and the Netanyahu Republican ticket were rejected by large numbers.
Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who is Jewish and who campaigned as the anti-war candidate, received 1 in 5 of Dearborn Michigan votes, but a tiny minority in most other places.
Some Dearborn voters were apparently sadly misled into supporting Trump, whose suggested administration appointments have been to date, atrociously Zionist.
In Australia we have the Muslim Votes Matter movement developing, which opens one avenue to meet Ibn Hazm’s criterion for defeating anxiety.
https://www.muslimvotesmatter. com.au/
The author is a prominent Australian Muslim scholar and activist.
ARAB COUNCIL AUSTRALIA EXPRESSES DEEP
CONCERN OVER ESCALATING CRISIS IN SUDAN, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
Arab Council Australia (ACA) expresses profound concern over the escalating humanitarian and security crisis in Sudan, which has led to widespread suffering, loss of life, and displacement across the nation. The importance of a coordinated international response to prevent further escalation and address the root causes of this devastating conflict cannot be overstated.
ACA calls on the Australian government to demand international laws be upheld, and to work with regional countries and the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support and facilitate safe corridors for the delivery of essential aid, including food, water, and medical supplies.
“As an organisation committed to social justice, we add our voice to the growing international calls demanding that the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure be prioritised, and that international governments pressure all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities,” said Hassan Moussa, Chief
Executive Officer of ACA.
“Council is alarmed by the reports of indiscriminate violence that have already claimed countless lives, injured thousands, and forced millions of Sudanese people to flee their homes in search of safety. The impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, is particularly distressing.
Hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, and humanitarian aid workers face extreme risks in providing much-needed assistance.”
“The ongoing violence in Sudan is deeply troubling,” added Mr Moussa, “We stand in solidarity with the Sudanese community in Australia during this difficult time.
ACA calls on the Australian and international civil community to remain steadfast in supporting the people of Sudan and to take meaningful action to ensure their safety, security, and dignity. Together, we must work toward a future where the people of Sudan can live in peace and rebuild their lives free from violence.
COUNCILLOR THUY DANG ELECTED NEW BRIMBANK MAYOR
Cr Thuy Dang will lead the municipality for the next 12 months after being elected by her fellow Councillors at a Council Meeting on 20 November 2024 that was livestreamed to the public.
This is Cr Dang’s first time as Mayor. She had previously been elected to Council in 2020 and had served as Deputy Mayor in 2022.
Cr Dang said she was honoured to be elected Mayor, and thanked everyone who had supported her, as well as her fellow Councillors for unanimously supporting her nomination.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent our vibrant, multicultural, and growing City. As Mayor of Brimbank I look forward to leading Council in carrying out the important role our community has entrusted us with.
“As a refugee growing up in Australia, I have felt incredibly fortunate to call Australia home and always do my best to give back to my country.
“I am committed to working hard with my fellow Councillors to address the needs and concerns of all our residents and to make our City the best it can be.
“My goals are to empower women and young people, engage our multicultural communities, support mental health across our community, and to address climate change through sustainability – so that we can create an inclusive, thriving, and vibrant Brimbank.
“Together let’s work to transform Brimbank, to ensure it offers the best outcomes and experience for everyone who lives, works and visits our City.
“I will continue to build strong partnerships with Federal and State governments and stakeholders, to deliver benefits for Brimbank.
“I am committed to good governance, kindness and inclusion as I lead our Council in working to make Brimbank a better place for all,” the Mayor said.
Cr Victoria Borg was elected Deputy Mayor. She had previously been elected to Council in 2016 and 2020. This is her first time as Deputy Mayor.
The newly elected Brimbank Council was sworn in for a four-year term on 14 November 2024.
A recording of the meeting will be made available on Council’s website.
For more information on Brimbank’s new Council visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
Arab Council Australia
Gift of Kindness
SEEING THE BRIGHT SIDE
By Jamilah Samian | www.coolmumsuperdad.com
In life, we all experience moments when challenges seem overwhelming. Example: Perhaps you’ve prepared for a big presentation, rehearsed every line, yet when it’s time to deliver, your nerves take over, and your mind goes blank. Moments like these are common, but they don’t have to define us. Optimism - seeing the bright side - can make all the difference.
“Say, ‘O Prophet, that God says, “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in God’s mercy, for God certainly forgives all sins. He indeed is the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’”
(Al-Quran AzZumar: 39:53).
This Ayah (verse) emphasizes that no matter the circumstances, believers should always remain hopeful in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, fostering a positive outlook.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Amazing is the affair of the believer, verily all of his affairs are good and this is not for no one except the believer. If something of good/ happiness befalls him, he is grateful and that is good for him. If something of harm befalls him, he is patient and that is good for him.”
~ (Sahih Muslim (https:// sunnah.com/muslim:2999). This Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining
a positive outlook in all situations, whether good or bad, pain or pleasure.
The Power of Optimism
Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties; it’s about choosing to focus on opportunities and growth, even in adversity. When we approach setbacks with an optimistic mindset, we see them as temporary and manageable. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, optimism allows us to learn and evolve. This shift in focus can be transformative, especially in settings like work, school, or personal relationships. Each challenge becomes a chance to build resilience and become a stronger, more capable person.
A GrowthOriented Mindset
Optimism encourages a growth-oriented mindset.
It’s not just about thinking positively but about actively seeking ways to learn and improve. When something doesn’t go as planned, instead of asking “Why me?” an optimistic person might ask, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I use this experience to grow?” This approach encourages us to embrace challenges, knowing that each one holds the potential for personal development. In any selfimprovement journey, whether at work, school, or in personal life, optimism transforms every experience into an opportunity to refine our skills and reach new heights.
Optimism as a Daily Choice
Every day, we have the choice to decide how we respond to the situations we face. When confronted with a difficult moment, we can either feel overwhelmed or choose an optimistic outlook. This choice is empowering because it
reminds us that, regardless of what happens, we have control over our reactions. Choosing optimism allows us to focus on solutions rather than problems, to look for hope rather than despair. And this choice isn’t just beneficial for ourselves. It also has a positive ripple effect on those around us, inspiring others to adopt a brighter, more hopeful perspective.
Why Optimism Matters
In a world full of uncertainties, optimism transforms our perspective. It shifts our focus from setbacks to growth, reminding us that every challenge is an opportunity for learning. By fostering optimism as a mindset, we’re better equipped to face difficulties with resilience and see each experience as a step toward something greater. And by making optimism a conscious choice, we empower ourselves and
uplift those around us to see beyond today’s problems to tomorrow’s possibilities. Optimism doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it changes how we face them. So, the next time you’re feeling uncertain or discouraged, remember: you have the choice to see the bright side, to focus on what you’re learning, and to move forward with confidence. Each step you take, no matter how small, is progress toward becoming the person you aspire to be. With optimism as your guide, every experience becomes a building block for growth and resilience.
Jamilah Samian is the author of “Raise Me Right”, “Cool Mum Super Dad”, “Leadership In Parenting”, “The Kindness Miracle”, “Parenting Generation Y & Z”, “Cool Boys Super Sons” and “77 Power Parent Tips”.
SAFE PLACES FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES GRANTS 2024-25
Faith groups across Granville are encouraged to apply for a share of $5M to make their places of worship and commemoration safer and more secure.
They will be able to apply for grants of $5,000 to $250,000 under the Safe Places for Faith Communities program which are now open.
This new grant round gives those who missed out in the previous funding round and new applicants a chance to apply for funding to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.
The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing, and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.
An information session will be held online
on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November. To apply, visit multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/
FUNDING BOOST FOR KOROROIT EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer emergency services organisations in Kororoit have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes has announced the 2024-25 VESEP grant recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety.
Rockbank CFA has received funding for change room facilities, an equipment clean room and shower facilities which will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency.
VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements.
Since 2015, the Allan Labor Government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting local communities.
Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000.
There are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program.
“We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them.”
“Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program.” Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said.
“Congratulations to Rockbank CFA and all their deserving volunteers in Kororoit on receiving this grant. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up to date.” Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch said.
Nazim El-Bardouh
(LL.B, B.Tech, GDLP) Principal Solicitor Notary public
