FEATURE 16

Crescent Awards recognise Muslim trailblazers

Lifetime Achievement Award Distinction in Beginning to Teach Winner: Madenia Aburahman Winner: Abdul Kareem

This major award acknowledges, showcases and celebrates Muslim learners who reflect the ongoing effort of becoming a balanced human being (“al-insan al mutawazin” ) – aspirationally following the Prophet’s (s) example.

Crescent Wealth Deputy Managing Director, Miriam Silva AM said the awards provided a tremendous opportunity to showcase the many passionate and talented Muslim educators, students and school administrators in the wider Australian community not just in Muslim institutions.

Ms Silva pointed out that, “the Australian Muslim community has grown to around a million people, who through all walks of life are now making a major contribution to Australia. A new generation of Australian Muslims is emerging through our schools and educational settings and the communities they serve.”

“Through the Crescent Awards we want to recognise those young people who demonstrate outstanding achievement, contribution and service, and the leading educators, educator teams and schools who enable them to excel and pave the way for a brighter future for our community and our society. It is their time to shine,” she concluded.

Mr Talal Yassine OAM, Managing Director, Crescent Wealth while congratulating all the winners as well as the finalists thanked the award partners, sponsors, judges and the volunteers for making the event a great success.

Information on winners and runners up can be found at crescentawards.com.au

Information on the Judging Panel can be found at: crescentawards.com.au/judges

Educator Individual Awards

Distinction in Beginning to Teach

Winner: Ebony Kerrigan, Islamic College of Brisbane

Dr Anne Aly, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth. Photo credits: The Crescent Foundation/ Imbuity.

Professor Peter Shergold AC presenting School Award for Innovation and Renewal to Executive Principal Mohammed Taksim of Minaret College. Photo credits: The Crescent Foundation/Imbuity. Abdul Karim Galea receiving the Crescent Awards Lifetime Achievement Award from Professor Mohamad Abdalla AM. (Photo by Zia Ahmad).

Staff and students from Arkana College. Runner-Up: Nisa Johnson, Islamic College of Brisbane

Excellence in Teaching

Winner: Rijad Salkanovic, Unity Grammar Runner-Up: Leila Qadan, Unity Grammar

Leadership

Winner: Mariam Bernard, Unity Grammar Runner-Up: Shadia Ghazi, Arkana College K-6 Islamic School

Innovation

Winner: Roset Rawa Khair, Unity Grammar Runner-Up: Shahinda Kandil, Australian International Academy, Kellyville

TLC Community Award

Educator Team Awards

Learning Environments

Winner: Islamic College of Brisbane, Sakinah Greenhouse Gardens

Runner-Up: Ilim College

Curriculum

Winner: Craig Burchell Islamic College of Brisbane – Futsal Excellence Program

Runner-Up: Maneesha Iqbal, Fauzina Nabi, Mohammed Shah, Aanisah Buksh, Suraiya Girach – Islamic College of Brisbane Primary School Waste Free Wednesdays Team. Photo credits: The Crescent Foundation/ Imbuity.

Madenia Abdurahman receiving Crescent Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.

Winner: Mehar Ahmad, Harrington St. Public School

Runner-Up: Roset Rawa Khair, Unity Grammar

Contribution

Winner: Rukhsana Ashraf, Islamic College of Brisbane (Primary) Runner-Up: Irfan Meduselac, Australian International Islamic College

School Awards

School Innovation and Renewal

Winner: Minaret College, Runner-Up: Arkana College

TLC Community Impact

Winner: Unity Grammar, Runner-Up: Arkana College

AUSTRALIA 18 - 20 Will Australia comply with China’s four-point grievances to repair the relationships?

Kazi Haq

In an effort to repair relationships, China handed in a four-point list of things to the Labor Party of Australia in July 2022. Previously, China handed the media the 14-point grievance by Beijing’s embassy in Canberra.

It is very upsetting how a sovereign state dictates another sovereign state to comply with unfair demands unless it’s a vassal country. It is also not seen in the recent past that such actions have been conducted against any sovereign states.

China’s rhetoric is palpable to Australia, which needs federal government approval to comply.

In reality, China first started noncooperation with Australia by preventing Australian goods from importing. Australia tried to sort it out, but China stopped answering even phone calls from its Australian counterpart.

Yet, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) unofficial spokes magazine, Global Times, kept making Australia responsible for repairing the relationships. After two years of stalemate, toned down a bit, China placed a 4-point to-do list to bring back rapprochement, as follows: 1. Australia must treat China as a “partner rather than a rival”. 2. The two countries must seek “common ground while shelving difference”. 3. Australia must reject “manipulation by a third party”. Anyone can understand who they are referring to. 4. Both countries must build “public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism”.

The main reason for China’s anger against Australia is included in its 14-point grievance in Serial 5, “call for an international independent inquiry into the COVID-19 virus, acted as a political manipulation echoing the

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and China’s Wang Yi. Credit: AAP

US attack on China.”

China immediately retaliated by stopping importing Australian goods, such as wine, beef, coal, barley, timber, seafood, etc, by citing flimsy excuses.

In a similar way, China stopped importing goods from littoral countries of the South China Sea and stopped tourism in Pacific countries that went against the decision of the CCP.

After becoming a leading power, China is using its economic leverage ruthlessly against weak nations, and Chinese diplomats are adept at compelling them to kowtow before CCP.

Australia’s robust economy could resist CCP’s coercion, but it’s hard for weak nations to resist such economic oppression.

The deplorable characteristics of CCP have started to expose to the world. It’s happening in front of our eyes. Some weak nations have already fallen into the debt trap of China, as happened with Sri Lanka, and now many other countries appear to be moving in that direction.

Yes, the world has seen the brutality of Western imperialists, including Japan. History reminiscences them with great disgrace.

Does CCP follow the same ideology as those tyrannic leaders did? Democratic people would not accept that. People are now much more civilized and knowledgeable.

The whole world expressed concerns about China’s economic retaliation against Australia. Yet Australia has shown remarkable restraint in repudiating China’s demand. The beauty of democracy is that democratic values prevent its people from exhaling dudgeon against China.

Australia is making decisions best suited for its country’s development and better for its people. China cannot dictate the Australian parliament.

Are Australians aware of China’s profligate action of dictating the Australian government?

Australian media appear not adept in making ballyhoos like the Global Times. However, a Pew Research survey in 2020 shows that 81% of Australians see China as unfavourable, which is 24% higher than last year.

Although President Xi Jinping strongly supports “socialism is better than democracy”, yet Australia’s GDP per capita is three times higher than China’s. Taiwan is a strong democratic country whose GDP per capita is five times higher than China.

These are facts but frustrating for CCP.

Chinese diplomats are no more naive than in earlier days; they are now very severe in expounding CCP’s propaganda worldwide. Former Chairman Mao Tsetung and Premier Chou En-lai stated, “China will never be a superpower, and it opposes hegemony and power politics of any kind”.

Virtually, China is now a superpower.

No one stops China from becoming a superpower, but the question arises with its “hegemony and power politics”. CCP’s ideology has changed from its founding leaders. President Xi Jinping wishes to win power politics with the West.

Also, Xi appears to overcome Deng Xiaoping’s philosophy, “hide your strength, bide your time”. The most crucial question is, is China ready to challenge the whole West, including Asian economic powers?

China’s conduct appeared crossed diplomatic norms by asking Australia to comply with CCP’s requirements. Australia did not respond to China’s wish list. Now the world is watching how Australia takes vengeance against China’s one-sided decision to ban imports of Australian goods.

Undoubtedly, China’s decision makes an indelible impact on Australia’s strategy that Australia would consider in its foreign policy that may not favour CCP.

CCP should know a truly democratic country cannot ignore the people’s verdict and will not bow down to a dictator. That would drive China to use either its wolf-warrior or soft diplomacy.

China appears to have no option other than to soften its tone.

Kazi Haq is a retired Commodore from Bangladesh Navy and an electrical engineer. He served as Director in Prime Minister’s Office, National Parliament, and Managing Director of a dockyard. Kazi is the founding member of BIMRAD(Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development). He is now based in Sydney.

Dementia exposed to raise awareness

Najla Turk

Currently, there are more than 55 million people with dementia worldwide and this number is expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058.

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the greater Sydney region is fast growing. Approximately 65% of people with dementia live within the community.

Did you know Dementia has become the leading cause of death for women in Australia?

Carers are experiencing carer burnout and dealing with community stigma in addition to their roles. Of greater concern therefore is, who cares for the carer?

Dementia is an umbrella term for various types of brain degeneration – whether Fronto-temporal, Vascular, Alzheimer’s or Lewy Bodies type dementia. The commonality is that the brain is dying and eventually the disease will affect all senses and abilities.

Our brains are our engine room so this process will make it increasingly difficult to engage socially and to hold onto the relationships that are important to us, or the way in which we engage in the activities we enjoy.

Understanding dementia is about understanding changes in the way we communicate. Some abilities are lost but others are retained. It is important all persons engaging with people with dementia distil what is retained. To

How do you live well with dementia? Familiarise yourself with Dementia Reframed. Dr Gaynor Macdonald and Dr Jane Mears are co-authors of Dementia as Social Experience: Valuing Life and Care. Both authors are founders and drivers behind ‘Dementia Reframed’. Their vision has become a growing global movement as they seek to broaden the understanding of those living with dementia and everyone else touched by the disease. Their focus is on caring for the carer and providing information to support carers on their journey. Experts from across the globe in health and aged care, including those with lived experience, hope to share the latest in dementia research practice and innovation. Whether you are a health professional, work in allied health, community or someone who wants to know more about dementia, do not miss this opportunity to understand the complexity of dementia. Register at www.dementiaconference.com/ register for the Dementia Centre and HammondCare International Dementia conference, to be held on Thursday 8 to Friday 9 September 2022.

As well I encourage you to read Sarah Wallace’s personal story after her husband’s diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia. The book “Behind Closed Doors: One Family’s Journey through the Australian Aged Care System” is an invaluable resource of the most likely outcome in the event of lack of proper care and sustained human rights violation.

It is with deep sadness that our friend and

dementia advocate, Dr Gaynor Macdonald passed suddenly from an incurable cancer. Gaynor asked we keep Dementia Reframed alive. VALE Gaynor.

fo cus on strengths not losses, regardless of gender and age.

What is dementia? Think of dementia as a challenge in communication.

Dr Gaynor Macdonald with Najla Turk.

Najla Turk is a highly skilled author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Najla’s expertise lies in building individual capabilities and skillsets that help improve engagement and participation.

Climate Change We need to act now

Sydney CBD march on 10 January 2020 due to bushfire emergency and climate change protests

Muhammad Adnan

Every day, we see the effects of climate change in the news – from droughts and floods to heatwaves and hurricanes. Climate change is a global problem, and it requires a global solution.

We must all work together, governments, international and local businesses, and individuals in order to make the changes necessary to protect our planet. Time is running out, and we need to act now.

Role of governments

Governments worldwide have a crucial role in preventing and mitigating climate change. They must enact policies to reduce emissions, support clean energy, and protect people and nature from the impacts of climate change.

But while governments and businesses are taking steps to reduce emissions and slow the pace of climate change, individuals also have a role to play.

Individual responsibilities

We all need to take responsibility for our behaviour and make changes in our everyday lives to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

There are lots of ways we can help protect our planet from climate change: recycle more; drive less; eat more plants; reduce food waste; walk more; plant trees; buy less stuff; turn off lights when not in use (and switch them on again when you go back); share with others what you’ve learned about how your actions affect our environment; join a grassroots movement for change where you live or work (it doesn’t matter if you’re an environmentalist or not).

And when we all do our part, we can impact the fight against climate change. We need to fundamentally rethink the way we live our lives if we’re going to make a dent in this problem. That means re-evaluating everything from the food we eat to the way we power our homes.

Behaviour change models

Behaviour change models are often proposed to shape public behaviour related to climate change, but they have limitations. One of the biggest challenges is to make these models sustainable. Even if a behaviour change model successfully induces someone to adopt a new behaviour, there is no guarantee that they will maintain that behaviour over the long term.

There are also challenges in designing behaviour change models that are effective and scalable.

Climate change is a global problem, and any behaviour change model that will make a significant impact will need to reach a large number of people.

Overall, we must take a comprehensive approach that includes other measures such as education, regulation, and technological innovation.

Role of media in shaping public opinions on climate change

No matter what our individual behaviours may be, it is important to remember that they all add up. This is where the media comes in.

By raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting positive behaviour change, the media can play a vital role in shaping public opinion on climate change.

Through news stories, documentaries, and public service announcements, the media can raise awareness about the causes and effects of climate change.

Additionally, the media can provide information about how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint through lifestyle changes such as conserving energy, recycling and driving less.

By increasing public awareness and understanding of climate change, the media can play a crucial role in fostering behavioural change.

Muhammad Adnan is a young journalist and researcher. He can be reached via Twitter at @Iammadnan.

Sydney campaign against enforced disappearance

Dr Faroque Amin

Enforced disappearance is a crime against humanity and an oppressive tool used by dictators and oppressive regimes in many countries. The United Nations declared 30 August as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance to take a stand against this gross human rights violation. The South Asian Policy Initiative and Global Voice for Humanity are organising a community awareness event in Sydney on Tuesday 30 August at Martin Place, Sydney.

The organisers have sent out a media release stating that they are planning to organise a rally on Tuesday 30 August 2022, Tuesday at 2 pm at the corner of Martin Place and Macquarie St in Sydney CBD, in front of the NSW Parliament House.

In order to promote this event and invite a mass audience, the organisers gathered on Saturday 13 August 2022 in Lakemba, the most multicultural suburb of Australia. During the afternoon, they distributed leaflets and informed people about this upcoming event. Songs were sung, and poems were recited that described the victims abducted by governments for years and the plights of their families.

Rahat Shantonu, a popular Bangladeshi singer, sang various songs and Habib Rahman recited various poems. Among the organisers presents were Shibly Sohail, Md Abdullah Yousuf, Dr Humair Chowdhury Rana, Councillor Masud Khalil, Liakot Ali Shawpon, Moslehuddin Arif, Kudrat Ullah Liton, Sohel Iqbal Mahmud, Zakir Alam Lenin, ANM Masum, Khairul Kabir Pinto, Rashed al-Hasan, Mahbubur Rahman Mamun, Abdul Karim, Abdul Matin Ujjal.

Enforced disappearance was a pandemic in many South American countries during the seventies and the eighties. Currently, Bangladesh is the enforced disappearance capital of the world.

A 2021 report by Human Rights Watch mentioned, “Although security forces in Bangladesh have long committed grave human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial executions, including under previous governments, enforced disappearances in particular have become a hallmark of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s over decade-long rule.”

In this context, most of the organisers of this year’s Sydney event are from Bangladeshi backgrounds. They said that various other communities, including the first nation people, social justice organisations, Indian communities and others will join this event on Tuesday 30 August.

Dr Faroque Amin works with Suprovat Sydney, a Bengali community newspaper published from Sydney, Australia.