Chief Commissioner Simon Overland was presented an English translation of the Koran and prayer beads at Newport Mosque last Friday by Imam Abdul Razak Bakroo as part of the policeman’s promise to learn more about Islam and strengthen ties between Muslims and non-Muslims. Newport Islamic Society’s Mohamad El Hawli said his visit was a “milestone” for Victoria and members of the local Muslim community.

“We appreciate the effort Victoria Police force has gone to to work with us over the years,” Mr El Hawli said. “They have worked with Newport mosque so that unfortunate events which have occurred locally and internationally won’t have a negative effect on our community.”

Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria chairman Sam Afra said the visit was important for cross-cultural education.

“It is a big step to building a bridge to understanding and the working relationship between Victoria Police and the Muslim community here in Newport,” he said.

“And it is not just about Newport, but the Muslim community in Victoria.”

Mr Overland said his visit was part of growing respect between police and the Muslim community. But there was still work to be done.

“Our starting point always needs to be one of respect,” he said.

“Let’s not pretend there aren’t challenges. There are people on both sides who from time to time do the wrong, say the wrong thing, who believe the wrong thing.

“The challenge for us is to rise above that and always come back to that starting point of respect.”

Phoenix Westgate Migrant Centre president Dimitrios Avgoulis, a Greek Orthodox believer, said much progress had been made in bridging cultural divides in the Hobsons Bay area.

“I tell people don’t judge Islam by the Muslims, judge Islam by the faith,” he said.

Hobsons Bay will become home to Australia’s largest Islamic community centre by late 2010, with plans in progress to build a $12 million complex including a mosque, education centre and library at Blenheim Rd Newport.

Construction is expected to start in February.

Published: 15th December 2009 | Source: Hobsons Bay Leader