By LAURA WAKELY
RESIDENTS from the West with different cultures and beliefs have united in a show of peace.
The Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith Network called on members of the community to “stand up for peace” with a meeting at Duke St Reserve in Braybrook last Thursday.
Group member Garnet Johnson said the event, which was supported by councils and local police, was created in response to the film Innocence of Muslims, which ridiculed Islam, and the violent protests that erupted as a result of the film’s release, including clashes in Sydney.
“The Interfaith Network decided that we shouldn’t just allow the public’s perception of both Christians and Muslims to be tarnished by the violence that’s been going on, you know in Sydney and the video,” Mr Johnson said.
“We don’t agree with the violence and we don’t agree with the film.”
The Braybrook reserve was a symbolic place for the group to meet, with the trees planted by the Network last year evidence of how the group has grown and strengthened ties between different members of the community.
Brimbank Acting Inspector Jenny Wilson said there had been “no incidents” locally as a result of either the film or resulting riots.
Insp Wilson said it was fantastic to see a group of people, such as the Interfaith Network, working together to promote peace and harmony in the community and said it was important police engaged with them.
She said people understood the actions of those involved in the Sydney riots were not representative of the Muslim community as a whole and local Muslim leaders had been working together against a “repeat” in the West.
“It’s very important that we have an understanding of each other, we have patience and we have resilience,” Insp Wilson said.
“This period of time has been a test for the community, not just here, but in Victoria.
“And I think we’ve passed with flying colours.”
