Australia and in particular Sydney is something of a microcosm of  the World andreally illustrates how the interaction between many different cultures makesfor a wonderful place to live and work. As you would be aware, we are currently in the month ofRamadan, which commenced on 20 July and concludes on or around 19 August. Thisis a time of spiritual and social rejuvenation for many Muslims in Australia. Ramadan involves fasting during daylight hours, andbreaking the fast with an evening meal after sunset. During this month, thoseparticipating in Ramadan may spend more time praying, worshipping, reciting theQur’an and giving to charity. I am pleased to say that  Mr Ahmet Keskin, President,  Affinity Intercultural Foundationhas invited me and my wife to a Ramadan evening meal hosted by a family of Mustafa and Hatice Gokdemir in their beautiful home in Prestons – see the photo.  The initiative taken by the Affinity Intercultural Foundation to host Ramadan Iftar dinners for non-Muslims in homes of  Muslim families needs to be applauded as it builds bridges between our communities and contributes to better understanding of our cultural and religious diversity. I have also participated in the Ramadan  Iftar dinners at Parliament house on Wednesday 1 August and at the University of Western Sydney on  Saturday 4 November.