On Wednesday, November 26, the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Moonee Valley Interfaith Network Inc. was held in the meeting hall of St Martin de Porres parish.

After the presentation of reports—the social report by Jan Lester, the financial report presented by Ilario Audino and approved by members and the annual address of its president, Frank Di Blasi—all active and experienced members of the outgoing committee were reappointed for the next twelve months.

They include vice-president Anthony De Fazio, treasurer Ilario Audino, committee members Mario Sabatini, Al-Amin Idris, Wasantha Perera and, in absentia, Diana Mana.

The Moonee Valley Interfaith Network, one of 35 such networks in Victoria, is made up of respected community leaders known for promoting understanding and constructive engagement across groups of different languages, cultures and faiths.

Like the other networks, it aims to welcome anyone interested in educational and cultural initiatives to take part in its activities. Since its establishment on March 22, 2012, the Network has organised numerous projects, including a notable visual arts exhibition at the Incinerator Gallery in Moonee Ponds and guided visits to Melbourne places of worship and cultural centres.

The Network also hosted a state conference that brought together representatives from interfaith groups across many cities and suburbs, providing a platform to discuss traditions and aspects of family life within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

In his annual address, Di Blasi—re-elected as president for the third time in thirteen years—emphasised that the Moonee Valley Interfaith Network will continue to plan and deliver a wide range of educational projects throughout 2026.

“These are projects we are confident will be well received by the Faith Communities Council of Victoria and by government representatives,” he said.

“I cannot conclude without expressing my personal gratitude to my colleagues on the executive and the committee for their support, collaboration and vision since the Network’s earliest days.

“We invite people of good character to join us: our activities exist solely to promote harmony, understanding and respect among different faiths and religions, with no intention of proselytising.”

The formal part of the meeting concluded with light refreshments offered by the committee.