The Melbourne Press Club and the Australian Intercultural Society invite you to the 4th Media Iftar Dinner on Thursday 13 April 2023.

This is an opportunity to bring together a cross-section of Melbourne's diverse society during Ramadan to share a meal and conversations. During the event there will be a panel discussion on the topic of “Faith in a Secular Age - Why belief and religion still matter” with Dr Diana Cousens, Barney Zwartz and Huda Hayek. The conversation will be moderated by Karen Percy.

The panel will discuss where faith sits in an ever increasing secular society. It will look at issues such as the extent of freedom of expression in society and whether faith communities are being marginalised and silenced on matters they feel strongly about.

Dr Diana Cousens is a Tibetologist who publishes on the Tibetan treasure tradition, engaged Buddhism and is active in interfaith dialogue programs. She is the foundation President of Sakyadhita Australia and Vice President of the Buddhist Council of Victoria.

Barney Zwartz is a senior fellow of the Centre for Public Christianity. He was formerly the religion editor of The Age newspaper from 2002 to 2013.

Huda Hayek is a journalist, primary school teacher and children's book author. She enjoys exploring themes of identity - what it means to be Australian, Muslim, and Lebanese.

Moderator: Karen Percy is a journalist, director and media advocate. She has championed diversity in the media industry. She sits on the board of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance as the union’s Media President. She also is Deputy Chair of the Walkley Foundation.

This event has concluded. Images below supplied by AIS.

Above: Dr Diana Cousens, Huda Hayek (speaking), and Barney Zwartz.

Above: MPC CEO Nick Richardson, Dr Diana Cousens (speaking), and Huda Hayek.