Bluestar

On the 9th of June 2010, Bluestar Intercultural Centre (BIC) hosted a dinner in their premises in the honour of Senator Kate Lundy. The dinner was also attended by leading Muslim community leaders, academics, professional members and executive members from BIC.

The evening started with formal introductions as many had not met each other up until now. This was followed by reviewing Senator Lundy's profile and portfolio. Senator Lundy was quoted as saying,

This was the first time I have met leaders from the Muslim community. I am honoured to have met you all. As a member of the Labor party, explaining to the community our policies is our responsibility. Some individuals within the party may have contributed to some misunderstandings of policies but it is our duty to raise your concerns to our party. I hope you will be able to assist us with this.

After the BIC General Co-ordinator Abdul Celil Gelim welcomed the guests, the BIC Advisor Orhan Cicek said a few words. He stated that The Muslims living in Australia are law abiding citizens like other Australians. Due to some short sighted policies of the past, most of the time the Muslims have lived in reclusive mode being distant from social, cultural and political arena. They have been late in integrating with mainstream society. With your visit here tonight, to listen to a common set of concerns and issues, their needs and requests will most surely be an impetus to uniting everyone to one society. Otherwise the social and cultural integration process will take even longer.

Senator Lundy then went on to explain a senator's role and responsibility. She also described how a citizen can access a portfolio minister, MP and senators and how they have every right to pursue their rights in a democratic manner. She addes if they were to have any problems or issues they could raise this with the appropriate authorities. She also detailed the Labor party's existing policies.

In a friendly and supportive atmosphere, Senator Lundy stressed the importance of preserving and enriching the social and cultural values by seeking the assistance of their MPs. Also to raise concerns over matters that are important to you via democratic means as they are bound to be reviewed based on their merit and importance. She encouraged the community to  write to the MPs directly or through the media to get a response to their query.  She explained .

If you don't pursue your rights the leaders of this country will not be able to voice your concerns, as a result your needs will not be catered for. Please raise any of your concerns via the phone or via email. Also don't hesitate to commend the good things. If you don't raise your concerns or pass on your congratulatory comments, then the people who are representing you won't be able to speak on behalf of you. I personally will be vocalizing your concerns within my party. This auspicious gathering was a highlight for me. I hope these gatherings will increase and our trust and willingness to work each other to address key concerns that are common to us.

The program concluded with the BIC General Co-ordinator explaiining the center's activities and the presentation of the token gift to Senator Lundy.