a special ramadan gathering for north melbourne and flemington high-rise residents

Earlier this week, residents from North Melbourne and Flemington public housing high-rise gathered for a special Ramadan Iftar (breaking of the fast) community event, together with people of all faiths and ethnicities.

Ramadan is being observed by Muslims from 12 April – 12 May. Each evening during Ramadan, Iftar is held – the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. They break their fast at the time of the call to prayer for the evening prayer.

This year’s Ramadan is particularly special for Muslims in Melbourne, who were unable to gather with friends and family for Iftar last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This community weren’t able to come together for Iftar last year, so for the Muslim residents this community event is a real milestone,” said Abdi Moalin, cohealth Community Engagement Worker, and member of the Somalian community.

“The daily breaking of the fast at sunset – Iftar – is a very important time for Muslim people to be with their friends and family,” he said.

The event, co-ordinated by cohealth, the Somali Community Inc. and the Australian Somali Football Team is part of ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the North Melbourne and Flemington high-rise community after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The Iftar was also used as an opportunity to share important health information relating to COVID-19 and vaccinations.