The QIS also believes that bringing members of Parliament, faith and community leaders and members of the Muslim community together for a Ramadan Iftar dinner is an excellent opportunity to enhance existing relationships and create new ones, encourage interfaith dialogue and promote a greater understanding of Islam in the wider community. Such gatherings also help Muslims overcome the isolation they feel and help the wider community to overcome some of the prejudices and misunderstanding that occurs at times. These events are very social and informal  occasions that allow all participants to interact and learn from the personal experiences of each other.

Hon John Mickel MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland hosted a number of members of the Parliament, faith and community leaders and members of the Muslim community at Parliament House for an Iftar Dinner program on 31 August 2009. 92 guests attended the event which took place in the historical Premier’s Hall that was constructed in 1887.

Amongst the guests who participated in this significant event were Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade Stephen Robertson MP, Leader of the Opposition John-Paul Langbroek, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lawrence Springborg, President of ICQ Suleiman Sabdia, Multicultural Affairs QLD Executive Director Garry Page, Luigi Casagrande and Maria Maruca from Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry QLD, David Paratz and Ariel Heber from Qld Jewish Community Services, Chairperson of Ethnic Communities Council QLD Agnes Whiten, the Director of the Islamic Women's Assoc. Galila Abdelsalam, Dr John Millar from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representatives from the Catholic Community, LDS Church, deans and professors of various universities and representatives of many different ethnic groups and religions.

When the time came for Iftar, the Adhan was recited right after breaking of fast, Muslim guests performed their prayers at a designated prayer room in the Parliament. The official program commenced with Imam Gazali performing sufi music and then reciting from the Quran with the English translation presented on the display screen for all to follow and understand.. The program continued with a speech by Hon John Mickel who welcomed the guests to Parliament House and spoke on the need for all to work towards being socially inclusion  He was  followed by Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek, President of the Islamic Council of Queensland  Suleiman Sabdia and QIS Director Murat Coskun. Both Mr. Sabdia and Mr Coskun explained the meaning and purpose of Ramadan and fasting and set the tone for a warm and pleasant evening that was to follow.

It was time for the award ceremony. First the sponsors of the event Sunshine Kebabs and Ahmet's Restaurant were presented with Certificates of Appreciation by Mr Stephen Robertson and Mr. Lawrence Springborg respectively. Next, Mr John Mickel was awarded with a special Certificate of Appreciation award by Yasar Savran, Director of QIS for Mr Mickel's extraordinary efforts in helping QIS organize the event.

The final presentation for the evening was  our annual "Building Bridges" award. Each year QIS presents a "Building Bridges" award to individuals and/or organizations who have contributed their time, energy, leadership, and dedication to the cause of intercultural dialogue, peace, tolerance, community service and understanding. QIS President Fatih Asar presented Building Bridges 2009 award to Mustafa Ally, the editor of CCN Newsletter for his tireless and sincere efforts in bringing different cultural and religious leaders of society together.

The program then continued with a reflection session during which guests at each table were given the opportunity to present their views. The unanimous consensus of the evening was that it was a wonderful occasion to bring the different communities together and share in the experiences of Muslims as they broke their fasts at the end of the day.

Fatih Asar, Murat Coskun, Yasar Savran of QIS with Hon John Mickel MP, Ariel Heber, JP Langbroek, Lawrence Springborg

Murat Coskun and Yasar Savran of QIS with Hon John Mickel MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lawrence Springborg, Fatih Asar and Ariel Heber

Mehmet Korkmaz from QECF and 2009 Building Bridges Award Winner Mustafa Ally from CCN among guests socializing

Community leaders and MPs found plenty of time to socialize with the guests

Opposition leader John Paul Langbroek with QIS Ladies Canan Coskun, Ayse Savran and Emriye Hanim

Maria Maruca and Luigi Casagrande from ICCI QLD, John Mickel and Fatih Asar - President of QIS

A very warm atmosphere was formed at the QIS Ramadan iftar dinner and community leaders and MPs agreed to take this to a higher level and arrange a wider organization next time

Murat Coskun, Hon John Mickel MP, Yasar Savran of QIS with Fatih Asar

Sultan Deen, Nasir Butrous and Garry Page

Janeth Deen, Ayse Savran, Galila Abdulsalam

Marcus Kuczynski from Courier Mail, Nasir Butrous and Davis Pascoe from ACU, David Forde from Kuraby Lions Club

Maria Maruca and Luigi Casagrande from ICCI QLD, QIS Director Yasar Savran