MAAG: Multifaith Advisory Action Group, Gold Coast
Aims and Vision
The Multicultural Advisory and Action Group (MAAG) was formed in 2015 as part of commitment of local community stakeholders to strengthen capacity to address Cultural and Religious issues of linguistically diverse communities.Religious and cultural diversity is the our community’s strength.
The aim of MAAG is to understand and appropriately respond to faith-related issues on the Gold Coast, Queensland and to support people from a diverse array of cultural and religious backgrounds and to promote social harmony, cohesiveness and empowerment of the people through education, integration, inculcating a sense of belonging to the society. The group meets regularly to discuss contemporary issues affecting faith communities. We also work with relevant government organisations such as the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland, the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Police to identify relevant support for these communities. By working together we can leverage the strengths of each and every faith-based community.
Objectives of MAAG
- Provide advice and recommendations to local groups and Council on multicultural and inter-faith issues;
- Promote and celebrate cultural and religious diversity by advocating for increased awareness and understanding of issues and needs of specific and new and emerging communities;
- To seek the highest wisdom and the most expedient expression for the well-being of the community.
Membership
All members of the community, incorporating a cross-section across gender, age, cultural background, established communities and newly arrived communities will be invited to join MAAG. Members should have an interest and involvement in local and/or broader multicultural community affairs, advocacy and networks; contributing to MAAG’s aims and objectives and a commitment to making a positive difference for the residents of the City of Gold Coast.
The complete terms of reference for MAAG is available here.
Currently, representatives of all major faith groups are members of MAAG. They include Bahais, Buddhists, Christians (various denominations), Hindus, Jews, and Muslims. We have regular meetings are different places of worship which enables all to understand the different beliefs and styles of worship.
The current office bearers are:
- President: Ree Ali
- Secretary: Mokhtiar Singh