Australia’s first Muslim MP Anne Aly was among those who answered the question ‘What makes a good life?’ at the Al Salam Peace Festival in Adelaide in January.
She is part of a video produced by ACH Group and launched to coincide with Harmony Day today to celebrate cultural diversity.
ACH Group is a major sponsor of the Al Salam Peace Festival, hosted each year by the Islamic Society of Australia.
Ms Aly, who was appointed to Parliament last year, said for her, a good life meant being able to pursue a passion without fear.
“It’s a life where you are surrounded by family, friends, loved ones and the time to do the things you really enjoy but also a life where you feel that you can make a difference – whether that’s a small difference, or a great difference,” she said.
Others who contributed to the video include Tasneem Chopra, a TEDx presenter and Australian Muslim Achievement Awards (AMAA) 2013 Woman of the Year, who said: “A good life for me is equality without exception, regardless of where you’re from, what you believe in or what you do.”
ACH Group Chief Executive Officer Ray Creen said he was looking forward to celebrating Harmony Day.
He experienced first-hand the effects of prejudice and bigotry after a childhood in Northern Ireland and as a senior manager coordinating the ambulance response during the London bombing.
“Today I’ll be taking a moment to cherish, respect and appreciate the fascinating range of cultures, religions and ethnicities that we have in Australia and also within our own organisation.”
A total of 45 per cent of ACH Group’s workforce were born overseas and 30 per cent speak a first language other than English.
As well as celebrating and acknowledging cultural backgrounds, religious and spiritual beliefs and practices, ACH Group runs a Muslim Communities Project and Cambodian Program.
Watch the video here.