MPs cook up way to mark Ramadan

IGNORING old proverbs about heat and kitchens, state and federal politicians joined a group of volunteers at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque to prepare and pack 300 takeaway Iftar meals for the local community earlier this month.
Happy to showcase their culinary skills were State MPs including Auburn’s Lynda Voltz, Lakemba’s Jihad Dib, and Canterbury’s Sophie Cotsis; NSW Legislative Council Members Anthony D’Adam and Mark Buttigieg; NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay; and Federal MPs Blaxland’s Jason Clare and Parramatta’s Julie Owens.
Also joining the group was Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation chairperson Abdurrahman Asaroglu.
“We are committed to our local community,” he said.
“These takeaway Iftars are one way we have kept the spirit of Ramadan alive during this pandemic.”
Community groups, international students and local families visited the Mosque in the afternoon to collect the meals, while Ms McKay and Mr Dib also joined the Muslim Women Australia group in Lakemba to deliver some meals.
Ms Voltz said the generosity was a great illustration of the community spirit in Auburn.
“We love coming together in Auburn, particularly for Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan,” she said.
“Unfortunately the Covid-19 situation and the restrictions in place have limited our opportunities for that in 2020.
“It has been great to join with the Mosque and help prepare a delicious Iftar meal for so many in the community.
“This is a very important time in our community and I want to thank my state and federal colleagues and the Mosque for coming together for this event.”