My husband, daughter, granddaughter and I met up with friends there and had a lovely time.

Our fellow Australians of the Muslim faith — mums, dads, young people and beautiful little ones — were so warm and welcoming, and there was just such a sense that each of these people is somebody one would be proud to call a neighbour or a friend.

We felt honoured to be their guests and will definitely support further events the society hosts.

I very much enjoyed a chat with Cr David Thurley, finding as I did common ground in regretting the propaganda about terrorists that unfairly brands all Muslim people.

It is most encouraging to know that one of our local pollies is challenging the racist, xenophobic ordure that is all too often shamefully fuelled by other politicians.

Cooks had obviously turned out their most prodigious culinary skills with the array of delicious foods from several different Islamic cultures.

I had trouble pronouncing some of them, but enjoyed all of them.

I encourage people to go along next year and see for themselves.

It’s not necessary to share a belief system or an ethnic background to find mutual respect and friendship.

— LOUISE McORMOND-PLUMMER,

Lavington