From the Herald Sun:

Muslims challenge prejudice
Darren Parkin
February 23, 2007

SICK of negative stereotypes in the wake of September 11, the Islamic community is striking back.

Muslims want to project a realistic image of their lives and distance themselves from controversial figures like Sydney sheik Taj el-Din al-Hilaly.

To do so, the Islamic Council of Victoria has joined forces with a federal agency to promote positive images of ordinary Muslims.

And a dinner will be held in Melbourne tonight to celebrate Muslims’ contribution to Australia.

Islamic Council project manager Neil Aykan said yesterday the campaign would highlight Muslims in their daily work, interacting with colleagues.

“There are a lot of high-profile figures such as the Sydney sheik who tend to constantly get media attention, which is unfortunate but a fact of life,” Mr Aykan said.

“The media seems to focus on controversial and provocative figures rather than real people, and these are the real people.”

Organised with the federal Department of Family Services and Indigenous Affairs, the program will recognise Muslims and non-Muslims who have contributed to social cohesion and integration.

More than 30 awards will be presented under the government-funded Bringing Communities Together program.

“It’s all about sharing our achievements, because we are all one country, and one society,” Mr Aykan said.

“It’s about bringing communities together.”

Two examples of Muslim young achievers are Sherene Hassan and Bachar Houli.

Ms Hassan is a cross-cultural trainer who has made more than 400 presentations about Islam since 2001. The mother of four eagerly awaits the day when Muslims represent Australian sporting sides internationally.

“I long for the day we have a Muslim on the Australian cricket team and a female Muslim hijabi representing Australia at the Olympics,” she said.

Houli, the first Muslim to be drafted into the AFL, signed with Essendon last year.

“As Muslims we should be proud of what unites us and demonstrate being peaceful and respectful individuals to others,” he said.