Chùa Quang Minh - Buddhist Temple, Melbourne, Australia - Quang Minh Buddhist Temple

With people of more than 135 nationalities speaking 80 languages, the need for cultural understanding is as high in Maribyrnong as it is anywhere.

With that in mind, leaders from a range of religions and cultural groups gathered for an “interfaith tree planting” in Footscray’s Maddern Square last week.

The planting, which involved an indigenous welcome and smoking ceremony by a Wurundjeri elder, was to “symbolise peace, respect and harmony” as the suburb marks 150 years of history, Maribyrnong Mayor Michael Clarke said.

The council has secured $11,000 from a State Government fund for interfaith projects, with several other local organisations winning grants from the Victorian Multicultural Commission for similar proposals.

A series of events is planned for next month, including a youth interfaith forum at Braybrook’s Quang Minh Buddhist temple and interfaith workshops in Maribyrnong and Brimbank.