2 December 2005
Monash University will host two important forums next week addressing the media's representation of Victoria's diverse ethnic and religious communities.
The Media Community Forum, co-hosted with Victoria Police, will be held on Monday 5 December. The forum aims to raise awareness of how the media approaches its coverage of terrorism and counter-terrorism measures as well as help the media better understand the concerns of Victoria's diverse ethnic and religious communities. Guest speakers include representatives from the media, community groups, Victoria Police and Monash University.
The Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Media Forum will be held on Tuesday 6 December. A panel discussion will explore the representation of Muslims in the Australian media. This roundtable discussion aims to bring together academic experts and community leaders to discuss how the Australian Muslim community is presented to the wider community and how the community perceives current media coverage. The findings of a study: Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Media (Herald Sun and The Age) conducted by Monash academics Dr Shahram Akbarzadeh and Ms Bianca Smith will also be released.
First event
What: Media Community Forum
When: 9am to midday, Monday 5 December
Where: Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
Speakers: Assistant Commissioner Kieran Walshe and Ms Nicole McKechnie, Victoria Police; Professor Gary Bouma, Monash University; Ms Leila Alloush, Islamic Women Welfare Council of Victoria; Ms Sally Neighbour, ABC Four Corners; Mr Keith Moor, Herald Sun; Ms Alison Caldwell, ABC radio and current affairs.
For more information on this conference contact Diane Squires, Media Communications on 9905 9315 or 0417 603 400.
Second Event
What: The Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Media - roundtable discussion and release of Representation of Islam and Muslims in the Media (Herald Sun and The Age) report .
When: 6 to 7.30 pm, Tuesday 6 December
Where: Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
Speakers: Dr Shahram Akbarzadeh and Dr Bianca Smith, Monash University; Mr Yasser Soliman, former president Islamic Council of Victoria; Mr Waleed Aly, Islamic Council of Victoria
For more information contact Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on 9905 1253. | 
