By Sarah Alawneh, 4th Year Medical Student, UNSW
On 16 March 2026, the AIMA NSW Riverina branch hosted its first multicultural Open Iftar in Wagga Wagga, bringing together over 90 healthcare professionals, students, and the wider community. The goal of the night was simple: to open the conversation around Ramadan and what it means for patients, colleagues, and healthcare practice.
Through a welcoming, informal atmosphere, guests engaged in honest conversations and gained firsthand insight into Muslim experiences. Infographics based on key points from Dr Habib Bhurawala’s talk were placed across the tables, offering easy-to-digest information on fasting and its relevance in clinical settings. These were a highlight of the evening and were well received by attendees.
Dr Waseem also shared personal reflections on Ramadan, adding both a professional and spiritual perspective to the evening.
More than anything, the night highlighted a simple but powerful idea: understanding comes through exposure. For healthcare professionals, that understanding is key to delivering truly patient-centred care.
The evening closed with a strong sense of community and shared purpose, setting the tone for future initiatives. Huge congratulations to the proactive students from UNSW and CSU for arranging such a blessed gathering for a night that truly embraced the opportunity to share our faith and traditions with the wider community.
We look forward to hosting more community Open Iftars throughout NSW next Ramadan.
This event was made possible through the generous support of iSmile Clinic Wagga, Dr Omer Shareef, Dr Syeda Begum, Dr Sara Yusuf, H & H Solutions Tax and Accounting Consultant, donations from AIMA members, and student volunteers.
