How the Bahá’í Faith, a Persian religion built on peace, is changing the face — and music — of Mount Druitt

How a Pacific Islander community — and a Persian-born faith — are redefining the reputation of one of Sydney’s most notorious suburbs.

Mount Druitt. Mounty. 2770.

The suburb 38 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD has many names. Some are rapped with pride; others are wrapped in discrimination.

But two words rarely — if ever — associated with Mount Druitt are “purity” and “innocence”.

And yet, these are the qualities that Steven Maaelopa, a local of 25 years, perceives in his area.

“Living in Mount Druitt you see a different side to it altogether,” he says.

“There’s this innocence and purity and, you know, sense of love and…