Mosque officially opens after decade-long wait

Bendigo’s first-ever dedicated place of prayer for the Muslim faith, the partially-constructed Bendigo Islamic Community Centre (BICC) in East Bendigo, was officially opened this morning.

Premier and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan was joined by Muslim leaders from across Australia to open the mosque, including locals Bendigo Islamic Association president Sameer Syed and Dr Aisha Neelam, as well as various community representatives and long-time supporters of the centre’s development.

“Today is one of Bendigo’s finest days and it is so good to be standing here,” Ms Allan said. “It is worth remembering this is a place that some said should never be built, a place that some said didn’t belong in our community, a place that they said could change Bendigo for the worse, a place that we were not big enough for.

“Well, doesn’t it feel good to have proven those views wrong?

“Because here it is.”

She said the community centre’s opening was a proud day for Bendigo.

“People are happy, people are celebrating, that is what we are recognising today,” she said.

“That this is a place for families, it is a place for young people, a place of community.

“That’s why today matters, because it is proof that when something is right you stand up for it.

“You don’t wait, you don’t look away, you stand up.

“You stick with it, you fight for it, and that is what everyone here today did.

“Today is a celebration of faith, of community, of persistence, and of our great city of Bendigo – that when it was tested, chose to be better.”

 

The opening marks the completion of stages 1A and 1B of the BICC project.

The minaret and exterior of the mosque are also complete, with the next stage to focus on finishing the inside of the mosque and building kitchen facilities.

Dr Neelam said her heart was full to have a purpose-built place to pray after a long wait.

“As our community has migrated to Bendigo over the years, the one thing missing was somewhere to pray,” she said.

“To finally have a dedicated place to pray brings a profound sense of peace and comfort and strengthens our identity and belonging in a deeply meaningful way.

“Our celebrations today represent light and hope, with the community centre serving as a symbol of progress, perseverance and inclusion.”

 

Sameer Syed said the new community centre brought immense joy to the local Muslim community.

“We are truly overwhelmed and excited to stand alongside our brothers and sisters, and the many wonderful people in the Bendigo community who have supported us from the beginning, to celebrate this inclusive space,” he said.

“Today, we are filled with happiness to open a space that is for everyone.

“We hope the community centre develops into a wonderful multipurpose hub and meeting place.

“Everyone is welcome, we cannot emphasise that enough.”