Melbourne Grand Mosque
The facilities are geared at bringing people together to foster harmony and strong citizenship, development of knowledge and skills in an ethically structured manner.
Also aimed at being a bridge to all faith and non-faith communities, institutions, groups where discussions and dialogue are regularly held to maintain and improve relationships. Subject matter experts would be regular in delivering presentations for the community’s benefit.
The youth are particularly expected to benefit as they would have a place to interact with their peers with sport and recreation among all of the other facilities giving them a great prop to become upstanding and productive.
History of Werribee Islamic Centre (WIC)
Incorporation and early efforts (2001)
The journey of the Melbourne Grand Mosque (MGM) began with the incorporation of the Werribee Islamic Centre (WIC) on 24 January 2001. It marked the establishment of the first multi-ethnic Islamic organsation in Australia. The first president, Mahrooms Sh. Mahamood Ali, along with his dedicated team, successfully purchased land and a musalla, and obtained the council permit to build a mosque. Key team members included Dr Saeed, Ahmed Farah, Abdul Shakoor, Zarook Sali, Shabeer Mosahee, and Mohamed Masood. Together, they raised funds to buy land at 143-145 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.
Building the Virgin Mary Mosque (2004)
In 2004, under the leadership of Mohamed Masood, the Virgin Mary Mosque was constructed within four months. It officially opened on 2 October 2004, thanks to major financial contributors like Radwan Haddara, the Kashab Family and Abdul Shakoor. Additionally, they purchased an imam residence with the help of Br Kamrul Chowdry and appointed Sh Issa as the permanent imam in 2005, with Sh Nawas as assistant imam.
MGM land purchase and vision (2009-2012)
December 2009 saw the significant purchase of land for the Melbourne Grand Mosque for $2.765 million, covering two blocks. The planning permit was approved by the Wyndham City Council in 2011, with support from Hon. Julia Gillard. On 8 June 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard attended the foundation laying ceremony for the mosque.
Expansion and Community Growth
By 2015 the team expanded with new members including Rifai Raheem and Imran Khan. The foundation of MGM was completed in 2016. In 2017, Dr Ahmed Hassan succeeded Mohamed Masood as president. His team successfully handed over the Virgin Mary Mosque to teh Australian Islamic Mission for $2.260 million, facilitating the commencement of the second state construction of MGM.
Completion and Community Services (2021 – present)
In 2021 Rifai Raheem took the position of president. His team oversaw the final stages of MGM’s construction, leading to its completion. Since 2022, the mosque expanded its services including Janazah services and Child care services. Additionally, a weekend school was established for children to learn Islamic and Quranic Knowledge.
The journey of MGM is marked by dedication, community support and visionary leadership. The future holds promise for further growth and service to the community, with ongoing projects and initiatives under the new leadership insha’Allah. May Allah bless their efforts.
