Hume is known and revered for its diversity of people and respect for all beliefs, ethnicities and races – especially its populous Muslim community. At the 2011 census, Muslims comprised 15.9 per cent of the population, which placed it second to Western (Roman) Catholics. Hume City Council’s efforts to incorporate Islamic celebrations, appreciation and respect have not gone unnoticed by the Muslim community; however, we believe there are a few important facilities that are missing.

Islam requires the observance of five daily prayers that must be offered at certain times. Unfortunately, Muslims who wish to visit a shopping centre and pray cannot do so because of an absence of a prayer room – namely, at the Broadmeadows Shopping Centre, which has a high Muslim traffic.

We call the Hume City Council to respect our religion’s requirements and allow us the freedom to observe our prayers and leisure activities. We ask for two prayer rooms (masjid) to be established at the Broadmeadows Shopping Centre – one for males and one for females. This would ease the lives of Muslims and also guarantee more foot traffic.

The respecting of religions and religious observances are mandatory for the inclusion of diversity and cosmopolitanism in a city inundated with vast ethnic and religious groups. Thus, the establishment of a prayer room will be a manifestation of Hume City Council’s vision: …connecting our proud community and celebrating the diversity of Hume.

Kind Regards, The Muslim Community of Hume.

Author: Sumeyya Ilanbey