Growing Muslim Community in Rural Australia Spurs Construction of New Mosque
Young, located more than 370 kilometers southwest of Sydney and known for its cherry orchards, has become home to hundreds of Muslim families seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle.
Many have relocated from major cities over the past five years, though the Muslim presence in the town traces back to the late 1980s, SBS News reported on Sunday.
Bassem Ali, a longtime resident, recalled how his family was among the first Muslim settlers in Young. Originally from Lebanon, they sought a rural lifestyle similar to what they had known in their home country. “We did it, 37 years later, we're still here,” he said, reflecting on the decision his family made decades ago.
Today, Arabic is the second most spoken language in the town, and one in ten residents is believed to be Muslim.
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The town’s only mosque, established in 1994 and managed by the Lebanese Muslim Association, has played a central role in welcoming new arrivals. However, the small prayer space has become insufficient, especially during large gatherings such as Eid.
“[Young] is away from the city, there's a mosque, there's a small community. Just by me saying that to you, you would want to move here,” said Abdullah Sultan, who leads the mosque committee.
To meet growing demand, construction began last year on a much larger mosque that will accommodate over 1,000 worshippers—nearly five times the capacity of the original facility.
This place of worship will serve not just as a religious space, but as a symbol of opportunity and growth, Sultan said.
Source: Agencies
