Anti-Islamic group Restore Australia is encouraging Ballarat residents to protest against the development of a mosque in Canadian.
But the Ballarat Mayor Josh Morris says the city’s growing cultural diversity should be celebrated.
“One of the best things about Australia is its religious and cultural diversity.
“It’s really important to note that we as a city are growing, we as a city are becoming more diverse, and therefore there’s going to be a need in our community for facilities that are going to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.”
The Islamic Society of Ballarat’s plans to build the city’s first mosque at 116 Elsworth Street East have been approved by the City of Ballarat, with the building expected to provide enough space for 150 people to pray.
Cr Morris says while elected representatives have a responsibility to take into account the views of the community, objections to planning applications on the basis of political ideology are irrelevant to the planning process.
“Irrespective of faith everybody has a right to a place of worship and that’s something that I certainly respect and something that I believe as a society we should respect.”
The Catholic Mayor says while living in the United Arab Emirates he was fortunate enough to have access to a Catholic church.
“I think it’s really great that we see within an Islamic nation that there was welcoming of people of diverse faiths and people such as myself.
“So I think it’s really important that within our society we’re welcoming and understanding of everybody who lives here.”
Dr Ibrahim Sultan is an associate professor of engineering at Federation University and a past president of the Islamic Society of Ballarat.
He says the old house on the Canadian site will be slightly modified to become a mosque, with a possible annex built on to accommodate more people.
Dr Sultan says it won’t only be a place for Muslims to congregate.
“Even people from other faiths and backgrounds, or people interested to know about Islam or just talk to Muslims and discuss issues or ask questions will be most welcome.”
He says open days could also be held at the mosque.
“The community can turn up and have a chat, maybe a bit of a meal from Muslim countries. Muslims are generally generous people and they like to talk to people and have a meal with them.”
Dr Sultan says most Muslims in Ballarat are well-educated professionals.
“Muslims are here to help the community, they’re a part of the community. They are supporting the economy in Ballarat, they are supporting health services, they are teaching people at university, they are working for IT businesses and for different companies.
“So if you imagined Ballarat without Muslims now there would be a big gap left behind. We need to make these people feel welcome.”
He urged people who feel uncomfortable with the idea of having a mosque in the city to educate themselves.
“People should be coming to talk to us. Don’t protest without realising what’s happening, you have to have the whole story in front of you, the whole piccture before you decide you are going to protest.”