Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Last month, I was proud to attend the 50th anniversary of Melbourne's first mosque, in Carlton. Albanian Australian Islamic Society hosted a lively festival on Drummond Street, which was closed off so that the food trucks and stalls could be rolled in, accompanied by a jumping castle that kept my kids and many others happy. I was also happy to present a plaque to the mosque with my colleague the state member for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell, congratulating and thanking the AAIS for their service to the community. I was proud and moved to witness the first ever Adhaan, or call to prayer, from the mosque's minaret. It was a humbling moment demonstrating everything that I love about Melbourne. This mosque, which for 50 years has stood alongside heritage listed Victorian cottages that are up the road from Lygon Street and around the corner from churches, coffee shops and parks, is one of the many institutions that make Melbourne the culturally rich and diverse epicentre I am honoured to represent.

I would particularly like to pass on my thanks and congratulations to the key volunteers involved in making the day such a success: the AAIS president, Urim Balla; youth community member, Iman Balla; the Iman, Dr Bekim Hassan; 50th anniversary organisational committee members, Bari Nuhiji, Rami Kulafi and Indira Kulafi; and all the event subcommittee volunteers. I congratulate the AAIS again on this anniversary and thank them for hosting me. Although I don't think I'll be in parliament for the 100th anniversary of the mosque, I hope the Greens MP for Melbourne in 2069 will be as proud to attend as I was.

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