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

I'd like to tell the House about the great work of the Islamic Museum of Australia. At a time of heightened Islamophobia in Australia, Moustafa Fahour decided to find a way to build bridges between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians. He realised that education and engagement were crucial to overcoming misconceptions about Muslims, and so in 2010 Moustafa founded the Islamic Museum of Australia, the first of its kind in this country. The Islamic Museum of Australia showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Muslims in Australia. You can visit to discover Islamic architecture and even stand inside a minaret—the tower of most mosques. You can view artworks by renowned artists, including five-time Archibald Prize finalist Abdul Abdullah. You may even learn that some of your favourite inventions like coffee, hospitals and guitars originated from Islamic societies. You'll also learn that, prior to colonisation in 1788, Makasar fishermen from Sulawesi traded with Northern Australian First Nations communities. Importantly, you'll learn about the achievements of many notable modern Australian Muslims. The museum also played a key role during COVID by working with medical professionals in the Department of Health to promote accurate information to the community. Thank you for the hard work of those at the Islamic Museum of Australia. You make our community a richer, more creative and more inclusive place to live.

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