Summery of the Mosque Renovation Project:

The current Mosque building was transformed from a residence by removing internal walls except for one room and the bathroom. Currently it has only one toilet and 3 taps for ablution, in what used to be a laundry, shared by males and females.

The Mosque renovation aimed to:

• provide adequate space for congregation prayers, and other functions usually attended by a large number of guests
• construct adequate facilities for ablution (wudu)
• improve and expand the Mosque Library
• construct adequate facilities for “Halal meat” packaging and distribution in accordance with shariah and the Australian health standards and other regulations.

The renovation stages

First Stage: New Ablutions Facilities

Construction of separate ablutions facilities for females and males with a number of toilets.
Halal meat packaging and distribution center or store, which will be attached to above structure, and will house the necessary freezers and other equipment in accordance with the appropriate Australian health and other standards. The center can also sell other Asian and Islamic food to all the University community and whoever is interested. Indicative cost cost AU$113,700.00, (All costs are estimated by UNE Facilities Management Services)

Second Stage: Internal Alterations

Transforming the existing building to an open prayers hall, by removing internal walls, the bathroom, and placing pillars and support in accordance with the structural engineer’s plan, and laying new carpets and furnishings. Also making a ramp for handicapped access. Indicative cost A$37,000.00

Third Stage: Future Extension

To construct in the eastern side of the building an extension with the same width approximately 12m and a depth of 4 to 6 meters. This eastern extension will be the main entrance to the mosque, with 3 main arched doors and three archways leading to the doors, designed with some Islamic characteristics, and at the same time matching the color of the original building. Indicative cost AU$35,500.00.

See the Renovation Plan.

 

Funding for the Renovation Project

The University of New England has been very generous over the years in providing and maintaining the Mosque, as part of its commitment to diversity and multiculturalism. Funding for the Renovation Project will be mainly by donations from the Muslim community.

Professor Ingrid Moses (then Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England) has been most generous and supportive of the Project and the Muslim community. In addition to offering to cover the cost of the whole Second Stage of the Renovation out of the Vice Chancellor’s Discretionary Fund at UNE, she has kindly also accepted that donations for the project be kept in that Fund, till sufficient money is collected to commence the First Stage as explained above. Thus, the Project had the following advantages:

• Virtual elimination of the administrative costs of fund raising, which usually could reach 15 to 20 percent of the sum raised.
• Grantees Tax Deductible status (people making donations can reduce their tax liability in Australia), which is very difficult to obtain for the Project otherwise.
• It gives the whole Project credibility and accountability yet without any cost to the project.
• The Project sets new standards and is a shining example of beneficial cooperation between the University and its community.

The whole Muslim community in New England, Australia and worldwide are invited to make donations for this great Project for Islam and the Muslims in this part of the world. It is an opportunity to participate in constructing and expanding a House of Allah.