The Islamic Society of South Australia is calling for donations to expand its Park Holme site
With thousands of practising Muslims living in South Australia, a southern suburbs mosque will be expanded to meet growing demand.
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A South Australian religious community has taken another step forward in creating a space for young people after acquiring neighbouring properties in Adelaide’s south.
Ahmed Zreika, the president of the Islamic Society of South Australia, said it would expand its Park Holme site by approximately 1,187 sqm.
“We were approached by our neighbour who said he was ready to sell and he knew we needed the space,” Mr Zreika said.
“We have to enlarge our current community (facility) – right now we can currently fit 180 people.
“With a new space we are aiming to fit 300 people.”
More than 40,000 Muslims call South Australia home with the Masjid Omar Bin Alkhattab (Marion Mosque) becoming a hub to those practising the Islamic faith.
In 2017, the site was extended to strengthen the Islamic community.
“Our members are from about 26 different countries, but we found that there was nowhere for us to have activities together,” Mr Zreika said.
“Then the idea of the community centre came up where we could have a space for social and educational activities in addition to the spiritual activities at the Mosque.
“Since that space opened we have had so many activities for both young children and adults, it’s busy on a daily basis.
“At the moment we have three offices, a big kitchen facility, a big hall and a small hall.
“When we started we only had one person working full time, now we have six.”
According to the society, the $1.2m is needed to purchase the two neighbouring properties.
So far the society has received $440k and Mr Zreika said the organisation needed to find a further $320k.
“We have settlement at the end of the month and that is why we are accepting donations,” he said.
“Once everything has been processed we will host community meetings and ask them what they want to see in the new space.
“About 55 per cent of our population are 12 to 24 years old, so they need somewhere to go.”
A GoFundMe has been created for those wishing to donate to the project, you can find it here.
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