Islamic centre donates Anzac cash after Sydney Council denied $5000 grant for Dawn Service

AN Islamic community centre is generously giving $5000 for this year’s CBD Anzac Dawn Service after Sydney’s arty-farty Lord Mayor Clover Moore refused a grant for our brave Diggers.

Dr Imranali Panjwani, Religious Director of the Imam Hasan Centre at Annangrove. Photo: Bob Barker.

AN Islamic community centre is generously giving $5000 for this year’s CBD Anzac Dawn Service after Sydney’s arty-farty Lord Mayor Clover Moore refused a grant for our brave Diggers.

Ms Moore’s City of Sydney council has a whopping $574.3 million in the bank but has rejected an application­ from the Anzac Dawn Service Trust for a measly $5000 for next month’s commemorations.

At the same time the Lord Mayor has been splashing the cash among her arts mates, including a recent $14,000 grant for a weird exhibition of crochet headwear.

The Muslim community came to the rescue after the Daily Telegraph revealed Sydney Council’s cash splash on crochet over the Anzac Dawn Service.

After The Daily Telegraph highlighted the issue, Imam Hasan Centre in Annangrove rode to the rescue, agreeing to hand over $5000 to the Dawn Service Trust so the Martin Place service can go ahead.

“I’ve been fortunate to grow up in Australia since 1974 and I always attended my school Anzac ceremony, so to me it’s something we should do,” centre spokesman Abbas Aly said.

“I think sometimes people think the Muslim community doesn’t get involved but they might be surprised at how much we are involved in Anzac Day. But the main reason is that for $5000 … the bloody council arguing over that … it’s ridiculous.”

Iman Hasan Centre sheik Dr Imranali Panjwani added: “Once you come and live in a country that’s helped you and you are part of the Australian community, I think it’s good to support the national­ causes when you can. We are one community­, we are part of the Australian community.”

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak yesterday welcomed the move, saying: “I’m pleased some good has come out of highlighting Clover Moore’s failing.”

Despite rejecting the grant, City of Sydney is spending nearly $50,000 supporting Anzac Day, including money for an indigenous­ veterans’ commemoration service.

Ms Moore took to social media yesterday to defend her record on Anzac Day funding, saying that she cares deeply about veterans.

“We provide nearly $50,000 for commemorations each year — not a one-off grant. We’re so proud to be a major support of Anzac Day,” she said. “I have the utmost respect for our vets.”