Australia: Muslims show Aussie pride

For the past three years, the association has been based at the former Leisureland theme park in Langwarrin, where members congregate for community events.

Basma Qadeer from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Langwarrin
who are celebrating Australia day with a BBQ and are hoping members
of the community will come along.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: Frankston Standard - Leader
By Donna Carton | January 23, 2010 (local time)

WE are Muslim and we are Australian.

That’s the message the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Victoria wants to send to its neighbours as it prepares a community celebration for Australia Day.

It is the first time the association is inviting members of the larger community to its centre to join in the festivities.

Member Naureen Choudhary said being loyal to their homeland is part of their faith.

“Australia is our adopted homeland and it is important to share our sentiments towards Australia with our neighbours,” she said.

“We are hoping they will come to our celebration.

“We hope they will see that we are happy to be Australian.


“It is good for our children, too.

“They know they are Muslim and we encourage them to know they are Australian as well.”

For the past three years, the association has been based at the former Leisureland theme park in Langwarrin, where members congregate for community events.

The Australia Day celebration, which will be held on January 29, will be mainly presented by the young Ahmadi Muslims.

They will read a few poems and writings about what it means to be Muslim and Australian and there will be small exhibition about the Koran.

A barbecue and vegetarian lunch will also be provided for all guests.

Frankston Mayor Brian Cunial, some councillors and members of the Interfaith networks of Frankston, Casey and Dandenong will attend the event.

“We hope people will come.

“It is an opportunity for people from Frankston and elsewhere to learn about Muslims by talking to them and interacting with them one on one,” Ms Choudhary said.

The event runs from 11am-2pm at the centre in Leisureland Drive, Langwarrin.

Check out our map of local Australia Day events here.


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