Plan for Islamic school
Fundraising to enable mosque expansion
THE Townsville Islamic Society is planning to double the size of its mosque with ambitious plans announced to purchase neighbouring land.
The project involves building a house for the mosque’s imam and the establishment of an Islamic school.
The society is asking for $ 450,000 in donations from the public to fund the project and launched a GoFundMe page in August which outlines the plans.
The appeal stated its community in Townsville had experienced substantial growth in recent years with an influx of refugees as well as Muslims from various professions moving to Townsville.
The mosque is located at 183 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra, and the society aims to purchase the neighbouring property at 185 Ross River Rd.
“Attempts have been made over the past couple of years to develop the current premises to cater for the growing numbers frequenting the Townsville Mosque,” the appeal stated. “The small extensions to the side and front to add extra space, extra toilets and ablution facilities were added in 2015.
“But while these extensions have been just adequate, we are still facing some issues.”
The society noted capacity constraints and an inability to provide worshippers with basic comforts were most evident during large religious congregational gatherings throughout the year but most notably during Jumu’ah ( Friday) and Eid ( special feast) prayers.
Demand for space has also been fuelled by the growth in activities the society offers.
“An example of this is during weekend classes for children,” the appeal stated.
“These classes have attracted the attention of Muslim parents who in turn promoted the mosque to others, resulting in an increasing demand for places within the … school.
“Further increases are expected as a consequence of the success of the centre and the growing demographics of the Muslim population in and around the Townsville region and beyond.”
The society plans to expand the mosque’s main building to cater for more worshippers.
“We would also like to house a permanent Imam in the near future, as well as establish an Islamic school with adequate space and proper facilities,” the appeal stated.
The society plans to raise $ 450,000 in the next three months and has so far collected $ 1890.
The Bulletin contacted three people listed on the appeal but they all declined to comment.