After the Christchurch attacks the mosque still held its Open Day. The Member for Tarneit praised its welcome in the Victorian Parliament.
March 2019 Our story
Built by the Community, for the Community
Built in four months by volunteers and opened in October 2004, our mosque has grown with Wyndham into a home for thousands.
سورة مريم Surah 19 Why "Virgin Mary"?
Named after Maryam
مَرْيَمMaryam (Mary), daughter of Imran and mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them, holds an honoured place in Islam. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an, and her story is told in Surah Al Imran and in Surah Maryam, the chapter that carries her name.
We chose her name because she is a righteous woman in her own right and an example of faith and devotion for all people. It is also a reminder of what Muslims and Christians share, and a bridge to our neighbours.
Our history
From a Plot of Land to a Home
- 2001
Werribee Islamic Centre founded
Incorporated on 24 January 2001 as a multi-ethnic Islamic organisation for Wyndham. The first president and his team raise funds and buy land at 143–145 Hogans Road.
- 2003
Planning approval
Wyndham City Council grants planning approval for the mosque.
- May 2004
Construction begins
Builder Ridwan Haddara donates his time, and many Muslim tradespeople volunteer alongside him.
- Oct 2004
Doors open
Completed in about four months and officially opened by the local federal MP, Julia Gillard, who later became Prime Minister.
- 2005
A permanent imam
Sheikh Issa is appointed permanent imam, with Sheikh Nawas as assistant, and an imam's residence is purchased.
- 2016
Open Day tradition
The mosque begins taking part in National and Victorian Mosque Open Days, welcoming neighbours of every faith.
- 2017+
Australian Islamic Mission
The Werribee Islamic Centre hands the mosque to the Australian Islamic Mission, which cares for it today.
- Today
Around 7,000 worshippers
A congregation drawn from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond, in one of Melbourne's fastest-growing areas.
What We Stand For
Worship
Five daily prayers, three Jumu'ah sessions and Taraweeh in Ramadan.
Learning
Classes for every age, from Saturday school to adult Tajweed.
Service
Fundraisers, appeals and support for families across Wyndham.
Welcome
Open days, school visits and friendship with our interfaith neighbours.
2004 Doors opened
7,000+ Worshippers
4 Months to build, by volunteers
3 Jumu'ah sessions each Friday
In the community
Good Neighbours
Our open days, appeals and welcome have been recognised in the Victorian Parliament.
The mosque's bushfire appeal fundraiser was recognised in the Victorian Parliament.
February 2020The Member for Tarneit thanked the mosque in Parliament for opening its doors on Mosque Open Day.
March 2024 Caretakers
Australian Islamic Mission
The mosque is owned and cared for by the Australian Islamic Mission, which also runs the Bendigo Mosque.