Post on 25-Jul-2018
SWAN VALLEY MOSQUE AND ISLAMIC CENTRE
CORNER SMALLBROOK RETREAT AND BENARA ROAD CAVERSHAM, SWAN VALLEY
PERTH – WESTERN AUSTRALIA
BOSNIAN ISLAMIC SOCIETY PERTH WA INC
P.O. BOX 514 MIRRABOOKA WA 6941
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SWAN VALLEY MOSQUE AND ISLAMIC CENTRE PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
About Us 4
History 4
The Executive Committee 4
Our Imam 4
Our Current Activities 5-7
About our Mosque 8
About the Mosque 8
About the Mosque Development Process 9-11
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony 12
Financials 13
Appendices 14-24
Appendix A — Aerial Photograph of Purchased property 14
Appendix B — Certificate of Title from Landgate 15
Appendix C — Plan Approval from the State Administrative Tribunal 16
Appendix D — WAPC Approval Letter 17
Appendix E — Minister’s Letter of Approval 18
Appendix F — Building Permit from the City of Swan 19-20
Appendix G — Charitable Collections Licence 21
Appendix H — Letter of support from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc. 22
Appendix I— Certificate of Incorporation 23
Appendix J — Letter from Senator Bob Carr 24
Appendix K— Bosnian Islamic Society Perth Constitution 25-41
Appendix L— Photo Collage of Bosnian Islamic Society Perth 42-43
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INTRODUCTION
The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth has great pleasure in inviting you to participate in this most worthwhile of causes, being the construction of a Mosque and Islamic Centre in the picturesque Swan Valley which is a popular tourist destination area of Perth. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and it is the fourth largest city in Australia. It is a historic, two hundred year old city which is a popular destination for local, state, national and international tourists. It attracts over two million visitors annually. The local Muslim community, international students and overseas visitors form a vital part of this vibrant, historic and cultural city. Perth is also the administrative centre for Western Australia’s mining, oil and gas industries. Together with the port of Fremantle, which is one of Australia’s five major capital city ports, these centres bring enormous economic benefit to the local, state and national economies. Perth is the closest major Australian business hub to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and is therefore well positioned for trade with the entire Asian region as well as the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Due to its thriving agricultural industry, Western Australia is also a large exporter of Halal meat to many Muslim countries. Perth also has many prestigious and internationally recognised universities, all of which bring a cultural diversity to Western Australia. A large percentage of students at these universities come from far reaches of the world, and a large number of them are of Muslim background. The Muslim population in Perth is growing at a rapid rate. Existing mosques are struggling to accommodate the number of worshipers, with many mosques being overcrowded. Further, the existing mosques are not evenly spread throughout the city and are inaccessible to the changing settlement patterns of the Muslim population. The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth proposes to build a Mosque and Islamic Centre with the intention of providing all necessary services to all Muslims. Likewise, we hope to create a link between Western Australia and other Muslim countries. Once the project is completed, inshaAllah, this Mosque and Islamic Centre will be much more than a prayer facility. It will be the focal point for Muslim children, the youth and the elderly, and for both men and women. In addition to being a centre of spiritual pursuit and learning, it will be an educational and recreational hub of the area. At this critical point in the project’s development, we would like to involve and engage the broader International Muslim community and individuals to help us to make this historic project a reality. Allah Almighty declares in the Holy Qur’an: “The example of those who spend their wealth for the sake of Allah is like a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has one hundred grains in it. Allah almighty multiplies the reward to whoever He wants and Allah almighty cares for everyone and knows all things.” (Surah Al-Baqara, verse 261). We hereby appeal to all Muslims to join us on our journey to build a new place of prostration and prayer and to establish the first and much needed Islamic Centre in Western Australia. May Allah Almighty shower his richest blessings upon you in this world and in the hereafter. Ameen. Jazak Allah Khairan The Committee of Bosnian Islamic Society Perth, WA inc. May 2014
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ABOUT US
History
The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth was established and registered in April 1996, with the purpose of assisting Bosnian Muslims who live in Western Australia to preserve their cultural and religious heritage. Despite our society’s main aim of supporting the Bosnian Muslim community, nevertheless, our society welcomes all Muslims regardless of their nationality and ethnic background to become members.
The number of Bosnian Muslims in Western Australia is rapidly increasing and as such the demand for a Mosque is becoming more vital.
Our Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consist of the following well respected members of the community:
1. President—Sajit Smajic
2. Vice President—Salko Hajlovac
3. Secretary—Edin Livnjak
4. Treasurer—Sidik Sabanovic
5. Committee member—Zijad Osmanbasic
6. Committee member—Sadmir Ceric
Our Imam
In July 2013, the Bosnian Islamic Society employed the first ever full time Imam. Imam Mirsel Kozica is from Bosnian descent and has completed the traditional madrasa school for Imams in Serbia. His further studies have taken him to Istanbul, Turkey where he studied with a number of respected scholars, the science of Qirat. He holds a Bachelor of Islamic Theology from the University of Islamic Studies in Serbia. He also holds an Ijaza from the Reisu-l-Ulema of Bosnia, Sheikh Husein Kavazovic.
Our current activities
The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth provides the following activities for Bosnian Muslims and the Muslim community at large in Perth:
Weekly Jumu’a prayer for the brothers.
Weekly Maghrib and Isha prayer in jama’a.
Weekly Mekteb (religious school) for children between the ages of 4 and 18 years old.
Weekly classes for learning to read the Quran for adults.
Regular social gatherings and lessons for the youth and elderly.
Regular social gatherings and lessons for women.
Bi-annual major events for Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Fitr.
Establishment of Islamic Choir chanting traditional Islamic songs in Bosnian, Arabic and English.
Weekly transmission of an Islamic radio program on station 6EBA 95.3FM
Collection of Zakat and Sadaqatul Fitr
Collection of donations for various humanitarian appeals including natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
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OUR ACTIVITIES
With the limited resources available to the Bosnian Islamic Society, we have nevertheless been able to implement a number of key activities that have been welcomed with open arms by the Muslim community. A description of these activities is as follows:
1. JUMU’A
The weekly Jumu’a is held in a local community centre and is visited by approximately 50-60 brothers. The khutba is held by Imam Mirsel in both English and Bosnian. The Bosnian Islamic Society has organised a number of rows of carpets that are used as masajids and it allows the brothers to pray in a clean environment. The Jumu’a service has been welcomed as an additional location for brothers to attend Jumu’a particularly due to it being convenient for those that live and work in the local areas.
2. MEKTEB
The weekly Mekteb classes for children are held in a local community centre. The classes are run by Imam Mirsel and there are currently 60 children enrolled. The children follow a structured curriculum where they study the basic tenets of Islam with the aim of increasing their knowledge and understanding of their faith. Classes are held predominantly in Bosnian with some English. In addition to providing excellent foundational Islamic knowledge, children are exposed to their native language and traditions. Children who have completed the chapters of the textbook in Islamic Studies, begin learning how to read the Quran and memorisation of various surahs.
3. TAJWEED CLASSES
The weekly Tajweed classes are held in a local community centre after Isha prayers. There are currently two groups enrolled with approximately 20 people in each group. The first group has completed reading 200 pages of the Holy Quran and inshAllah will complete their first Khatm in a few months. The second group is currently learning the proper recitation of Arabic letters and inshaAllah should commence with reading the Holy Quran in a few weeks. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.''
4. WEEKLY MAGRIB AND ISHA PRAYER IN JAMA’A
The Bosnian Islamic Society understands the importance of regular prayer in jama’a. Without a mosque it is impossible to hold jama’a prayer for every salat however, currently, the Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth organises Isha’a prayer in Jama’ every Thursday and Friday night in a local community hall. MashaAllah, there is a large number of Muslims who attend from different areas in Perth, and InshaAllah when the Mosque is built, there will be many Muslims attending prayer in jama’a in the Mosque.
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OUR ACTIVITIES
5. REGULAR SOCIAL GATHERINGS—PICNICS The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth organises regular social gatherings, whereby the community can gather and enjoy one another’s company through various activities . We have organised a number of picnics in various parks around Perth where Muslim families come to enjoy the outdoors and the children are able to play. Dhuhr prayer is conducted in Jama’a in the park and everyone is left in high spirits once the day is over.
We have also organised excursions for the children from Mekteb, our most recent one was visiting the Perth Aquarium as a group which the children enjoyed immensely.
6. EID UL FITR AND EID UL ADHA
The Bosnian Islamic Society organises two major events for the two Eids with the aim of providing Halal entertainment options for our community as well as being an opportunity to fundraise for our future Mosque and Islamic Centre. Approximately three hundred people are present during each of these events. The night consists of a rich programme in traditional Islamic songs and a presentation from the kids of mekteb as well as dinner. We also organise special gifts which are presented by ‘Eid Grandpa’ to all the children who attend . This allows the children to feel the Eid spirit and enjoy the Islamic holidays.
7. ISLAMIC CHOIR
The Bosnian Islamic Society has established an Islamic Choir which performs at a number of events to represent the Society and its activities. The Choir has always been well received by the audiences of every event. With their voices, they glorify the names of Allah and our Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam).
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OUR ACTIVITIES
8. OUR BOSNIAN ISLAMIC INFORMATIVE RADIO
The Bosnian Islamic Society broadcasts weekly on Mondays from 3.00pm to 4.30pm. The programme consists of recitation of a portion of the Holy Quran with a translation in Bosnian and Tafsir provided by imam Mirsel Kozica. The radio program serves as a good opportunity for us to inform the community of any upcoming events and new information in relation to the Mosque development progress. Imam Mirsel also provides a summary of the Khubta from the prior weeks’ jumu’a for the benefit of people who didn’t attend as well as the sisters. We have a large number of people listening to the program at home and at work since people are able to listen to the radio program online as well.
9. PRESENTATION OF ISLAMIC FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES
The Bosnian Islamic Society has invited the community to view a number of Islamic films and documentaries which people have found to be both beneficial and entertaining. Brothers and sisters are given the opportunity to discuss the material presented and ask any questions which Imam Mirsel would answer or clarify. We have also organised a film for the children from Mekteb which was based on the life of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa salam). The children were able to see all the things they have learnt so far about the Prophet’s life during class in a different medium.
10. SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR BROTHERS AND GATHERINGS FOR SISTERS
The Bosnian Islamic Society has organised a number of sport activities for brothers to gather and socialise. Likewise, we have organised gathering for sisters to gather and discuss topics that they can relate to. Both activities are well received by the community as an opportunity to gather and increase the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
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ABOUT THE MOSQUE
The decision to build the Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre was born out of the desperate need of all Muslims in Western Australia to have additional facilities where Muslims can perform all their religious duties and satisfy all their religious needs.
The architecture of the Islamic Centre will be reminiscent of traditional Bosnia & Herzegovina, which is influenced by the rich and vibrant Ottoman empire combined with a contemporary edge.
The Mosque has been designed for peace and tranquillity, providing the ideal environment for spiritual practice and prayer.
The approved Mosque and Islamic Centre will consist of the following:
Mosque—The prayer hall will be two storey high with the bottom floor used by brothers and the top floor used by sisters. It will have capacity to hold up to 350 worshippers.
Wudu area—which will be fitted in order to allow people to take ablution.
Madrasa classrooms—for the running of Saturday religious school for children.
Preparations room—for performing the requirements of Janaza.
Community Hall—which can be used for public lectures, Shariah weddings, youth and senior gatherings.
Kitchen—for food preparation.
Library—which will be available to the public at large to learn more about Islam. Books will be available in English, Arabic and Bosnian.
Imam’s residence—which will be adjacent to the mosque and will be able to house the Imam and his family.
Short stay facility for visitors—three rooms that will be available for Tabliq Jamat and other visitors
Tranquil landscaped gardens and courtyard—which will complement the ambiance of the Mosque and Islamic Centre.
Ample car parking—of approximately 155 bays which will be able to accommodate the worshippers attending the Mosque and avoid any traffic problems in the neighbouring streets.
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ABOUT THE MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The road to building the Mosque has been filled with complications and setbacks. The Bosnian Islamic Society has faced many challenges along the way, which we, with the help of Allah Almighty, overcame and have been able to move forward. The timeline below outlines our long and arduous journey in trying to build the Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre.
April 2006 The Bosnian Islamic Society purchases a block of land of 9,405 square meters in Caversham, WA for the purpose of building a Mosque and Islamic Centre. The purchase was made by cash collected predominantly from members of the Bosnian Community in WA. See Appendix A for an aerial photo-graph of the purchased property.
June 2006 A professional architect is engaged to commence drawings and plans for the Mosque. The entire working drawings consist of:
Architectural 68 sheets of A1 drawings and 100 A4 pages of specifications
Structural Engineer 7 sheets of A1 drawings
Mechanical Engineer 2 sheets of A1 drawings
Electrical Engineers 5 sheets of A1 drawings
Hydraulic Engineer 6 sheets of A1 drawings
Civil Engineer 2 sheets of A1 drawings
October 2007 The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth lodges a planning application with the City of Swan Council for the future Mosque and Islamic Centre.
We commissioned the following at the council’s request:
Preliminary site investigation by Environmental Scientists.
Acid sulphate soils investigation by Environmental Scientists.
Traffic impact statement by Traffic Engineer.
Acoustic assessment by Acoustics Engineer.
Revision of plans which were scaled down and amended by Architect.
December 2009 The council made various requests including the following:
Multitude of meetings with council’s planners
PowerPoint presentation to the city councillors
Presentation to Swan Valley Progress Association
Attendance at public forum at Caversham Hall
Numerous press releases
Petitions in support of application
Three public advertisings of applications to neighbours.
The council’s planners recommended that the council approve the application.
Despite all of the above, the application was rejected by the council with only one vote in favour and 11 against due to strong opposition from the local residents.
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ABOUT THE MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
January 2010 The Bosnian Islamic Society lodged an appeal against the council decision to the State Administrative Tribunal in January 2010. The Society was represented at the Tribunal by:
The Bosnian Islamic Society President and Committee members.
Architects
Town Planner
Solicitor and Barrister
After a five month long mediation process which included intense discussions, negotiations and further amendments to the design, the council reconsiders its decision and grants approval to the plan to build the Mosque under the Swan City’s local planning scheme number 17 with nine votes in favour and five votes against.
June 2010 The Bosnian Islamic Society lodged an application with the Western Australian Planning Commission.
September 2010 The Western Australian Planning Commission approved the application however with a number of conditions.
October 2010 The Bosnian Islamic Society lodged an appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal against the conditions set out by the Western Australian Planning Commission. The Society was represented at the Tribunal by:
The Bosnian Islamic Society President and Committee members.
Architects
Town Planner
Traffic Engineer
After intense discussions, negotiations and considerations of many different options for access to the property, it was negotiated with the Western Australian Planning Commission to allow access to the property from the reserve land. Refer to Appendix D for a copy of the letter.
November 2011 The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth makes a Section 18 application “consent to certain uses” with the Department of Indigenous Affairs as the site is registered as Aboriginal land. The process involved:
Various meetings with Indigenous Elders on site.
Anthrapologist Heritage Assessment
Archaeological Report
The heritage assessment report was modified in several drafts to meet the department’s stringent criteria especially to do with the requirement from the South West Land and Sea Council.
May 2012 The Honourable Peter Collier, MLC Minister of Aboriginal Affairs issued a letter of approval under section 18(2) of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Refer to Appendix E for a copy of the letter.
May 2012 The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth applies to the City of Swan Council for a building licence in order for construction to commence. Refer to Appendix F for a copy of the permit.
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ABOUT THE MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The following are pictures of the current stage of the Mosque development process. InshaAllah, with your help, we will be able to see this project to completion.
July 2013 The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth employs Imam Mirsel Kozica who becomes the first ever full time Imam of the Bosnian community in Western Australia.
October 2013 Construction commences on the site of the future Mosque and Islamic Centre. A permanent fence was installed and pouring of concrete slabs with plumbing, electrical and telecommunications installations completed.
January 2014 The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth organises a foundation stone laying ceremony on the site of the future mosque to mark the major milestone event. The event was visited by key people from the council and government as well as by a large number of brothers and sisters from the local commu-nity in Perth as well as from interstate cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
May 2014 Compile paperwork and application for fund raising from overseas countries.
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FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY
The Bosnian Islamic Society of Perth held the foundation stone laying ceremony on the 25th of January 2014. It was a successful event, visited by many people from the local area as well as guests from interstate cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as international guests from Malaysia.
The local Australian government was represented with the presence of the local council members along with members from the local Aboriginal community, all showcasing their support for the project.
The day was a representation of the strength and determination of the Muslim people in Perth in realising this project and providing a source of inspiration for the community at large.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The total cost of building the Swan Valley Mosque and Islamic Centre is estimated to be $6.71 million Australian Dollars inclusive of GST. The following table illustrates our costs thus far : We urge all our Muslim brothers and sisters to assist in this most noble of projects financially, by donating generously to the building fund for the balance required being $5,413,000.00 Cheques and money orders can be sent to: BIS Perth PO BOX 514 Mirrabooka 6941, Western Australia Electronic Funds Transfer Payments can be made to: ANZ BANK Account Name: Bosnian Islamic Society Perth, Inc. Branch No (BSB): 016 363 Account No: 1094 05925 For more details, please contact Brother Sajit Smajic (President and Project Co-Ordinator on: Mobile: +61 402 962 231 E-mail: sajit@bosnianislamicsocietyperth.com.au
Description Cost (AUD)
Purchase of land $282,000
Architecture construction drawings $297,000
Plan application process $98,000
Legal fees for State Administrative Tribunal $42,000
Mediation process (3 times) $51,000
Building Licence application $25,000
Cleaning of site $15,000
Erection of permanent fence around the property $87,000
Plumbing, electrical and telecommunication installations and pouring of concrete slabs
$400,000
TOTAL SPENT THUS FAR $1,297,000
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PURCHASE OF LAND The 9,450 meters square property on the corner of Benara Road and Smallbrook Retreat was purchased by the Society with donated funds in April 2006. (Below is the image of the land)
APPENDIX A
The image below is a satellite photograph of the current development. (June 2014)
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APPENDIX B
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APPENDIX C
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APPENDIX D
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APPENDIX E
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CITY OF SWAN - BUILDING PERMIT THE CITY OF SWAN ISSUED THEIR BUILDING PERMIT IN NOVEMBER 2012
APPENDIX F
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APPENDIX F-Cont’d
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The Bosnian Islamic Society Perth W.A Incorporated is a registered charitable organization with a valid and current licence to collect funds for charitable purposes.
APPENDIX G
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APPENDIX H
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APPENDIX I
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APPENDIX J
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APPENDIX K
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX K-Cont’d
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APPENDIX L
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APPENDIX L—Cont’d