Vision to Reality 2023-2024 Construction Report
BRISBANE AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING CITY.
SITE FOR THE 2032 SUMMER OLYMPICS AND HOME TO THE BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE.
17 minutes from the Brisbane CBD 19 minutes from the International Airport 47 minutes from the Gold Coast 161 Underwood Road. Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane Queensland, Australia
V
THE BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE AND SUKOON VILLAGE:
OUR FERVENT:
VISION Is to foster understanding and harmony, ensuring that the teachings and message of Islam resonate positively in Brisbane.
REMARKABLE PROGRESS THROUGH GENEROUS SUPPORT. As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. It is with immense gratitude and joy that we present this report, offering an enlightening update on the extraordinary construction journey undertaken at the Brisbane Islamic Centre over the past two years. A considerable sum exceeding 8 million Australian dollars has been devoted to this sacred endeavor, and our hearts overflow with appreciation for the unwavering generosity of all those who have contributed. May Allah Subhana Wa Ta’la shower His blessings upon you, turning your efforts and donations into a perpetual source of benefit for generations to come. Ameen. The donated WAQF land, spanning an expansive 10 acres, has played a pivotal role in bringing our visionary project to life. Half of this substantial space is dedicated to the construction of the Islamic Centre,
while the remaining half is earmarked for the future Sukoon Seniors Living and Age Care facility. As we enter 2024 we acknowledge the significant challenges ahead and we require an additional $14 million to complete this amazing project and look forward to your ongoing support Insha’Allah. In the pages that follow, we offer a glimpse into the remarkable progress achieved with the 8 million dollars contributed thus far, showcasing the tangible impact of your invaluable support. Details for contribution and banking information are provided. Let’s celebrate what we have achieved so far and with Allah’s grace each challenge in the upcoming years will draw us closer to realising our vision. Ameen. Dr. Iqbal Sultan Vice President Brisbane Islamic Centre Board of Directors
Brisbane City January 2022
January 2024
23rd October 2023 Entry road with car access ramps to parking areas 4 & 5
3
4 4 2
2
5 6
7
8
1 9
TOTAL AMOUNT INVESTED IN CONSTRUCTION TO DATE $8,110,000
1. The Musjid Foundation.
A substantial 2000 square meter concrete foundation has been laid.
7 & 8. The Basement Area.
2. The Minarets.
Bases for the 2 Minarets poised to become iconic landmarks of the centre are now in place.
Six rooms are completely built and will be used for various purposes including an electrical data distribution centre, a fully equipped audio visual studio, an Islamic literature and apparel shop, the centre’s administration offices and additional storage space. It will also house the security and CCV TV centre with a 24-7 security guard station here.
3 & 4. The Parking.
Accommodating 400 cars with additional parking for tour buses and separate lift wells for men and women.
8. The Basement Area.
Work in progress for the Queensland Muslim Cultural and Heritage Centre featuring a library, an Islamic museum, a reflection area, a cafeteria and a 120 seater audio visual theatre. The basement includes separate gyms for males and females and madressa classes.
5 & 6.
The Community Hall & Kitchen. Walls are erected for a community hall with a commercial kitchen capable of hosting up to 800 guests.
9. The Rainwater Tank.
An underground tank already constructed will hold 200,000 litres of rainwater for various purposes.
CONSTRUCTION BREAKDOWN OF COSTS
$22,000,000
3,000,000
Foundation and underground car park
$
Slab above car park
$
Minarets x 2
$
1,500,000
1,000,000 500,000
Domes x 3 (two small above minarets + Masjid)
$
Doors
$
Windows
$
Wudukana (Ablution) for both Men and Women
$
500,000 500,000 250,000
1,250,000
Air conditioning plant
$
Men’s prayer area
$
Women’s prayer area
$
Community Hall
$
Dawah and Information Centre
$
3,000,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 250,000
$
Restaurant and catering facility
$
Madressa
$
Youth Facility
$
Total
250,000 250,000 250,000
2,000,000
$
October 2023
$ 8,110,000
2,500,000
Janazah facility
Other items (10% contingency)
Construction Budget and Timeline
$ 13,890,000
Estimate
$22,000,000
• For further detailed breakdown of above costs, please speak to staff and BIC Committee members • Entire 10 acres is freehold and valued at $12M in today’s market
$1,000,000 November 2021
APPROXIMATELY $14,000,000 REQUIRED TO COMPLETE SITE WORKS. Community hall kitchen and cafe
Janazah facility
Male and Female youth Centres Madressas
Theatrette
Museum
Ladies and Mens lifts
Vehicle ramps, podium parking area and landscaping
Entry road, bridge, landscaping
Children’s play and recreation area
Ladies and Mens Prayer Halls
Reception and offices
Car parks-render and paint
HONOURED VISITORS ENDORSE THE BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE During this time many international Islamic scholars and senior politicians have visited the centre including but not limited to Mufti Menk, Sheikh Yasser Qadi, Sister Haifa, Sheikh Numan Ali Khan,the Federal Treasurer, the Honorable Jim Chalmers, Her Eminence, the Governor of Queensland, Dr. Jeanette Young and all have endorsed the vision of this worldclass community facility.
Shaykh Nouman Ali Kahn
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi
World renowned Islamic speaker and founder of the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic studies.
Theologian and Sunni Iman
can see this to be a world “ Irenown project, Insha’Allah I cannot wait to come back in a few years to see the completed project, my Duas are with you all.
”
Mufti Menk (Zimbabwe)
all my travels, I have not “ In seen such an all-inclusive
first visit to this city and “ My I cannot believe that on the other side of the world, in a city called Brisbane a magnificent project is being built, a unique futuristic Islamic Centre to serve all mankind.
”
project. I wish the people of Brisbane all the best on this magnificent journey. Insha’Allah I would like to be here when this project is officially completed and opened.
”
Sheikha Dr Haifaa Younis
Dr Shaykh Waleed Basyouni
PHO President of ALMaghrib Institute and Head of Islamic Theology and Ethics Department (USA) (Brisbane) is the first stop of my “ This Australian tour and I am so pleasantly
surprised to be greeted by such a magnificent and enormous project, truly a unique one.
”
Akbar! “ Allah What an amazing and an all an inclusive
Islamic project. With the Aged care and all its facilities in Sukoon Seniors Village, I wish we had something like this in the US.
Dr Jeanette Young
Fathima Payman
Australian Parliament
AC PCM Governor of Queensland
amazing vision, a credit to the “ An Brisbane Islamic Centre board for
inspiring project. I can see “ Aalltruly Australians to benefit from this
coming up with such a visionary project. Though it’s in its formative years of construction, I can visualize this structure coming out of the ground. I commend the authorities for approving this project.
”
President of Australian National Islamic Council (ANIC) is what all Islamic centres should be like, not just “ This a Musjid, a place of learning and enlightenment for all
”
Her Excellency the Honourable
Senator
Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman
Founder and Chairman of Jannah Institute (USA)
project for generations to come, from what this centre has to offer. Thank you also for nominating me as the Patron of the future Sukoon Village Aged Care, which I graciously accept.
”
Australians, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. I wish the board of directors and those associated with it, all the best and my fervent duas are with you all to see this project become a reality in quickest time possible.
”
Jim Chalmers MP Treasurer of Australia
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner
heard about this project being “ Ibuilt in our neighborhood, but
is certainly a landmark project, “ This should be on a tourist’s itinerary and
actually seeing it today, throws a whole different perspective to it. Amazing facilities that will offer to all our people, such as the museum, audio visual theatre and much more, certainly has my full support.
”
more so when Brisbane will receive thousands of visitors for the 2032 Olympic Games. The Brisbane City Council is very proud that we are part of this once in a life time initiative.
”
CITY, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS ENDORSEMENT
The 10-acre parcel of land at 161 Underwood Road, Eight Mile Plains is freehold and has been donated by WAQF in the name of the Brisbane Islamic Centre (BIC). BIC is registered with ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) as a not-for-profit entity. A board of directors manages the company, and NO director, family or person has ownership or controlling interest.
OFFICE OF THE LORD MAYOR Brisbane
30 November 2023
Senator the Hon Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs PO Box 6100 Senate Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 Dear Minister It is with great pleasure that I write in support of the Brisbane Islamic Centre’s endeavour to obtain funding from international agencies to assist in the construction of their facility located at Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane. As Lord Mayor, I am very supportive of initiatives that celebrate Brisbane as a vibrant and multicultural city. I am particularly proud of the way our community respects and embraces cultural diversity and inclusivity. I personally visited the display centre and construction site in August last year, and I was impressed by the magnitude of this project. Facilities such as this can play an important role in connecting the community, promoting understanding and inclusiveness, and embracing our diverse multiculturism. I understand a letter of support from the Australian Government will be a valuable endorsement to international agencies in their assessment of this project. I hope you look upon their request favourably. Yours sincerely
Adrian Schrinner LORD MAYOR Ref: LM04093-2023
Letters of endorsement
BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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FAISAL HATIA (66)
DR. MOHAMMED IQBAL SULTAN (64)
PRESIDENT OF THE BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE
DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE
Emigrated from South Africa as a businessman in 1998 with his wife and 5 children (eldest son is a Hafez al Quraan). Owned and managed a property development company called the Hatia Property Corporation. Founding member of Australan Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) – for political advocacy. Founding member of Queensland Muslim Historical Society- preserving the Islamic history in Queensland and in Australia.
IMRAAN ANDREW PRICE (65) SECRETARY
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Emigrated from South Africa in 1998.
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•
Medical doctor with a medical centre for past 20 years in Gatton (70 kms west of Brisbane) – employs 8 doctors.
Born in Brisbane, Australian and converted to Islam 27 years ago.
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Married to Singaporean with 2 adult children.
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Accountant with MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.
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Initiator and current President of the newly built musjid, Gatton Islamic Centre.
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Owns a 2nd Medical Centre in Brisbane – employs 5 doctors.
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Founder and past President of Islamic Medical Association (IMA).
•
Founder and President of first Muslim Funeral Service (MFS). Complete Janazah facility for all Queensland Muslims offering 24/7 ghusal, hearse, etc. Founding member of Australan Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) – for political advocacy.
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Founding member of Crescents of Brisbane (A community group).
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Past member of the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Round Table. (Advisory capacity to the Lord Mayor)
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Initiated the Brisbane Islamic Centre (BIC) vision and project.
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Founding member of Crescents of Brisbane (A community group).
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Hatia family donated the BIC land to the community (Waqf).
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Founding member of the Brisbane Islamic Centre.
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Employed previously in the investment banking sector, nationally and internationally, in Sydney, London and Singapore.
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He serves as President of Brisbane Muslim Fellowship (BMF), a convert group of some 400 new Muslims.
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Current Secretary of the Brisbane Islamic Centre.
MUSTAFA KEMAL OMAR (59) •
Born in South Africa, completed higher education in London UK.
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Obtained BSc-Applied Math, Computer Science (South Africa).
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Emigrated to Queensland Australia in 1998.
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Established a Content Management solutions company until 2018, after which he worked as a project manager.
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Set up IT systems for one of the major banks in Australia.
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Served on the Al Farouq (Kuraby) Musjid board as an auxiliary advisory member in all affairs since 2005 to present day, but more specifically in religious matters.
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Founding member of the Brisbane Islamic Centre and contributed to its eventual design.
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Past secretary of BIC.
MALIK ISSADIEN (69)
FAROUK ADAM (65)
EBRAHIM MOTALA (50)
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Born in Sri Lanka and emigrated with his brother to Botswana back in 1985.
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Emigrated from South Africa in 2001 with his wife and 2 children.
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Emigrated from South Africa in 2018 with wife and 2 sons.
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In Botswana and South Africa for the next 20 years, until 2005 Br Malik and his family successfully owned 8 substantial building material wholesale businesses (Trident Group).
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Businessman, operates a successful shop shelving distribution network.
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Trustee of Slacks Creek Mosque, Brisbane since 2010.
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President of Brisbane Muslim Business Council.
IT qualified for almost 20 years specialising in Strategic IT Planning, IT Governance, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery Programs, Consolidation Programs, Enterprise Architecture, Incident and Problem Management, Change and Release Management predominantly within the Mining, Government and Financial Industries.
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In 2005, Br Malik sold out to a mega wholesale group called the Makro group and emigrated with his wife, daughter and 2 sons (Huffaz) to Brisbane Australia.
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He has been semiretired since then and dedicates his time to the Brisbane Islamic Centre project.
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Founding member of Queensland Muslim Historical Society- preserving the Islamic history in Queensland and in Australia.
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Founding member of the Brisbane Islamic Centre.
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Director of Muslim Charitable Foundation (MCF) - assisting refugees and needy people with Zakaat funds collected from local community. Vice President of Queensland Muslim Incorporated (QMI) representing some 30 mosques and Muslim community organisations.
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Current member of Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Round table for past 6 years.
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Registered Justice of the Peace (JP) for Australia.
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Strong community worker in all spheres.
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Chaired Change Advisory Board (CAB), Emergency Change Advisory Board (ECAB) and the Architecture Review Board (ARB).
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Recent position with Queensland Law Society (QLS), Pacific Labour Facility (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - DFAT) and Uniting Care Queensland infrastructure.
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While in South Africa was involved with Media and Entertainment sector, as part of a project management team that successfully implemented the first 24-hour international business channel on the African continent.
HASHIM HATIA (56) •
Emigrated from South Africa in 2007.
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Businessman in the Fast-Food industry both in Australia and Cape Town, South Africa.
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Committee member from 2001 to 2006 of the South Africa Food Franchising Board.
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For several years, achieved National awards for best and most successful franchisee shops.
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Founding member of the Brisbane Islamic Centre.
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Contributed financially to the donation of the BIC land.
DONATIONS TO: BRISBANE ISLAMIC CENTRE (CONSTRUCTION FUND) SUNCORP BANK BSB: 484799 ACC: 480 450 8040 FOR OVERSEAS TRANSFERS Swift Code - METWAU4B
info@bic.org.au www.bic.org.au +61 468 825 786 161 Underwood Road, Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Australia 4113