WYNDHAM’S Islamic community will soon have a new meeting place, with construction starting on a mosque and multipurpose complex in Tarneit.
Work started on the $6million building last week.
Prime Minister and Lalor MP Julia Gillard visited the site on Friday to lay a foundation stone with Werribee Islamic Centre president Mohamed Masood.
The complex will comprise a mosque, community centre, library, childcare centre, kindergarten and function hall. It will also house an indoor sports stadium and pool and will be built opposite the Islamic College of Melbourne.
Mr Masood said it was hoped the complex would address some of Wyndham’s infrastructure shortfalls and unite the Islamic community.
“We want this [to] be a vibrant gathering place [and] a social and spiritual hub where people can participate fully in many essential aspects of life,” he said.
Ms Gillard said she was pleased to see plans for the complex come to fruition.
“A centre that provides so many services and such moral support stands as a beacon for coming together as a community. I can’t wait to see what rises out of the ground here,” she said.
