House debates

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Statements by Members

Reid Electorate: Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation

1:39 pm

Photo of Fiona MartinFiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

RTIN () (): The Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, an important place of worship for people in my electorate of Reid. Last week I visited the mosque to announce over $227,000 in government funding for the foundation to purchase new security facilities for the site. I also visited the Gallipoli Home, an aged-care centre for all faiths operated by the foundation and built with assistance from the federal government. I'd like to acknowledge the ongoing important work of the Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation. Auburn Gallipoli Mosque is not only a local landmark but a place of national significance. The name of this mosque, Gallipoli, recalls a time and place that is very significant to both Australia and Turkey. It represents the shared legacy of Australian society and the Australian Turkish Muslim community, who have been integral in creating and maintaining this sacred building.

Around half a million Australians practice Islam, and there are over 5,000 Muslim residents living in Reid. Today, Auburn Gallipoli Mosque represents the enduring success of our multicultural nation. Thank you to the foundation president, Dr Abdurrahman Asaroglu, and his team at the Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation for the work that they do in maintaining this important place of worship and this important cultural centre for our entire community.