President’s Address
Presidents Address
As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
On 10 February 2019, Islamic Council of Queensland held its Annual General Meeting and a new team of office bearers was elected.
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President |
Habib Jamal | Member |
Janeth Deen OAM |
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Vice Pres. |
Farouk Adam |
Member |
Binil Kattiparambil |
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Secretary |
Muhammad Khatree |
Member |
Junaid Qadri |
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Asst. Secretary |
Akram Buksh |
Member |
Amar Ali Khan |
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Treasurer |
Saba Ahammad |
Member | Usman Malabu | |
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Asst. Treasurer |
Ahmad Gundru |
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There are a few historical aspects to the new ICQ team in that this is the first time that a female has been elected to office, it’s the first time that a representative from the Gold Coast has been elected and I believe it is also the first time that an Imam has been elected. There is a good balance of some members that are relatively new, supported by others that have been serving ICQ for several years in different positions.
The Australian Muslim community is a diverse community in its culture, Islamic schools of thought, and religious opinions and verdicts. As Muslims we must display mutual respect to one another regardless of our cultural backgrounds. Our unity as a Muslim community is of utmost importance and we acknowledge this duty as a religious obligation. We must work together in order to overcome the challenges that the Muslim community is encountering nationally and internationally.
It has been a hectic start for the new team, learning the ropes from our immediate past office bearers and fulfilling our duties and obligations in attending various functions and meetings as representatives of our constituents.
With regards to our future aspirations one of the first things that we did was to write to all member societies and organisations, encouraging them to increase female participation within their respective organisations. This letter can be found here
We endeavour to continue with the strong foundation that has been laid by the previous ICQ committee and the many community initiatives such as chaplaincy work, support for sporting activities, youth initiatives and greater female representation and participation.
As is the problem with all not for profit organisations, ICQ relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters and donors for funding in order to finance all of its activities. However, this is a challenge that we are ready to take on, and with the community's help and support we will be able to make ICQ an organisation that all members of our community will be proud to be a member of.
ICQ + QPS
ICQ + QPS
Due to the recent events in Christchurch, ICQ is continuing to liaise with the QLD Police Service about ensuring the protection of Muslims and security around mosques and Islamic centres across the state. Earlier in March, several members of ICQ met with Inspector Les Bulluss, Senior Sergeant Wayne Rasmussen and Superintendent Peter Brewer to discuss how the QPS can better serve the Muslim Community.
Further to these events, the Australian government has released further grants for the Safer Communities Fund. The funding has been boosted for the upcoming round of grants from the fund for religious organisations, including religious schools, places of religious worship and religious assembly to increase security at their premises.
Grants will range from $50,000 to $1.5 million and will provide for safety enhancements such as CCTV cameras, lighting, fencing, bollards, alarms, security systems and public address systems. The funding is available over three years for security infrastructure and projects and applications for funding are currently open. Further details are available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund website at: https://www.business.gov.au/
After a meeting on the 18th of March at Holland Park Masjid, it was decided that each masjid should contact the QPS to conduct a risk assessment on the property and help advise on improved security measures.
For any mosque or Muslim-run facility that is interested in having a QPS risk assessment on their property, please contact the following officer:
Rick Liddy
Senior Sergeant
Phone: 07 3354 5013