Bendigo Islamic Community Centre

A tiny mosque in the outback of Australia built in the 1800s and the founder of Bendigo all played a part in the design of Bendigo's mosque. The building will hold up to 375 people and will comprise a mosque making up 20–30 per cent of the building.

The rest of the building will comprise a sports hall, community spaces, library and cafe.

"What it is, is a community centre with a mosque inside," architect Asher Greenwood said.

The design was inspired by Australia's earliest known mosque, built in Maree in South Australia in the 1860s, using materials from the local landscape such as mud and tree trunks. Sandstone material from the Bendigo area will be used in the construction of the centre.

Centre spokeswoman Aisha Neelam said the design paid respect to existing Bendigo architecture and care had been taken to ensure it would fit in with the local landscape. "It doesn't stand out, and it's just part of what it means to be a building in Bendigo."

The design also features a nod to the founder of Bendigo, German-born architect William Charles Varland, who is credited with developing the use of decorative ironwork in buildings.

Muslims have been proud to make Bendigo their home since the Goldrush, contributing to the community and the economy of Victoria’s third-largest city for more than 120 years.

With the combination of community support, the celebration of diversity and openness, and the city’s rich history and culture, the influences that will dominate the construction of the Bendigo Islamic Community Centre were born.