South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) held Eid Milan on 9 August at Auburn Town Hall to bring together community elders to celebrate the annual Eid-ul-Fitr festival. 

    Several parliamentarians, representatives from aged care agencies SAMAA volunteers and community members also joined in to make it a joyous occasion.

    Senator Concetta Fierravanti Wells, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison, Mr Laurie Ferguson,  senior Labor member for Werriwa and longtime supporter of SAMAA, Mr Shaoquett Moslemane, the first Muslim MLC in NSW Parliament representing Mr Luke Foley, the Leader of the Opposition in NSW Parliament, Dr Geoff Lee, state MP for Parramatta representing Mr John Ajaka Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism graced the occasion and delivered fine speeches.

    They spoke of issues relating to ageing industry, commended SAMAA for its endeavours and assured their support to the elders of South Asian Muslim Community.

    Mr Steve Teulan, Director, UnitingCare Ageing extended his support to SAMAA. Caroline Collins, Deputy General Manager Operations and Margaret Russell, Relationship Manager at  SummitCare gave a fine presentation “How to Navigate the Aged Care Maze” detailing various options and upcoming changes in aged care services.

    Mr Zahid Jamil from SAMAA briefed the audience about various SAMAA programmes. He spoke of MoUs, SAMAA has signed with various aged care providers to offer culturally and religiously sensitive care to our community elders, about the volunteering programmes and regular cultural gatherings, SAMAA intend to hold in coming 12 months.

    Syed Afzal Hussain presented an initial proposal to establish a retirement village. SAMAA is seeking expressions of interest from people willing to be part of this project either for the purpose of staying in the village or for investment purpose and future use of themselves.

    A major SAMAA sponsor Crescent Wealth made a presentation about their Islamic Superannuation Fund.

    The audience enjoyed gahazals and songs by highly accomplished singers Adil Pervez and Sadaf Pervez.