Back in January 1991, the Australian Muslim Times (AMT) made its debut as a multilingual community newspaper, aiming to represent the voice of the Australian Muslim community and then by July 2014, AMUST was re-branded with a fresh identity as the Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST).
With a renewed purpose, it transformed into an English-only, full-colour monthly print and digital newspaper further enhanced with a weekly email newsletter.
As AMUST celebrates its 10th year, it has solidified its position as a well-established multicultural multimedia platform dedicated to spreading positive news about the Australian multicultural community and global affairs.
Australia boasts a diverse range of mainstream newspapers and media outlets, but there has been a notable absence of a credible, professionally produced newspaper that caters to the needs of the rapidly growing English-speaking Muslim community while presenting news and perspectives from an Islamic lens.
Recognising this gap, AMUST has emerged as a crucial player.
In addition to its print publication, AMUST has cultivated a strong online presence, leveraging its website and social media platforms to connect with its audience.
With a dedicated following of over 12,000 individuals, AMUST has built a vibrant online community that engages with its content and shares valuable insights.
The AMUST website serves as a powerful resource hub for the community, offering access to a vast repository of knowledge. With a staggering collection of over 5,000 articles, the website provides a wealth of information.
AMUST operates under Seena Incorporated, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting social services and establishing multimedia enterprises.
Through various mediums, including a monthly print newspaper, a monthly digital e-Newspaper, a weekly Email Newsletter, an actively updated website, and a strong presence on major social media platforms, AMUST strives to disseminate news that fosters dialogue, communication, and interaction among individuals from diverse faiths, indigenous groups, and ethnic communities.
One notable aspect of AMUST’s journey is its unwavering commitment to consistency and punctuality. Even during the strict Sydney metro lockdown from July to October 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc, AMUST continued its publication, ensuring that the community remained informed and connected.
While AMUST takes pride in its role as a platform for positive news, it also embraces its responsibility to uncover the truth and fearlessly raise awareness about injustice, corruption, persecution, and abuse of power and wealth.
The platform actively promotes corrective action to foster an equitable, fair, and just society at both local and global levels.
Central to AMUST’s success is its dedicated team of volunteers. With a core team at the helm, supported by a network of volunteer writers, contributors, and distributors across Australia, AMUST has been able to maintain its operations and expand its reach.
These passionate individuals believe in the power of media to shape narratives and create positive change within society.
As a testament to its credibility and impact, AMUST has received numerous accolades over the years. It has been recognised as one of the best community news platforms, not only among Muslims but also among people of other faiths and those without religious affiliations.
Awards such as Media Outlet of the Year 2018 from the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards and various honours from the Premiers Multicultural Communication Awards (PMCA) further solidify AMUST’s position as a trusted source of information.
AMUST serves as a platform for diverse voices to share stories of activism, success, community support, and the pursuit of justice. It amplifies the voices of the persecuted and those whose human rights have been violated, promoting peace, learning, and a demand for change.
Reflecting on AMUST’s impact, Mr Jihad Dib stated in 2019, “In AMUST, Muslims have a platform where their opinions can be voiced freely and their ideas shared broadly with the Australasian community. It has given a platform to some who may otherwise not have the opportunity.”
In February of the previous year, AMUST bid farewell to its co-founder, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM. Driven by a passion for journalism and community empowerment, Dr Ahmad served as the Editor-in-Chief, Chief Advisor, columnist, and proofreader.
His invaluable contributions were instrumental in shaping the foundation of AMUST. His presence, prayers, encouragement, and advice will always be remembered by the AMUST family.
AMUST has established itself as the voice of the Muslim community in Australia. While it prioritises issues and concerns relevant to Muslims, it remains inclusive and welcomes writers and readers of all faiths.
The platform actively publishes articles from Christians, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, and other writers, and about their communities fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Though AMUST is based in Australia, its impact extends far beyond national borders. With writers from around the world and an engaging website and digital edition, AMUST has garnered an international readership, ensuring that its positive journalism reaches a global audience.
As AMUST embarks on its 10th year, it does so with a renewed commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and positive change.
With its unwavering dedication to ethical journalism and community empowerment, AMUST continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for dialogue, understanding, and progress in Australia and beyond.
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