On the evening of Thursday 17 October 2025, the Salaam Institute hosted a powerful and intimate gathering at the Islamic Museum of Australia in Melbourne – bringing together leaders, creatives, and community members for a night of reflection, storytelling, and inspiration.
The untold story of a national legacy
The centrepiece of the event was a special fireside chat with Moustafa Fahour OAM, the visionary founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia. In conversation with moderator Tasneem Chopra OAM, Moustafa opened up about the deeply personal and often challenging journey of building Australia’s first Islamic museum, a project born out of conviction, fuelled by faith, and realised through years of perseverance.
From the early days of dreaming up the idea, to navigating moments of doubt, and eventually establishing a nationally recognised cultural institution, Moustafa offered raw and moving insights into what it means to lead with purpose. His reflections reminded attendees that lasting impact is rarely linear, but when guided by strong values and community support, it becomes legacy.
More than a museum
The evening began with a guided tour of the museum’s permanent exhibitions, giving guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage, history, and artistic contributions of Australian Muslims. The space itself – filled with stories of migration, creativity, and resilience – became a powerful backdrop to the broader themes explored throughout the night.
In highlighting the legacy of the Islamic Museum, Moustafa also touched on broader questions: Who gets to tell our stories? How do we preserve our heritage in multicultural Australia? And how can community-led initiatives shape national conversations?
Building with faith and community
What made this gathering especially resonant was its alignment with the values of the Salaam Institute — centering leadership, community, and purpose. The event brought together a cross-section of the Muslim community in Victoria, from emerging changemakers to long-standing leaders.
Representatives from Networks Australia Foundation (NAF) also joined the evening, highlighting the importance of nurturing the next generation of faith-driven leaders through initiatives like The Leadership Retreat.
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of deep reflection and renewed purpose. In the words of one attendee, “It wasn’t just a talk — it was a reminder that faith isn’t separate from leadership. It’s at the heart of it.”
Comments