The South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) hosted an Eid Milan gathering in Sydney on Sunday 22 March 2026, at the Parkland Function Centre, Fairfield Showground.
The event brought together community elders to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Waratah hall was filled with dignitaries, seniors, carers, volunteers, and friends of SAMAA, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
The gathering coincided with the 41st Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF) —an annual celebration held for over forty years. As a gesture of goodwill, MEFF generously provided its facilities to support SAMAA’s senior community event.
The programme commenced with the recitation of verses from the Quran by Shaikh Abeer ul Hassan Thanvi. During his address, he reflected on a Quranic verse reminding that as a person reaches old age, they may return to a state of dependence similar to that of infancy.
He emphasised that the Quran instructs Muslims to treat the elderly with care, compassion, and love, and calls upon children to serve their ageing parents with patience and kindness, thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Shaikh Thanvi commended SAMAA’s efforts as a true example of Haqooq ul Ibad—service to humanity—and urged the community to support this noble cause.
The programme was compered by Mr Zaman Khan and Ms Mecki Ansari who introduced various speakers and briefed audience about various SAMAA services to the community’s seniors. The most important aspect is that the services should be culturally and religiously appropriate.
Mr Zahid Jamil welcomed the guests on behalf of the SAMAA Executive Committee and described community elders as a precious asset, individuals who have worked tirelessly throughout their lives, raised families, and contributed to building the nation.
He noted that settling in a new country with different cultural traditions and language barriers is always challenging, and even more so 40 to 50 years ago.
Despite these difficulties, the senior members of the community persevered and laid strong foundations for future generations.
He added that old age should be regarded as a golden phase of life, and that seniors deserve the utmost care and respect. SAMAA, he said, strives to support them on this journey.
SAMAA has signed MoUs with service providers to ensure culturally and religiously appropriate care is available.
Mr Jamil also emphasised the importance of not delaying the aged care assessment process, encouraging families to act early so that seniors can access the services they need in a timely manner.
Ms Charishma Kaliyanda, Liverpool MP, delivered a heartfelt message on the importance of staying connected within our communities, particularly for seniors.
She reflected on her own childhood in Australia during the early 90s, when her parents relied on handwritten letters to stay in touch with loved ones overseas.
Despite today’s digital advancements and the rise of social media, she highlighted that social isolation still remains a real challenge for elders.
She appreciated the role of organisations like SAMAA in bridging this gap, especially for seniors, in bringing them together physically. She spoke proudly about supporting and representing multicultural and South Asian communities.
Hon Mark Robert Buttigieg, MLC, representing the Honourable Stephen Kamper, Minister for Multiculturalism, spoke about the strength and beauty of Australia’s multicultural fabric.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of community organisations in keeping people connected across generations. He emphasised that even as communities grow and evolve, the sense of belonging and cultural connection remains strong, and initiatives like these truly reflect what Australia stands for – unity, diversity, and community spirit.
Ms Julia Finn MP, State Member for Granville applauded SAMAA’s work over the years. She applauded SAMAA for the great initiative in bringing together community seniors during such informative and multicultural events, and congratulated the members and the seniors on Eid-ul-Fitr.
Pakistan’s Consul General in Sydney, Mr Qamar Zaman, congratulated SAMAA for its dedicated efforts in serving South Asian Muslim seniors.
He also praised Australia for welcoming people from around the world and for fostering a harmonious and multicultural society.
The Aged Care representatives from IWA (Islamic Women’s Association of Australia) held an information session on various aspects of aged care services.
For over twenty-five years, IWA Australia has been delivering Aged Care Support, Disability Support, Settlement Support, and Community Development Services.
MC Mecki Ansari told the audience that SAMAA and IWA were quick to sign a MoU soon after IWA started its operation in NSW in 2017.
It was a very positive development for SAMAA, as earlier we were coordinating with local providers who were not familiar with South Asian and Muslim cultural issues and needs.
IWA understands the religious and cultural issues of Muslim seniors, Mecki Ansari said.
IWA representatives Ms Avinder Vij, IWA’s Sydney Branch Manager, and Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, Senior Care Partner introduced to the audience various operations of IWA.
These include Aged Care services, support at home programme It offers flexible, tailored services to help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. Seniors or their carers work with an assessor to design a care plan that suits your needs, preferences, and cultural background.
The second half of the programme featured an enjoyable musical segment. It commenced with a melodious Naat, poetry in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) beautifully recited by popular Sydney singer Madam Shagufta Zia.
Mr Tariq Mahmood, accompanied by Ms Priya Das, Mr Wasim Shah and Mr Adil Siddiqui delighted the audience with a selection of popular songs from Bollywood’s Golden Era, featuring timeless melodies from the 1960s and 1970s.
Guests also relished a delicious spread of Eid cuisine, warmly reconnecting with friends and contemporaries.
The event concluded on a joyful note, with attendees leaving in high spirits and expressing their gratitude to SAMAA for organising yet another memorable gathering.
To register as a volunteer with SAMAA or to enrol an elderly family member, please contact the SAMAA team or visit https://samaa.org.au/.
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