AbdalNasser AbuMustafa is a Community Organiser with Sydney Alliance and serves on the board of the Council of Imams NSW.
Muslim leaders joined more than 80 faith, community, union and civil society representatives at NSW Parliament on Wednesday 23 September, helping bring community concerns directly into conversations with state decision-makers.
Organised by Sydney Alliance and Hunter Community Alliance, the Launch Day was described as the first day of a wider season of action leading into the 2027 NSW election. Delegations discussed rental energy-efficiency standards, housing, social isolation and community connection, temporary migrants, and jobs and investment in the Hunter.
Muslim participation was both visible and substantive. Sheikh Jalal Chami of the Australian National Imams Council spoke at the morning media conference and later joined several parliamentary meetings, including discussions with Jihad Dib, Prue Car and Stephen Kamper, and Anoulack Chanthivong. Ali Khan also helped co-chair the morning launch session before joining the delegations.
Ali Khan co-chairs the NSW Community Alliance Launch Day at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney.
“I felt very proud to represent the Muslim community and bring our shared concerns to decision-makers,” Sheikh Jalal said “We are part of the wider community and share the same struggles, often even more. Our representation brought power to the meetings, and the breadth of the civil society coalition made decision-makers take notice.”
For me, one of the most meaningful moments happened away from the microphones.
Early that morning, we inspected several rooms at St Stephen’s Uniting Church, our base opposite Parliament, to find an appropriate prayer space. After consulting Sheikh Jalal, we prepared a room, moved the furniture and placed signs on both doors.
Around Dhuhr, Sheikh Jalal, Ali and I prayed there together. Soon afterwards, Sheikh Jalal and Ali crossed the road to Parliament to join their delegations.
That small transition captured something important. Inclusion is not only about inviting Muslim leaders into the room. It also requires creating the practical conditions that allow them to participate fully as Muslims and civic leaders.
The organising team later highlighted prayer-space and accessibility planning as examples of inclusion being treated as part of organising rather than an afterthought.
The day also demonstrated the value of preparation and relationships. Sheikh Jalal’s participation grew through earlier conversations, briefings and relationship-building.
This allowed him to contribute confidently in public and political settings, rather than being present only as a symbolic faith representative.
Faith, community and civil society leaders gather for the NSW Community Alliance Launch Day in Sydney.
The next stage includes following up on the parliamentary meetings, a Sydney Renters Assembly, community listening conversations on social isolation, and a youth assembly in Western Sydney.
These offer further opportunities for Muslim organisations, leaders and young people to contribute their stories, develop leadership and act alongside others for the common good.
Muslim community leaders and organisations interested in learning more or contributing to this work are welcome to get in touch.
Contact: aabumustafa@sydneyalliance.org.au | 042 3365 006
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