The Lebanese Muslim Association’s plans for a national expansion took a huge step forward on Thursday, 25 September with the announcement of the purchase of two former places of worship in Victoria and South Australia, which will be respectfully redeveloped as mosques.
Australia’s first non-profit Islamic organisation (founded in 1962), the LMA is the custodian of Lakemba’s iconic Ali Bin Abi Taleb Mosque.
The Sydney-based organisation also owns Cabramatta Mosque in western Sydney and Young Mosque in regional NSW, and is widely recognised for its community programs including settlement assistance, youth mentoring, aged care, mental health and many other initiatives – along with its humanitarian arm, Feed The World.
The acquisitions in Melbourne and Adelaide mark a new chapter in the LMA’s 63-year history and signal a broader national footprint.
The new sites are as follows:
- 15 The Crossway, Strathmore, Victoria (see feature image): a landmark parcel featuring two heritage-listed former churches – a 1930s red-brick sanctuary and a mid-century chapel – in a residential enclave close to transport, schools and parks.
- 238–240 Franklin Street, Adelaide, South Australia: an 1848 bluestone former church on a prominent CBD corner near tram, train and bus links and major education hubs. This redevelopment, once approved, would establish the first mosque presence within Adelaide’s city centre.
Once redeveloped, the building at 238-240 Franklin St will be the Adelaide CBD’s first masjid.
“Today marks another huge milestone for the LMA and for the Muslim community throughout Australia,” said Association spokesman Hajj Gamel Kheir.
He pointed out the community benefits from a consistent national approach when dealing with government and semi-government agencies, adding that redeveloping these houses of worship will expand both religious services and social support for vulnerable groups.
“The redevelopments will proceed respectfully and in accordance with local processes.”
“The LMA’s vision is national and our expansion is far from over, so watch this space.”
LMA Secretary and spokesman Hajj Gamel Kheir.
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