Perth Voice Interactive

THE first mosque in Greater Fremantle for more than a century is set to open in a few weeks time, says Muhammed Abdul Aziz, the president of the South Metropolitan Muslim Association.

The Association hoped the mosque would be open for Eid – which marks the end of Ramadan on March 30/31 – but they are waiting on some final regulatory approvals, including the certification of an imported carpet.

The mosque is located in a former warehouse at 10 Blamey Place in O’Connor.

The Association bought the property, situated in an industrial zone, in 2022 for $1.3million. 

Brother Aziz says they have spent around $800,000 transforming the 738sqm building into a mosque and community facility that includes a prayer hall, lobby, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and library.

Br Aziz says the capacity of the mosque will initially be 50 people, because of parking limitations, but it could potentially accommodate up to 300. Br Aziz is a founding member of the SMMA, which has about 160 members.

During Ramadan, the Association co-organised a daily “Taraweeh Prayer” at the Murdoch University Worship Centre on South Street. The Association have also used the Kardinya Community Centre for prayer meetings.

For a while, Muslim people working in Fremantle had been hiring a small church in Beaconsfield to pray.

Br Aziz says the new mosque will be a game changer for Muslims in the area.

South of Greater Fremantle, the nearest major mosque is in Rockingham.

Greens MLC Brad Pettitt has helped the mosque come to fruition, including attending fundraising dinners.

He was Fremantle mayor when the mosque planning application first came before council.

There are about 10 mosques across Perth, including those in Wattle Grove, Gosnells and Mirrabooka.

The Association hope the O’Connor mosque will also be used by Muslims visiting Fremantle. It is about 5km from the port city.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK