About Australian Islamic Centre:
The Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) is a mosque and community centre located in Newport, in Melbourne’s inner west. Established by the Newport Islamic Society, it provides a welcoming place for Islamic worship, education and community life.
The Centre is open for the five daily prayers and the weekly Friday congregational prayer. It also provides Qur’an and Islamic studies, youth activities, religious counselling, marriage and funeral services, community programs and opportunities for spiritual growth. The Centre is also home to an independent school providing primary and secondary education within an environment informed by Islamic values.
While serving Muslims from many cultural backgrounds, the Centre also welcomes visitors wishing to learn more about Islam and the Muslim community.
The Australian Islamic Centre seeks to bring Islamic tradition into conversation with contemporary Australian life. Through education, community service and interfaith engagement, it promotes compassion, knowledge, social connection and mutual understanding.
The Centre is also internationally recognised for its distinctive architecture. Designed by renowned Australian architect Glenn Murcutt AO in collaboration with Hakan Elevli, the mosque combines principles of Islamic sacred architecture with an environmentally responsive Australian design.
Exterior of the Australian Islamic Centre: Contemporary mosque and community centre
Mosque exterior framed by trees
The main prayer hall
The Shahada in Arabic calligraphy: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Skylights above the Shahada
Geometric ceiling of the prayer hall
Sunlight within the mosque
Decoratively bound copies of the Qur’an, Islam’s sacred scripture
An ornate Qur’an cover
Water lilies in the reflective pool
History:
The story of the Australian Islamic Centre began with the establishment of the Newport Islamic Society in 1989. The Society was formed to meet the religious and community needs of the growing Muslim population in Newport and Melbourne’s western suburbs.
As the community expanded, plans emerged for a larger, purpose-built mosque and community centre. The project was developed over many years through the vision, commitment and financial contributions of local community members. Glenn Murcutt, Australia’s first recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, was commissioned to design the new Centre, working in collaboration with Melbourne architect Hakan Elevli.
Completed in 2016, the Australian Islamic Centre offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation of mosque architecture. Rather than using a traditional dome, the prayer hall is crowned by 96 triangular roof lanterns. Their coloured glass filters natural light into the interior, filling the prayer space with changing patterns of red, blue, green and gold throughout the day. The building is oriented towards the Kaaba in Mecca and uses natural ventilation, passive cooling and other environmentally responsive design principles.
The Centre has received national and international recognition. Its honours include the 2017 Victorian Architecture Medal and national recognition for public architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects. It was also named Religious Building of the Year at the 2017 World Architecture Festival and shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Today, the Australian Islamic Centre is both a spiritual home for Melbourne’s Muslim community and a significant landmark of contemporary Australian religious architecture—a place where faith, community, light and landscape come together.
Faith Leader: Sheikh Dr Hayssam Rifa
Sheikh Dr Hayssam Rifai is a spiritual leader of the Australian Islamic Centre and a central figure in the religious life of its community.
His ministry extends beyond leading the five daily prayers and delivering sermons. He provides Islamic teaching, spiritual guidance and pastoral support to individuals and families, assisting community members through the many stages and circumstances of life. His responsibilities include religious counselling, marriage and family guidance, Islamic education, community programs and support during bereavement.
Sheikh Dr Hayssam is committed to making Islamic teachings accessible and relevant to Muslims living in contemporary Australia. Through his leadership, he encourages the development of faith, good character, compassion and responsibility towards others.
He also contributes to the Centre’s wider role as a place of welcome and connection. By supporting community engagement and respectful relationships across religious and cultural differences, Sheikh Dr Hayssam helps the Australian Islamic Centre serve not only as a place of worship, but also as a bridge between Melbourne’s Muslim community and the broader Australian society.
Contact:
Address: 23-27 Blenheim Rd, Newport Victoria 3015
Phone: (03) 9000 0177
Email: info@australianislamiccentre.org
Website: www.australianislamiccentre.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australianislamiccentre