34 Mosques Open Their Doors During Victoria’s Open Mosque Day

34 Mosques Open Their Doors During Victoria’s Open Mosque Day
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Australia’s state of Victoria hosted the ninth edition of Open Mosque Day, with 34 mosques opening their doors to the public as part of a long-running community initiative aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and social cohesion. The annual event has been organized by the Islamic Council of Victoria since 2017, following a brief suspension in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Held this year under the theme “Open Minds, Open Doors, Open Hearts,” the initiative encouraged Victorians of all backgrounds to visit mosques, learn about Islam, and engage with the cultural diversity of the Muslim community. Organizers said the program seeks to challenge stereotypes, counter hate narratives, and build lasting connections across communities.

Participating mosques included seven located in regional areas, reflecting the geographical spread of Muslims across the state. The range extended from the Albanian Mosque in Shepparton, established in 1960, to a newly opened mosque in Warragul in 2025.

The official launch took place at the Islamic Council of Victoria, featuring a Quran recitation by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zika. Council president Mohammad Mohiuddin described the event as a non-political community initiative, stressing that mosques are places of safety and welcome for all, and calling on leaders to actively confront hate speech.

Victoria’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said Open Mosque Day embodies the state’s values of inclusion and harmony, reaffirming the government’s support for the program and its stance that there is no place for hatred in Victoria. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece highlighted the positive role of the Muslim community in the city and confirmed municipal support for upcoming Ramadan Night Market events at Queen Victoria Market.

The launch also featured an interfaith segment titled “Love and Harmony,” with religious and community leaders emphasizing shared values of peace, justice, and equality. Guided mosque tours and educational exhibitions were held throughout the day, reinforcing Open Mosque Day’s status as one of Victoria’s most prominent initiatives promoting coexistence and mutual respect.