1956 · from the records
The first minutes
Before the mosque stood on Acacia Street, the community met, discussed its future and put the decision to build into writing. These handwritten minutes preserve that first step.
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The First Mosque in VictoriaOur Mosque:
Our Mosque:
A Living Story
From the dreams of our pioneers to the vibrant sanctuary of today. Discover the journey that shaped us and the vision that guides our future.
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How it began
A home built by a community
Albanian families began settling in the Goulburn Valley in the late 1920s, many finding work in Shepparton’s orchards. By the 1930s, the community was gathering for worship in rented spaces.
Many of the first arrivals came from the Korçë region of southern Albania and expected to return home after working abroad. The Second World War and its aftermath changed those plans. As families made Shepparton their permanent home, a place of their own for worship became important.
The community formed the Shepparton Albanian Moslem Society in 1955. Myrteza Adem and R. Sherif Islam laid the foundation stone the following year, on what was then a site beyond the city’s residential edge. Neighbours gave labour, equipment and funds, and the mosque opened in 1960.
Its purpose was always wider than prayer alone: a place to pass on language and culture, meet friends and welcome new arrivals. As Shepparton changed, the congregation grew to include people from many cultural and religious traditions. Imam Eljam Bardi arrived in 1982, and by 2019 the Friday congregation had grown far beyond its early years.
Then and now
The mosque through the years
Each chapter reflects the people who gave their time and resources to keep this place growing.
1955–1960
A permanent place of prayer
The Society formed in 1955. Myrteza Adem and R. Sherif Islam laid the foundation stone in 1956; the community-built mosque opened in 1960.
2015
Caring for the original mosque
Community donations helped renew the grounds with fencing, garden beds, exterior painting and an automatic sprinkler system.
2021–2022
A renewed interior
The renovation began in August 2021 and the mosque reopened on 5 March 2022. The work included ablution facilities, toilets, a foyer, carpet, lighting and a flexible community room. The original structure was retained and refreshed.
Continuing
Room for the next generation
The mosque remains a place of worship and connection for Shepparton’s diverse community. The archive records ongoing improvements, including the covered shelter project.
Historical account adapted from the Society’s archive, including research by James Barry, PhD. Photographs may be from a broader period than their chapter.
A new chapter · 2021–2022
A mosque renewed by its community
The building that generations had cared for was still at the heart of Shepparton. Inside, however, age, wear and a growing congregation made change necessary. Around 140 people regularly attended Friday prayers, and the earlier layout could no longer comfortably serve them.
Work began on 10 August 2021. The committee set out to make room for worship, gatherings and education while keeping the original mosque structure. On 5 March 2022, the community reopened the renewed space.
10 Aug2021 · work began
140regular Friday worshippers
5 Mar2022 · reopening
The vision
Planning for prayer and community life
The plan brought the mosque and community centre together more effectively. A flexible community room could open to the main prayer room or be closed for events and education. The proposal also reworked circulation, the entrance and the spaces people use before prayer.
The original building remained. The work was an internal renewal, shaped around the people already using the mosque and those who would come after them.
See the original concept
Before the building work, there was a model
This walkthrough shows the 3D design used to imagine the renewed mosque and community centre. It belongs here at the start of the renovation story, before the photographs of the work and reopening.
Mosque upgrade · 3D model walkthrough
The proposed design for the renewed interior and community centre.
Watch on YouTubeThe work
Making the vision real
Walls were removed to improve the layout. The team created a new ablution washing station and toilets, renewed the foyer, repainted the interior, installed lighting and carpet, and added a library room. The original structure was maintained, with structural work and a new concrete floor where needed.
01
Ablution and toilets
02
Entrance and foyer
03
Prayer space and carpet
04
Lighting and community room
5 March 2022
The doors opened again
The reopening brought people back into a familiar place made ready for a growing congregation. The refreshed prayer room, new facilities and adaptable community space gave the building a new everyday life without losing its history.
The photographs record the people who worked, donated, planned and gathered to bring the project to completion. Their contribution carries the same spirit of community effort that built the original mosque.
The journey in pictures
From the first steps to reopening
Watch the original slideshow of the renovation, then explore the full collection of plans, work in progress and reopening photographs in the gallery.
Explore renovation photographsThe story continues
Caring for the place we share
The renewal did not end at reopening. The community continued improving the site, including the covered shelter project documented in 2024. Each addition reflects the same aim: keep the mosque welcoming and useful to the next generation.
View more mosque photographsPhotographs and film
Moments from our story
Explore the mosque, the renovations and generations of community gatherings.
Visitors Welcome
Planning Your Visit
The Shepparton Mosque is a place of peace and welcome. We invite community members of all faiths to visit and learn more about our culture and heritage.
Dress Code
We ask all visitors to dress modestly. Long sleeves and trousers/skirts below the knee are appreciated. Women are requested to bring a headscarf if entering the prayer hall.
Etiquette
Please remove shoes before entering carpeted prayer areas. Photography is permitted, but please be mindful of worshippers and avoid flash during prayer times.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Open daily for the five scheduled prayers.
General tours by appointment between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Location
8 Acacia St, Shepparton VIC 3630
Ample parking available on-site and on the street.
For group visits or educational tours, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to ensure a guide is available.
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