Mosque appeal
Broadmeadows Progress Association secretary John Rutherford will take his appeal against Hume council’s decision to grant a permit for a mosque to be built at Coolaroo to the state planning appeals authority next month. A panel appointed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is due to start hearing the group’s appeal on April 1. The approval of the mosque permit gave rise to emotional scenes and sparked religious tensions at a council meeting in August last year, with more than 1000 people massing in and outside the Broadmeadows chambers. Most objectors were Syrian parishioners of St Mary’s Ancient Church of the East, which is next door to the block earmarked for the Al Sadiq Foundation’s mosque.
Walk the talk
Hume residents are invited to walk ’n’ talk with Hume mayor Casey Nunn as part of a health campaign. The outdoor approach aims to give residents a chance to raise local issues, ask questions and provide feedback about the council to the mayor. The next event will take place from 10am on Friday at Westmeadows Willowbrook Reserve, Mickleham Road, Westmeadows. Details: call the council on 9205 2200.
Refugees inspire
Do you know someone of refugee background who has a connection with the city of Whittlesea, who has made a difference to the community? You can nominate them for a 2014 Refugee Week award. Nominations close on April 1. Nomination forms and terms and conditions are available on www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au in a number of languages. The Refugee Week awards ceremony will be held on June 19.
whittlesea projects opportunity
Whittlesea council will offer funding of up to $5000 for local community projects. Applications open on March 31 and the deadline is May 12 at 5pm. The 10-year-old program is designed to support projects that build skill sets or promote community engagement. In the past, grant recipients have included the Whittlesea Word Weavers, Lalor Community Garden, Whittlesea Township Community House, Whittlesea Chinese Association and the Trung Vuong Vietnamese Women’s Group. Funds have helped support local writers, established a social enterprise nursery and create a grandparents and kinship carers group. Last year, more than $130,000 was given to 40 projects that were part of the municipality’s cultural heritage program.
