Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time when family and friends come together and celebrate the breaking of the fast.

On 22 May, our local Islamic community gathered at the Ajani Centre to celebrate Eid al-Fitr after completing a month of prayer, devotion and self-control. The event was extremely popular and fully booked; with over 140 people attending and 20 families on the wait list.

The community-led event featured a circus workshop, Taekwondo activity, emoji and trivia quiz. Special food was shared to celebrate the end of the 30 days of fasting, including a special ‘Kahk-Eid cookie’.

Marwa Mostafa and Ceza Omar helped organise the event and said the intention was to bring people together.

“We wanted to hold a community gathering that would make people feel happy, so we applied to Manningham for funding under the Placemaking project," Marwa said.

“We have many people in our community who live on their own or are newcomers, so we wanted to get them together.

“Every year it is important to gather with family and friends. Most people have family members overseas in Egypt, Sudan or Jordan and haven’t seen them for two or three years. This event was a good way for them to avoid isolation, especially after lockdown.

“And it’s important for our children to connect with other children who live locally. They really loved it and joined in the circus, Taekwondo and trivia events.

“When we want to meet as a community we usually have to travel to Footscray. This event helped us to celebrate in Lower Templestowe in our own space, where we live and that’s so important.”

Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon said it was important for everyone to feel welcome in Manningham.

“Manningham is home to people from many different backgrounds and faiths and we want them to be able to meet and celebrate together,” he said. 

Ms Mostafa said the event inspired them to form a community group in Manningham.

“We are so grateful to the people who volunteered to make this happen and to Manningham Council for making it possible. We hope we can continue to meet as a group in the future,” she said.

The event was funded by Manningham’s community-led Placemaking initiative.