July 2011

Volume 21

Issue 4
     
     

Message from the President

Dear Members and friends.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathahu!

With the grace of Allah we were able to muster all our resources and complete another fairly successful year. Alhamdulillah.

To have navigated USMAA from the brink of winding up and to bring the Association back on track has been an exceptionally delicate task. I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as we did. I would like to humbly thank my Management Team for their sustained and dedicated efforts to introduce some new structures; add value to our yearly events; identify a good cross section of members to share their expertise and knowledge in Sub Committees; implement our programs in an organised, friendly and open manner; used their network for raising funds and finding sponsors to fund some of our events and awards; and worked tirelessly for the benefit of our community at large. Their efforts, infused with Islamic values, have rejuvenated the community spirit and made USMAA a vibrant Association. Thanks to you all for your support and participation in all our activities which has made all the voluntary work of great value. One can feel now the buzz at the USMAA gatherings. Let us maintain the tempo.

It is now time to hand over the mantle of leadership to a new Captain and a new USMAA Team. In the light of the lessons of the past, we have some succession planning in place which I hope will be beneficial to the continuing well being of our Association.

All community work is done in the name of Allah. None of us are perfect. May Allah forgive us for our errors.

Lets meet, insha allah, at the USMAA AGM on Saturday 16 July 2011 to take stock of what we have done for the past year; get ready for the next year with a new team; spend time with family and friends; and enjoy the simple dinner organised by the outgoing Management Committee.

We are fast approaching the Holy Month of Ramadan - a time for fasting, reflection and prayer. I wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Eid.

Wassalaam.

Dr Fahmi Haniffa

President, USMAA Inc
     
     
   

Editorial

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathahu!

Members of USMAA Committee and sub-committees have worked hard to see another successful year in its 20 year history. It is apparent that the success of an organization can only be only be measured in terms of enthusiastic participation of its memberships in providing services to the community and attendance of events held throughout the year.

It is also evident that Alhamdulillah, USMAA has grown from strength to strength since its establishment 20 years ago despite the adversity of time and/or circumstances. This year, in addition to celebrating and organizing the common events that have been in its calendar, we have also witnessed efforts to support and encourage our youth in their academic and religious achievements by the establishment/activation of the Education Sub-Committee.

The year culminated with the fellowship dinner that was well organized and well attended, not to mention the fantastic menu for the event. The thoughts shared by the Hon Ms Sashikala Premawardane, deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Australia were of significance and appreciated efforts of USMAA in preserving the Sri Lankan and Muslim identity in Australia.

Now, with the election of a new Committee, we look forward to seeing another vibrant and all inclusive year for USMAA and its membership.
     
     
     

UNITED SRI LANKAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The USMAA, Inc Annual General Meeting will be held, insha allah on Saturday the 16 of July 2011 at the Mulgrave Community Centre, 355, Wellington Road, Mulgrave at 6.00 p.m.

A G E N D A

  • Meeting called to order
  • Recital From the Holy Quran
  • Apologies
  • Adoption of Agenda
  • Confirmation and adoption of the last AGM minutes
  • Matters arising from minutes
  • Presentation and adoption of Secretary's Annual Report
  • Annual Financial Report
  • Reports from: Janaza Sub Committee; Education Sub Committee; Qiraath Sub Committee
  • Proposed Resolutions (ESC and QSC - three years).
  • Address by President 2010/2011
  • Meeting adjourned for Isha Prayers
  • Closing of nominations for the Management Committee for the Year 2011/2112.
  • Election of Management Committee.
  • Election / Re -election of Trustees
  • Handing over of office by outgoing President
  • Address by President for 2011/2012
    • Election and Appointment of Public Relations Officer
    • Election of Grants Committee
    • Appointment of Auditor for 2011/2012
  • Any other Business
  • Vote of thanks
  • Dua
  • Meeting Terminated

The AGM will be followed by Dinner.

Please click on links to download the attached document:

Kindly keep the date free and attend the AGM with your family.

     
     
     

USMAA - Annual Fellowship Dinner 2011

The 20th USMAA Annual Fellowship Dinner, which took place on the 18th of June 2011 at the Mulgrave Community Centre, was a fitting finale to an eventful year under the aegis of the current committee. The Chief Guest was the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Australia, her Excellency Ms Sashikala Premawardane, who flew in from Canberra to grace the occasion.

Almost 225 members, friends and well wishers were present at this function. The evening's proceedings commenced with a recital of Qiraath by Hafiz Abdul Wahab.

The children of the USMAA choir sang the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Australia much to the delight of the audience.

Delivering the President's address, Dr Fahmi Haniffa welcomed the Chief Guest, members and Guests in the celebration of the 21st Anniversary of USMAA. He said that USMAA continues to be the dominant Association representing the Sri Lankan Muslims resident in Victoria; its primary objectives being religious, cultural, educational, social, charitable, sports and youth activities and actively advocated on behalf of Sri Lankan Muslims resident both in Victoria and in Sri Lanka whenever required. In his closing comment, Fahmi emphasised the point that it is time for the elders of USMAA to make way for the younger generations of leaders and activists in our community to provide the energy, drive and enthusiasm to take USMAA to the next level and into the future.

  


See more pictures at http://usmaa.org.au

Dr Mariam Tokhi's speech on 'USMAA then and now - over the past 20 years' and Mariam Dole's photographic presentation evoked nostalgic memories for many and also lit up a beacon of hope for the future success of the organization.

In her address to the gathering the Chief Guest, her Excellency Sashikala Premawardhena praised the successive committees of USMAA over the years for their dedication and commitment which has helped to keep this organization active and vibrant over two decades. She also commended the members for maintaining their identity as Sri Lankan Muslims living in Australia and urged them to keep up their links with the motherland.

The Annual Dinner was also chosen as the occasion to stage the long awaited USMAA VCE High achiever's award ceremony. The top cash prizes of $1000 each were won by Zemar Vajuhudeen and Nuzha Nazeem, while the commendable performance prizes went to Fathima Muhajireen, Saabira Wazeer and Haseena Ismail. Ziada Tokhi as head of the Education Sub Committee announced the awards which were presented to the winners by the Chief Guest.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the publication of the USMAA souvenir which was produced through the tireless efforts of Asadh Yusuf with the help of some generous sponsors to commemorate the 20th USMAA Annual Fellowship Dinner. Along with a message from the Chief Guest the souvenir carried messages from the Victorian Premier Hon Ted Baillieu, Interim Chairperson for the Victorian Multicultural Commission Hakan Akyol and the President of the Islamic Council of Victoria Hyder Gulam. The Premier's message was read out to the gathering by Sheik Ayub.

The Master of Ceremonies was Hafiz Azam Kassim. The vote of thanks was proposed by the USMAA Vice President Nazeem Yakoob.

The delicious dinner prepared by Cey- Aus Caterers led by Mazhar Rauf and his team was enjoyed by everyone. It was a memorable night to celebrate twenty one years of USMAA.

Event photographer: Baakir Haris

  


A copy of the souvenir can be found at http://usmaa.org.au/souvenir2011.php
     
     
     

2010 VCE High Achievers Award

The Education Sub-committee's aim is to encourage and inspire the children of USMAA community in their academic endeavours.

If there are any students who achieved an ATAR of 85 and above in 2010 VCE and for some reason was unable to apply and therefore missed out on receiving an award, USMAA ESC is happy to give another opportunity to apply for the awards.

Any application would be considered on its merits and those who qualify would be awarded a VCE High Achievers certificate.

To apply please click on this link and download the form http://usmaa.org.au/ESC-VCE-High-Achiever-Award-form.php. Email the completed form together with a copy of your 2010 VCE certificate with your ATAR score, to info@usmaa.org.au by Friday 15 July 2011.

For more information on the USMAA ESC activities please visit the website at http://esc.usmaa.org.au
     
     
     

USMAA VCE Seminar organized by the Education Sub-committee

The Education Sub-committee held USMAA's first VCE seminar this year at a very comfortable reception hall The Ninety in Oakleigh on Sunday 29th May.

The seminar was an interactive forum for VCE students to engage with a Panel of young and dynamic undergraduates of medicine, law, commerce, media/journalism, accounting, science etc., post-graduate research students, and recently graduated young professionals such lawyers, doctors, communication, IT specialists etc.

The broad range of topics in the program was designed to provide information and tips on efficient strategies to cope with VCE, get the best results in exams and achieve a high ATAR, staying fit and healthy, and also progression onto University courses and career paths.

  


See more pictures at http://usmaa.org.au

The seminar commenced with Akeel Haris reading a verse from the holy Quran, followed by the Head of the Education Sub-committee Ziada Tokhi welcoming the VCE students and the panellists.

Students were provided with invaluable advice and insight on study skills, time management, and tips on preparing for exams and SACS from the highly motivated Panel comprising of Nazha Nazeem, Omar Fahmi, Adel Mohamed, Saabira Wazeer, Nazeem Hussein, Haseena Ismail, Imam Wazeer, Yasmean Kalam, Aysha Zackariya, Fathima Muhajireen, Shamara Nazeer, Hasna Tokhi, Ashraf Tokhi and Mariam Tokhi.

'Tips from an English Teacher', presented by Rizana Zubair was not only informative for the VCE students but was also educative for some first time VCE parents present at the seminar on the VCE system in general.

Doctors Hamish Graham and Mariam Tokhi gave an impressive presentation on the physical and mental health aspects of keeping fit during the stressful times as a VCE student.

Fazlun Haris' presentation on 'Where to go for help' provided students with a good understanding of resources and support structure for students.

Adel Mohamed and Nazeem Hussein, the two young lawyers had some great advice on choosing University courses and progression to career paths.

More insight into being a successful VCE student was further enhanced by the Question and Answer session as well as the one-to-one Interactive sessions.

The students were then allocated mentors from among the panellists and have now some ongoing support during the course of their VCE years.

Shaikh Ayub, thanked everyone for making the event a success with special thanks to Maliq Deane of The Ninety for his generous support by donating the venue for this event.

Last but not least it was thanks to the tireless efforts of the USMAA President, Dr Fahmi Haniffa who behind the scenes supported the organisers and also provided logistic support for a very successful seminar.

For more information on the USMAA ESC activities please visit the website at http://esc.usmaa.org.au
     
     
     

USMAA Janaza Sub-Committee fundraising dinner

The JSC held their second consecutive and successful Fund Raising Dinner on Saturday 21st May 2011. Thanks to the continued support of Bro. Malik Dean, "90 Atherton" in Oakley was made available once again to host this occasion. Amongst our members and well-wishers there was even a family from far-off as Caroline Springs. Together, we all had a good time. Imam Madijih Essa of Lysterfield Mosque was our guest speaker and his speech was on the topic of the importance of participating in Janaza. He later fielded a question and answer session on other topics of interest. On a surprise "chair draw" 3 winners - each received as Optus mobile phone. An amount of over $3000/- was collected for JSC at this event. JSC takes this opportunity to thank the many volunteers and well-wishers, from within and out of USMAA, who are quick to respond to our occasional and varied calls for help with JSC activities. For more information on the USMAA JSC activities please visit the website at http://jsc.usmaa.org.au


  


See more pictures at http://usmaa.org.au
     
     
     

Membership fees and changes

Please renew your USMAA membership if you have not already done so by paying in your annual subscription. This will enable USMAA to continue playing a valuable role in our community.

Members are advised that the function fee of $100 is not charged this year. Instead you will buy a ticket for a nominal fee for some USMAA functions. Contact the treasurer or any committee member for further details.

You can pay Membership fees to the Treasurer Mohamed Najeeb by Cash or send in a Money order or Cheque drawn in favour of USMAA. You could also make a Bank transfer/deposit to the following account,

BSB 06 3121 A/C No 10185803 Commonwealth Bank

Membership fees:

Family $ 50
Adults $ 30
Students $ 30
Pensioners $ 15

If you are not a member yet then please sign up using the online membership form which can be found at

http://usmaa.org.au/form.php

USMAA is all about you. Please contribute and actively participate in all the activities and functions.
     
     
     

Upcoming Major USMAA Events

USMAA Events Calender 2011

USMAA AGM Saturday, 16 July 2011 Mulgrave Community Centre
1st Ifthar Saturday, 13 August 2011 Mulgrave Community Centre
2nd Ifthar Saturday, 20 August 2011 Mulgrave Community Centre
EID Dinner Saturday, 3 September 2011 TBA

Dates and venues listed above are subject to change. Please visit www.usmaa.org.au regularly for updates.

     
     
     

Other news

Media release: Coalition Govt welcomes Islamic Museum to Victoria's cultural landscape

Sunday 3 July 2011
The Hon Nicholas Kotsiras MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras today welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Islamic Museum of Australia in Victoria.

Speaking at the Islamic Museum of Australia Gala Dinner in Northcote, Mr Kotsiras said that world cultures, traditions, religions, arts and crafts were the bridge linking civilisation and humanity.

"This brings people together and helps build Victoria's reputation as a thriving, cohesive and cosmopolitan State," Mr Kostiras said

The Islamic Museum will complement Victoria's other museums that celebrate the contribution of our diverse communities, such as:

  • the Hellenic Museum in the heart of Melbourne;
  • the Museo Italiano Cultural Centre in Carlton's Italian precinct;
  • the Chinese Museum in Melbourne's Chinatown; and
  • the Jewish Museum of Australia in St Kilda.

"Together, these museums will build greater understanding of Victoria's diverse communities. But more than that, this museum will also promote greater cultural understanding, and further the community harmony for which Victoria is renowned," Mr Kotsiras said.

"It will educate all Victorians on the complexity and diversity of Muslim identities. It will dispel myths and misconceptions, and work towards creating an understanding, compassionate and cohesive society. It is a noble vision; it is a worthy vision

"And what better place for Australia's first dedicated Islamic museum than right here in Victoria, one of our nation's most multicultural and multifaith states.

"The Islamic Museum of Australia is a terrific example of how we celebrate this diversity, and promote cross-cultural understanding," Mr Kotsiras said.

Media contact: Fotis Kapetopoulos 0409 669 496

For more information visit www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases

 

Alkauthar Institute: Month Of Mercy - All About Ramadan

Learn all about the rulings, fiqh, secrets, worship and benefit of fasting and Ramadan!. In Melbourne 23rd July 2011.

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allaah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived." An Nisai

Please visit www.alkauthar.org for more details and enrolment. They offer a variety of courses that may be of interest to you.

     
     
     

Community Announcements

 

Janaza

INNA LILLAHI WA INAA ILLAIHI RAJIUN.

Adel Sabireen, beloved father of Khulsum, father-in-law of Fayaz Zulfick (USMAA Committee member) passed away in Sri Lanka on 19 June 2011. Janaza took place in Dehiwala.

May Almighty Allah grant Jannathul Firdhouse.
     
     
     

USMAA Web site

The USMAA website has a picture gallery of images that relates to USMAA events and newsletters. Please email newsletter@usmaa.org.au if you wish to remove any images from the newsletter or the USMAA gallery. Please ensure you provide a link to the image you want removed. The USMAA website now has the prayer times for Melbourne updated daily on it's home page www.usmaa.org.au. We hope this is an incentive to visit the USMAA website more often and check for updates. If you have come across any interesting features that might be useful and add value to the community then please pass it along.

As you may have already noticed, some Community Announcements appear in this issue of the USMAA eNewsletter. We would like this to be a place where the achievements of community members is applauded and a place where community information both happy and sad is shared.

We would like to encourage all members to send the following information to share with the community.

  • VCE achievements for 2010 - Date, Name, School, Parents names, Suburb
  • Graduations 2010 - Date, Name, Course, Uni, Parents names, Suburb
  • Weddings and Nikahs that have taken place recently - Date, Names of the couple, Parents Names and Suburbs.
  • Deaths in the community - Date, Name, Suburb, Family details
  • Births in the community - Date, Name, Parents names and Suburb

Please email to newsletter@usmaa.org.au

The information you send may be edited to fit the space as needed.

Insha Allah we hope you will utilize this tool to its full potential.

     
     
     

Advertisements

The businesses who have advertised on our website are sponsoring the web hosting costs. They are all owned and operated by USMAA members and we hope you will take note of their messages and support them when possible.

Members can place advertisements in the USMAA eNewsletter and website. We charge a nominal fee which will go towards the cost of administration and hosting the website. Please email webmaster@usmaa.org.au for details.
     

Email: members@usmaa.org.au USMAA INC. P O Box 120, Forest Hill, Victoria 3131, Australia. ABN 16207175319  http://www.usmaa.org.au
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The editorial board of USMAA will not be responsible for the views expressed in this newsletter.
USMAA Newsletters are available at: http://usmaa.org.au/Newsletter.php