ONECROWN Cemeteries will host the second annual Islamic Family Day this Sunday, April 30, 1.30-4pm, at Rookwood in recognition of the 112-year history between the Muslim community and Rookwood General Cemetery.
Members of the Muslim community and visitors are invited to the free annual community event, which includes guest speakers, free Halal cuisine, children’s activities and a range of information from various Muslim groups and organisations.
The event will also see the official opening of the new amenities block with separate male and female Wudu facilities in Rookwood’s Islamic burial grounds (Section 8), providing washing facilities designed specifically to accommodate the customs of the Islamic faith.
OneCrown Cemeteries Administrator, Lee Shearer, said the Islamic Family Day event was a unique way to bring Islamic families together, to reflect on their loved ones, with the support of the wider community around them.
“Rookwood is a very important public site serving the life cycle of Muslims in NSW. The people buried in the new cemetery came from all corners of the globe – Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Turkey and many more,” she said.
“Our Islamic Family Day acknowledges the mutually respectful partnership between Rookwood General Cemetery and the Islamic community in NSW over the past century, as we work together to provide culturally sensitive burials, care for graves and support the bereaved.
“The official opening of the new amenities block with Wudu facilities, is a significant milestone for both the Muslim community and Rookwood. We are very pleased to be able to open this facility in the presence of community members and leaders.”
The event is arranged in collaboration with Al Zahra Funeral Services, Lebanese Muslim Association, Muslim Cemeteries and Funeral Services Ltd, NSW United Turkish Islamic Centre and Sakina Funerals.
Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) President Hafez Alameddine said the collaborative effort by various Muslim groups and organisations in participating with the event, depicted a strong sense of community and support within the Islamic faith.
“A positive mindset and cultural change can have a significant impact on the success of organisations. When organisations such as the LMA and OneCrown undergo a positive mindset and cultural change, it can lead to better collaboration,” he said.
