First
meeting of QMV at the Kuraby Mosque
facilitated by Dr Mohamad Abdalla
BRISBANE:
On Wednesday 12 January, local leaders called for an urgent
meeting to discuss ways to help in the flood
recovery process.
More than 300 people - men, women and children
-responded within a matter of a few hours
offering financial aid, cars, trucks, buses,
essential supplies and of course their time.
Many also offered their homes for shelter.
The
volunteers told CCN that they were willing and
ready to assist all those affected by the
devastating floods, to help with the
distribution of supplies, the clean up process
and any other assistance that was required.
The Gold Coast and Darra Mosques have also
offered the use of their halls as shelter
for flood victims in need of accommodation.
To date more than $20,000 has been collected in
various mosques through the Muslim Charitable
Foundation (MCF) to assist in buying and
distributing much needed items for flood
victims.
Mustafa Ally, media liaison for
Queensland Muslims Volunteers (QMV), the
organization that is coordinating the efforts of
the community, told CCN:
The Queensland Muslim community is deeply
saddened by the devastating floods. Their
thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of
this disaster and they want to do whatever they
can to help their fellow Queenslanders.
Donations to assist these and other relief
efforts can be made to the following account:
Account Name: Muslim Charitable Foundation
Emergency Account
Salvo
volunteer ready to tuck into a curry and
rice
At a follow up
meeting of QMV at the Kuraby Mosque on Thursday
(13 January) a number of
sub-committees were established to coordinate
the logistics of providing accommodation,
catering, transport, cleaning and
communications.
A group of QMV
volunteers prepared packs of curry and rice and
delivered them to the temporary shelters at the
RNA Showgrounds where they were accepted with
relish by the Muslim flood victims, the
Salvation Army volunteers and the police on
duty.
Several Muslim
families were moved from the shelters to homes
offered by members of the local community and
some were housed temporarily at the Kuraby
Mosque.
On Friday QMV
established a Help Desk at the Showgrounds and
is operating it from 5am to 10pm daily.
120 fresh packs of
cooked food were delivered yesterday by Ismail
Bosthan, Hanif Omar and Yasmin
Ahmed to staff of the Salvation Army and the
SES teams at the Ipswich Showground as well as
to the State Emergency Services at Ipswich.
Anyone wishing to
assist with the catering should contact
ShahinaOmar on 0422925773.
In the past 72 hours over
560kg of chicken breast fillets and over
300kg of meat have been used in cooking
to supply free food to various people at
various locations with all costs borne
by individual volunteers. To date some
2000 food packs have been distributed in
Brisbane and Ipswich area.
QMV deployed over 350
volunteers yesterday (Saturday) to
assist in cleaning up on areas like
Ipswich, Rocklea, Fairfield, Yeronga,
Jindalee, and West End.
If anyone wishes to
volunteer for cleaning today (Sunday)
contact Yasmin Ahmed on 0405217682.
Yasmin
Ahmed and Shahina Omar at the QMV desk
(RNA
Showgrounds)
Nabeela
Cassim (Team leader), and the Al-Attwani
Family
Nabeela
Cassim (Team Leader), Taaibah and
the
Muhammed Family with there new born
Preparation of hampers
at the Gold Coast Mosque (Saturday 15 January)
PART 1
Over 200
men, women and children as young as 5,
turned up at the Gold Coast Mosque on
Saturday (yesterday) morning as early as
5am to help with packing together some
1500 food hampers for distribution to
homes in Ipswich and surrounding areas.
A long table
had been set up in the middle of the
Mosque car park. There were people
standing in a queue, each provided with
a large recyclable green bag. They
started at the top end of the table
moving down the long table, placing the
food items into these bags. At the end
of the table were helpers to load the
bags directly into the food truck behind
them. The people then moved on again to
the back of the queue to start the
process all over again. This human
conveyor belt ensured that the parcels
were quickly filled and loaded in the
trucks provided. The operation started
speeding up as the rain started pouring
down.... but that didn't stop the
operation or dampen the spirit.
Councillor Margaret Grummitt, Hussin
Goss and Imam Imraan Husain
Distribution of hampers
to Lowood (PART 2)
By 8.30am
the bags were packed onto the waiting
GossBros truck ready for their destinations.
With a dua from the Imam and a short
address by Gold Coast City Councillor
Margaret Grummitt, the trucks headed off
to the Gold Coast City Hall where, with
the help of the Gold Coast Titans, they
were loaded with baskets of goods donated by local
residents.
After a stopover at the Ipswich Mosque
for prayers, the convoy of trucks and
cars headed for the town of Lowood
(click on map) which
had been severely affected by the
floods. The town could only be reached
by truck and the cars had to be left
behind.
The distribution was accompanied by much
energy, enthusiasm and unrestrained joy
and sincerity so much so that the
townsfolk came out in their hundreds to
thank the volunteers as the trucks
slowly wended their way to their next
port of call.
Making the 9 o'clock news
Crescents of Brisbane's Aaakifah
Suleman
checks
on the welfare of her MDA clients
(click on image to view SBS news
clip and scroll 1.32 minutes).
Dear Editor
This week we have seen the Almighty unleash
His power. The floods are a disaster of epic
proportions.
The enormity of this tragedy does not hit
home until you are out there in amongst the
victims, the mud, and the giant piles of
rubbish.
Giving donations is a noble act, but these
people need help cleaning up their
properties.
I urge everyone to lend a helping hand.
Our hearts go out to all those who are
affected.
May Allah have mercy on us all.
A J Rane
....just got in my car with a broom, a
shovel and a rake; then lobbed up at the
first house I saw in trouble...........
a QMV volunteer told CCN
IMAQ Update
The Islamic
Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ)
also joined forces with QMV to offer
assistance and advice where necessary. While
the immediate emergency medical needs are
being competently addressed by Queensland
Health, IMAQ hopes to be more involved in
dealing with survivors and their long term
psychological impact in the coming months.
With many QMV
members undertaking potentially hazardous
tasks, IMAQ president, Dr. Iqbal Sultan,
has offered community volunteers the
following advice: You should consider your
own safety and well-being at all times when
assisting in the clean-up. It is essential
that you dress appropriately with long
trousers, closed shoes, hydrate yourself
adequately and use sun protection at all
times and to
study the RACGP fact sheet before
venturing out.
IMAQ has
arranged free tetanus immunisations for
volunteers requiring a tetanus booster. An
appointment for your immunisation may be
made by calling 3808 3300.
The ladies of Algester will be
preparing a meal for some of the Muslim flood
victims who have had to abandon to the RNA
showgrounds.
If you are available to help
prepare some chicken and salad wraps on Monday,
please contact Ruxana Osman on 3273 5536 or
0401422756.
DATE Monday 17th January, 2011 TIME 9.30 am
VENUE Algester Centre
Collection Drive
(left to
right) Iqbal Sultan, Naadir Gutta, Sheila
Glew, Ian Glew, Julie Mciver and Mustafa
Ally
Crescents of
Brisbane and the Lions of Kuraby joined forces
on Saturday morning to raise funds for the
Queensland Flood Relief setting up a collection
point at the Underwood Marketplace shopping
centre.
Over $3000 was
raised by the end of the day.
Isabella
Mcalister (5) of Forest Lake
Two year old,
Gameela Alghamry and mom, Mariam Alshemy
Boot Giveaways
The Crescents of
Brisbane team visited the evacuation centre
at the Yeronga State Primary School
yesterday where they handed out hampers of
cleaning material to flood victims.
All hands on deck
Teams of QMV members have
spent the past two days ankle deep in
rotting food at the Rocklea Cold Storage
depot which was a victim of ferocious flood
waters that reached the second floor of the
warehouse and toppled a trailer onto its
side.
Over 2000 pallets of
refrigerated food are waiting to be sent to
the dumping centre as the teams of
volunteers struggle with moving out the days
old rancid, mud covered packages of meat,
vegetables and other items.
More hands are desperately
needed, and if you able to help call
ImraanNathie on 0431 300 111.
Muslims Australia (AFIC) has sent a
letter of support to Brisbane Mayor, Campbell
Newman and an
open letter to the Muslim community of
Queensland.
Australian Muslim Community opens its
hearts for Queenslanders affected by the tragic
floods
The Australian
International Islamic College is opening up
its Buranda campus hostel to provide free
accommodation and food to those affected by
the current flooding. We are also calling on
members of our Australian Muslim community
to donate generously for the victims of the
flooding, we have established a special
account for parents of our pupils, the
worshippers at our mosque and members of the
community to contribute to our fellow
Queenslanders who are affected by the tragic
flooding.
“I have just returned from India where I
endured my own personal tragedy with the
loss of my wife, two sisters and niece who
tragically drowned when an unexpected storm
caused their boat to capsize. Seeing the
images of the flooding affecting my fellow
Queenslanders, I am conducting prayers and
encouraging the members of my community to
donate generously to fellow Queenslanders
who are affected by the flooding. Our hostel
is open and our hearts are open for all our
fellow Queenslanders in the face of this
natural disaster.” Said Imam Abdul Quddoos
Al Azhary, Chairman of the Australian
Islamic Education Trust (AIIC) and the
Muslim schools in Durack, Buranda and Gold
Coast.
“This is a time to allow our love for each
other to clearly manifest through providing
all the financial and material support for
those affected by the flooding, I call on my
community to donate generously. My heart and
my prayers are with the people of Queensland
in these difficult times.” Said Mr. Keysar
Trad who is a resident of NSW and is a
trustee with the AIIC.
Accommodation coordinator name: Mrs. Mariam
Ali
Contact number: 0415 103 394 or 07 3372 1400
(during business hours)
Kudos for caring
These efforts of the Muslim
community have been recognized by the local
community as well as a number of community
leaders, politicians and government
officials including:
Deputy Mayor, Graham
Quirk: My thanks to the Muslim Community
for a wonderful gesture and effort. Please
pass on my thanks to all of the Muslin
Community for their generous support.
MAQ Executive Director,
Garry Page: The efforts are very much
appreciated at this challenging time.
President Muslims
Australia (AFIC), Ikebal Patel: Very
good work, please keep it up.
Senator Claire Moore:
Congratulations to the Muslim community for
your ongoing community generosity.
Minister for Disability
Services and Multicultural Affairs,
Annastacia Palaszczuk: Thank you for all
your wonderful work.
The above reports have been compiled,
composed and crafted by CCN from submissions by
Yasmin Ahmed
Shahina Omar
Iqbal Sultan
Aqeel Hafeez
Islam TV
Rishka Booran-Johnson
Janeth Deen
Shaukat Dhedhi
Mohammed Abdus Samad
For the
latest and past news on community efforts in this
relief effort
click
here.
If you know
of any commendable efforts that need to be
recognized please email
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org with the details.
Information session for foster parents
The Islamic Council Of
Queensland, in conjunction with the Department
of Communities, will be holding an information
session for people who want to become foster
parents.
Venue: Islamic College of Brisbane
45 Acacia Road, Karawatha
Date: Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Time: 9.45 a.m.
Anyone who is interested to become a foster
parent is encouraged to attend this information
session. For further details please contact :
Mohammed Yusuf 0413 038 610
The Inbox
Dear Editor
Salaams
Jazakallah
for the publication. Wow, I am very impressed.
You guys are very
efficient mashallah.
You should have a kiddies newsletter for all the
young kids - it will be just as famous as your
current newsletter.
Jzk
Salaams Nadiya
The CCN
Middle Link (Repeat)
Madrasah Teachers
As-Salaam Institute of
Islamic Studies has positions for Madrasah Teachers
in 2011.
Candidates should have qualifications in Islamic
Studies.
Experience teaching children is an advantage.
Hours Required: Monday - Friday 4:30pm - 6:30pm and
Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Commencing end January.
This is a paid position.
Using the book club you can see what books
fellow CCN readers have on their shelves,
what they are reading and even what they,
and others, think of them.
KB SAYS:This recipe is kindly
shared with CCN readers by my Capetonian friend
Thorayya Israel. I had my first taste of this
delicious starter dish as her home in Cape Town when I
was there for the World Cup. I tried out this recipe
recently and it was a huge success with my family who
have called for an encore. So guess what's in store for
them today!
Ingredients
1kg lamb mince
6 green chillies
1tsp ginger and garlic
1tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ bunch coriander leaves
2 dessertspoons coarsely crushed and roasted
coriander seeds
Spring onion finely chopped
½ cup Nutty wheat flour
½ cup pea flour, sifted
½ bunch spinach chopped fine
Method
Combine all the
ingredients and keep in refrigerator
overnight.
To make the kebabs, form
into small balls, flatten in the palm of
your hands and place on a non stick frying
pan or griddle and cook on both sides until
light brown.
Serve on a puri
(recipe in next week's CCN) and lemon wedges
and a hot sauce like Nandos perinaise (a
peri-peri Portuguese chili sauce mixed in
with mayonnaise).
Next week is healthy weight week, so start today and get
yourself fit and healthy.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
through daily exercise and a nutritious diet will not
only make you look good and feel great, it comes with
many health benefits...
Try to be as active as possible
throughout the day.
Too much time is spent either sitting in
front of the TV or computer. Make simple changes to your
daily routine, and you'll be amazed at how much better
you feel!
Australian Health Facts:
61% of Australian adults and 25% of Australian children
are overweight or obese.
We gain weight when we eat more energy (kilojoules) than
we use up through exercise or activity.
Gaining weight can increase your risk of health
problems, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and
heart disease. People with most of their body fat around
their waist are at an increased risk.
Obesity and diabetes
Research shows that by maintaining a healthy weight,
type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed in up to 60%
of cases.
Studies also show that losing 5-10% body weight can
improve glucose tolerance in people with or prone to
diabetes.
Obesity and heart disease
A large international study found being ‘moderately’
obese (having a BMI of between 30-35) reduces life
expectancy by around three years. This is because
carrying too much weight increases your risk of heart
disease and stroke.
Studies show that dropping 5-10% in body weight can
lower blood pressure and cholesterol, both risk factors
for heart disease.
Obesity and mental health
We hear a lot about the benefits of a healthy weight to
physical health, but some studies have linked a healthy
weight with better emotional health too. A new
Australian study has found a link between carrying
excess weight and poor mental health in middle-aged
Australians.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR WELLBEING, SHED ANY
EXTRA KILOS YOU MAY HAVE, AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF
YOUR LIFE..
The
toughest part of a diet isn't watching what you eat.
It's watching what other people eat.
Assalamu Alaikum.Jazak-allah
khair. I would like to thank FLIGHT STAR & THE
STAFF & MANAGEMENT for selling me an excellent
package for Hajj 2010. It was a trip of my life
time. I would pray to Almighty to reward
each and everyone for there effort in making our
trip more enjoyable. Special thanks to QARI UMAR,
MAULANA NURUL-AL HASSAN and BROTHER YASEEN. May
Allah reward them all. Zahid
Just a short note to say thank you so much for
all the effort and hard work you, Fatima, Uncle
Omar and the team at Flight Star Travel put in
to ensure what I would describe as a most
beautiful Hajj experience. From my initial
enquiry, to obtaining visas, issuing of tickets
as well as the farewell I must say a very big
thank you of which we are most grateful and
appreciative of. Jazaakallah. Salaams and Duas.
Mohammed and Abdul Rashid Osman
Taleem
classes will be closed for the year and will
resume in January, insha'Allah.
Watch this
space!
Jazak
Allah to all those who contribute their time
to attend the taleem classes over the past
year.
Girls Game
Night
Sitting at
home on a Saturday Night?
Want to do
something constructive, but FUN?
Inspiration
talk, pizza, BBQ, fun and games
Topics that
are relevant, Iman-boosting and
mind-capturing. Where: AMYN Islamic Youth Centre,
16/157 North Road, Woodridge When: Every Saturday,after Maghrib
Info:
www.AMYNweb.com Everyone is invited
Australian Muslim Youth
Network (AMYN)
Find out about the latest
events, outings, fun-days,
soccer tournaments, BBQs
organised by AMYN. Network
with other young Muslims on
the
AMYN Forum
The best ideas and the best feedback come from
our community of readers. If you have a topic or
opinion that you want to write about or want
seen covered or any news item that you think
might be of benefit to the Crescents Community
please e-mail
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org.
Share your thoughts, feelings and ambitions for
our community through CCN.
If there is someone you know who would like to
subscribe to CCN please encourage them to send
an e-mail to
ccn@crescentsofbrisbane.org with the words
“Subscribe Me” in the subject line.
Disclaimer
Articles and opinions appearing in this newsletter do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Crescents of
Brisbane Team, CCN, its Editor or its Sponsors,
particularly if they eventually turn out to be libellous,
unfounded, objectionable, obnoxious, offensive,
slanderous and/or downright distasteful.
It is the usual policy of
CCN to include from time to time, notices of events that
some readers may find interesting or relevant. Such
notices are often posted as received. Including such
messages or providing the details of such events does
not necessarily imply endorsement of the contents of
these events by either CCN or Crescents of Brisbane Inc.
Madrasah Teachers
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