Contrary to what was forecasted to be a day of inclement weather, Toowoomba turned on its best as hundreds of visitors flocked to the Toowoomba Garden City’s 13th annual mosque open day and international food festival held on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
Incumbent Islamic Society of Toowoomba Inc. President Mr Mohamed Ali Kalifullah said “This event has grown into one of the most well-known and much anticipated multicultural events in the cultural calendar of Toowoomba. It’s about coming together in friendship and harmony.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue a long-standing tradition of openness and engagement with the community through positive interactions, open conversations, and by showcasing the hospitality that our community is well known and liked for.
“Through food, fun, friendship, faith and welcoming people into our mosque, we hope to build and foster greater understanding and cement stronger connections across the community.”
In a pre-recorded message, former Islamic Society of Toowoomba Inc. President Emeritus Professor Shahjahan Khan OAM (now domiciled in Bangladesh) opened the event with a message of unity and stressed the Garden City mosque’s many contributions to Toowoomba.
Among the VIP guest speakers attending were Toowoomba Imam Dr Mohammad Aminul Islam, Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell, the Anglican Bishop for the Western Region Cameron Venables, the State Member for Toowoomba North Hon. Trevor Watts MP, Cr Kerry Shine representing the Toowoomba Regional Council, Ms Kelly Hogan-Buckingham, Regional Manager Multicultural Australia and Vice-Chancellor University of Southern Queensland Professor Paul Mazerolle.
Toowoomba Imam Dr Mohammad Aminul Islam said “all of the cultures represented at the mosque were proud to be Australian.”
The festival featured many delicious and traditional international cuisines from over a dozen countries around-the-world including Bangladesh, Bosnia, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Pakistan, South India, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Turkey.
Many of the stalls attracted hordes of guests eager to sample their popular offerings with Bosnian and Eritrean ranking as the two most popular.
In addition to information booths, there were also activities for women, a jumping castle and games for the children.
Supported in part by Queensland Government grants, this annual event provides an exceptional and enriching opportunity for the community at large to engage with the local Muslim community in a friendly, educational, open and welcoming environment.
A special highlight of the day – and only opened on special occasions – was the viewing of an extremely rare handwritten copy of the century-old (AH 1329-1330 / 1911 CE.) Hasan Riza Hatti Mushaf-i Serif Qur’an, which is on permanent exhibition at the Garden City Mosque.
Formalities concluded with the Islamic Society of Toowoomba President, Mr Mohamed Ali, extending an invitation for everyone to tour the mosque and view its newly inaugurated and awe-inspiring Minbar (pulpit) that was made right here in Toowoomba by George Helon and installed on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
