State Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, has spoken out following numerous reports from residents of flyers being circulated opposing the proposed development of a mosque adjacent to the Smithfield Cemetery on Smith Road, Evanston South.
During Mr Piccolo rising in support of the Summary Offences (Nazi Salute and Symbols Prohibition) Amendment Bill, he described the letters as “factually incorrect” and in contrast to our “successful multicultural society”.
“The application and time to lodge complaints has already passed, and the Islamic Society of South Australia have met with residents nearby, who are comfortable with the application,” Mr Piccolo said.
“The Islamic Society have been mindful of sensitive to the views of local community and has designed it to reflect both Eastern and Western architecture instead of a traditional design - welcoming communities of all faiths.
“My family and I have lived in the Kudla area since we arrived from Italy in March 1963, and had friends with Italian, Greek, Bulgarian, Russian, French and Anglo Australian backgrounds – we took care of each other and still do.
“This why I found the anonymous letter sad, hurtful, and unnecessary. I appreciate that some people in our community are doing it tough, but we all do better when we work together as a community.”
“The ideology of division that the anonymous letter promotes has led to disastrous outcomes in other countries and other times.”
“Some of our neighbours I bump into at church on a Sunday, and we talk about how great our local community is; like my parents, and now me, all they seek is to give their families a better-quality life, free from fear and violence.”
This State has benefitted from being a proud multicultural state, with our first mosque being built in Adelaide in 1882 – the oldest permanent mosque in Australia to this day.
“A mosque is a place of peace and reflection and it’s disappointing it has become a point of contention for some,” Mr Piccolo said.
“It should be celebrated as a community centre, a place of not just for worship, but also learning, community development and a sanctuary for many of our neighbours, friends and colleagues – as they are across the world.
“An anonymous letter associating a mosque with extremism is not a fair and civilised way to deal with issues, and only brings pain and causes panic to many people, often those least able to defend themselves.
“What we need now, more than ever, is community tolerance, understanding and acceptance.”
“There are leaders who have been elected within our community, including myself, that can be approached with problems in our area and constructive conversations can be had.”