KILMORE has been affected by recent fires which have seen businesses and structures destroyed this week, with the site of a proposed mosque, a Sydney Street ice-creamery and barber all affected.
Police are investigating the suspicious fire at the abandoned church structure – the proposed mosque site – on Powlett Street last Tuesday.
The church was set alight about 1.50pm, with a crime scene established. However, no one was inside the church.
The building is believed to have sustained significant damage, but police also say the fire has not been linked to any other fires, and not believed to be targeted, despite ongoing investigations.
However, about the fire on the proposed mosque site, the Australian National Imams Council released a statement, calling for an end to Islamophobia, with the incident occurring a week and a half after the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15.
“The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) strongly condemns the firebombing of the church on Powlett Street in Kilmore, Victoria, which was set to become a mosque. This is a deeply disturbing act that targets a place of worship and strikes at the heart of community safety and social harmony,” the statement read.
“There has been a concerning rise in Islamophobic incidents and anti-Muslim hate. Many mosques across Australia have received threatening letters and messages, some referencing a so-called “Christchurch 2.0” and others containing explicit threats of violence,” said Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council.
“This incident comes just 10 days after March 15, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day that calls on all Australians to stand against hatred, discrimination, and violence directed at Muslim communities,” the statement continued.
“There is a growing concern within the Muslim community that such matters are not being treated with the same seriousness or urgency, which contributes to a perception that Muslim Australians are not treated fairly or equally,” said Imam Shadi.
“We are deeply concerned about this rising pattern of Islamophobia and attacks on mosques. ANIC calls on all levels of government and law enforcement agencies to be more active in ensuring the protection of the Australian Muslim community, and to do more to address the growing threat of Islamophobia in Australia. Despite these challenges, the Australian Muslim community remains committed to contributing positively to Australian society,” the statement concluded.
Fires also affected Kilmore Ice Cream and the Prestige Men’s Barber on Sydney Street on Monday night at 10pm, with police tape cordoning off the two buildings. The fire currently remains under investigation.
The two fires are not linked, according to Victoria Police.
Kilmore Ice Cream’s Lorena Nai shared her devastation in local community groups on social media, saying the fire started just half an hour after business concluded on Tuesday night.
“We are absolutely devastated to share that Kilmore Ice Cream has been destroyed by the recent fire, along with the neighbouring barber shop,” she wrote.
“Over the past six months, I had the privilege of managing the store and working alongside an incredible team to create a warm, welcoming space and a great experience for every customer who walked through our doors. Seeing it all gone is truly heartbreaking.”
“The owner had invested so much into building something special, and we had just received council approval for a new outdoor area. There were so many exciting plans ahead, so much more we had hoped to achieve.
“To the Kilmore community and everyone who supported us, thank you. Your kindness, loyalty, and support meant everything to us. We will deeply miss serving you all.
“To the first responders, firefighters, and police, thank you for your incredible efforts during this time. We are truly grateful for everything you have done.
“The fire is currently under investigation, and we hope to have more answers in the coming days and weeks.
“Our young staff are in complete shock. My two daughters had just finished their shift on Monday night, and only 30 minutes after leaving, the fire began. It’s left us all with an overwhelming sense of sadness and disbelief.
“Thank you again to everyone for your support during this incredibly difficult time.”