Lakemba Mosque

Lakemba Mosque has been central to the religious and community life of south-west Sydney since it opened in 1977. Officially named Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb Mosque, it grew from the work of the Lebanese Muslim Association, an organisation founded by Lebanese migrants in 1962 to support social, educational, religious, and community needs. In Lakemba, a suburb long associated with Arab Australian and wider Muslim communities, the mosque became more than a prayer space. It helped shape the area’s identity, drawing regular congregations each week and very large gatherings during Eid and Ramadan.

The building reflects a Shami architectural influence, with its dome, minarets, prayer hall, and community facilities giving it a strong visual presence on Wangee Road. One of its distinctive modern features is its role as Australia’s first solar-powered mosque, connecting a long-established place of worship with practical environmental upgrades. The mosque also serves as a base for religious education, mosque tours, youth activities, major community events, and public engagement through initiatives such as open days and virtual tours. Its history, scale, and continuing community role make Lakemba Mosque one of the most significant Islamic landmarks in Sydney.