Preston Mosque (Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque)

Preston Mosque has a long place in the growth of Muslim community life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Officially named Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque, it is closely connected with the Islamic Society of Victoria, which was established by early Muslim migrants and community leaders working to create a permanent base for worship, education, and public engagement. The mosque became one of Victoria’s first large-scale mosque developments, with its history shaped by the late Sheikh Fehmi Naji El-Imam, who later served as Grand Mufti of Australia from 2007 to 2011.

The site has developed from a prayer-focused community base into a broader Islamic centre. Its Cramer Street location in Preston supports daily prayers, Friday congregations, religious education, funeral services, women’s programmes, language classes, interfaith work, and community welfare services. A major redevelopment in recent years refreshed the building and expanded its role as a northern Melbourne community hub. The mosque’s dome and minaret give it a clear religious presence in the suburb, while its continuing social services reflect the practical role it has played for migrant families, local residents, and generations of worshippers.