TWO federal Labor MPs met with Bendigo Muslim leaders at the site of the proposed mosque on Thursday, while two anti-mosque protesters drove past repeatedly with large signs.
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Labor's spokesperson for multiculturalism and citizenship Michelle Rowland and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters visited the site in a show of support for the proposal.
Ms Rowland spoke of the importance of providing religious freedom to all Bendigo citizens at the brief meeting with about 10 Muslim leaders.
Prior to their arrival, two cars towing A-frame trailers were parked on the side of Rowena Street before being asked to move on by police.
They were joined by several other protesters.
The trailers read in large letters "no mosque in Bendigo", "council lied about mosque and betrayed Bgo residents" and two other messages.
The protesters declined to comment to the Bendigo Advertiser and drove up and down the street while the MPs discussed the mosque.
Speaking at a lunch earlier in the day celebrating multiculturalism, Bendigo Muslim community spokesman Heri Febriyanto said there was still misunderstanding from some in the community about the plans.
"I think the majority of the people in the Bendigo community support us," he said.
"(It is) only a small minority mostly from outside of Bendigo (who) might still have an objection with us.
"Maybe there is misunderstanding about what our proposed plan is.
"(The mosque has) nothing to do with a hidden agenda."
Bendigo's Muslim community has grown to more than 300 people in the last 17 years, constituting 25 different nationalities.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal case hearing objections to the mosque proposal will continue in May.
The Islamic Mission is yet to present evidence at the case.
Mr Febriyanto said he remained confident VCAT would find in favour of the mosque.
He said Bendigo's Muslim community deserved its own place for worship and to hold gatherings.
"We also have some students from overseas and the local students within Australia, we don't have any place for prayer, for gatherings," Mr Febriyanto said.
"(There is nowhere) for big celebrations."
Ms Chesters said she received a lot of calls from people wanting to know more about what the mosque would mean for Bendigo.
"Some people... want answers, they want to be able to get the right information," she said.
