It is anticipated the first stage of Bendigo's first mosque development will be completed within the next six months.
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The first stage of the Bendigo Islamic Community Centre includes the construction of the community centre and a car park.
Casey Binns, general manager of construction company Searle Bros, said it was expected that the community centre would be finished and ready to be used within the next six months, with the structure due to be up in about 10 weeks.
The Bendigo Community Islamic Centre will also include a prayer hall, sports hall, cafe, library, classrooms, a caretaker's residence, and funeral facilities.
Dr Aisha Neelam said the BICC group was conducting fundraisers to support the project as it proceeded, with the speed of progress dependent on how much money was generated.
She said the group had just reconvened after the New Year period and was now planning the coming year of fundraisers and the like.
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Progress on the building was going to be steady, Dr Neelam said, but joked that the build would not be as long as the time it took to finish Sacred Heart Cathedral - which was completed 81 years after construction started.
Mr Binns said details for the construction of the mosque were being finalised and work on it would take place this year.
Being a community project, he said it took time to pull resources together, and approaching the construction of the centre was different than a single large project as it was being undertaken in smaller pieces.
"We're really pleased with how it's progressing," Mr Binns said.
Work officially started on the East Bendigo site in July last year, after five years of planning and legal battles against opponents.
Muslim people have called Bendigo home since the gold rush days and there are now hundreds living in the city.
La Trobe University has provided the community with rooms to pray, but access is limited and there is little space for the number of people.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
