Press Release
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canberra Celebrate Australia Day 2020 with the Brave Firefighters & Bushfire Volunteers
On Sunday 26th January 2020, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canberra hosted an Australia Day program at historical Albert Hall Canberra. The event was attended by more than 150 members and guests from local community including Politicians, Heads of Mission of different countries to Australia, members of NSW Rural Fire Service & State Emergency Service.
The event began with National Anthem followed by speeches delivered by honourable guest including Rev. Micheal J Stuart (Stake President, Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints), Ms. Emma Davidson (ACT Greens), Mr. Amardeep Singh (Canberra Liberals), Ms. Elizabeth Kikkert MLA (Shadow Minister for Families, Youth and Community Services Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs).
The highlight of this year's event was a tribute by the Ahmadiyya Community to the firefighters & volunteers. Respected Ahmed Nadeem (President & missionary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canberra) presented special awards to Ms. Paula Roath (Vinnies Queanbeyan & In-charge Bushfire Relief Work at Queanbeyan Showground), Mr. Nick Hornbuckle (Queanbeyan City Rural Fire Brigade Captain) and Mr. Steve Crabb (Secretary Murrumbateman Rural Fire Brigade). The award recipients also spoke at the event.
In his concluding speech Respected Ahmed Nadeem outlined the reasons why Muslims celebrate Australia Day and said "it is an Islamic teaching that love of one's country is part of faith. And the standard of this love is the service to your country."
In the end, Respected Ahmed Nadeem thanked everyone and led the special prayer for Australian bushfire affected people.
