The Auburn Area

The City of Auburn local government area is right at the heart of Sydney, only 17 kilometres from Sydney CBD and 6 kilometres from Parramatta. The area has many attractions, including world class sporting facilities and business centre of Suydney Olympic Park, the Auburn Botanic Gardens, Bicentennial Park and the Gallipoli Mosque. Suburbs include Auburn, Berala, Homebush Bay, Lidcombe, Newington, Regents Park, Rookwood and Silverwater.

The area is exceptionally diverse in both cultural and socio-economic terms, contributing to a great source of energy and creativity to the local community. It has the largest overseas born population (53.2%) of any LGA in New South Wales and the highest percentage of new arrivals from refugee backgrounds, per capita, than any other LGA in the state. In Auburn, culture is constantly changing and evolving with people arriving and leaving and as they participate in daily life. The culture of Auburn is celebrated in the stories of residents, in the area's colourful cafes and restaurants, on street corners, at street festivals and in regional parks and gardens.

The current estimated population of the Auburn City Council area is $68,104. Between the 2001 and the 2006 census, the LGA expereinced significant growth with the population increasing by 16.4%,. This is the highest percentage growth in Western Sydney. By 2020, Auburn's population is expected to reach nearly 84,000 which is an increase of 50% from the current population. For more information on Auburn's community profile click on the link.

Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park was home to the 2000 Olympics. The park is run by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.Sydney Olympic Park Authority is responsible for managing and developing the 640-hectares that comprise the Park and maintain it as a lasting legacy for the people of New South Wales. Over 6.6 million people visited Sydney Olympic Park in 2004 to play sport, picnic in the parklands, ride a bicycle, attend a multicultural festival, take part in one of our many educational programs, attend a concert or watch world-class sporting events. Sydney Olympic Park Authority is committed to maintaining the Park and providing a diverse and a unique range of activities for Sydneysiders and tourists. For more information on events and facilities go to www.sopa.nsw.gov.au.

Auburn Botanic Gardens:

The Auburn Botanic Gardens attracts thousands of visitors a year from the Auburn Region and beyond; there are even a significant number of overseas visitors. Even on busy days quiet corners can be found. It is just 20 minutes drive from Sydney CBD. Located on 9.2 hectares of lush parklands, the gardens are a short drive from Sydney Olympic Park. Since the gardens opened in 1977 they have become a popular attraction with residents and tourists alike. Features include a Aviary, Fauna Reserve, Equal Access Playground, japanese, Zen, Sunken Rose, Scented, Native and Rainforest gardens as well as a picnic area and a wedding pavilion.

Location: The entrance can be found on the corner of Chisholm & Chiswick Roads it Auburn.

Admission: $3 per person. Entry free for Auburn LGA residents.

All areas of the Botanic Gardens are wheel chair accessible.

Gallipoli Mosque:

The design is modelled on the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey and shows strong Moslem influences. The exterior is on a square plan with a large dome, 8 semi-domes, and two minarets above. The diameter of the main dome is 16.6m and it reaches to 22.6m from the floor. The minarets are 39m high and have two galleries. The construction is reinforced concrete and brick. Inside the Main Dome sits on 8 columns and is supported by the semi-domes. The walls and floors of the interior are decorated with colourful mosaics. The windows are coloured glass. Circular windows around the base of the dome have the “100 names of God” in Arabic script. The ground floor is an open plan. In the centre of the wall opposite the main entrance is the curtained alcove called the Mihrab that indicates the direction of Mecca. To the right against the wall and at the top of a flight of stairs is the Minbar or Minpar. At the ‘call to prayer’ the Imam leads the worshipers from this platform. To the left against pillar is a pulpit where the Imam talks to the people about the faith and common concerns.

According to Islam men and women do not worship together and so the Mosque has a typical mezzanine and balcony for the women and young children. Women and children are not obliged to attend Friday worship.

For more information visit the Gallipoli Mosque website at www.gallipolimosque.org.au