A new space for the local Somali community, called the Somali House, opened in Acacia Ridge earlier this year.
For many in Brisbane’s Somali community, it represents something long-awaited, a place to gather, learn and belong.
The new hub, opened in the former Spanish Centre building on 31 January, and is run by the Somali Community Association of Queensland (SCAQ).
SCAQ President Aweys Hassan Moge said the space was essential as the local Somali population continues to grow.
“The community is growing,” Mr Moge said. “There’s a big number of community members arriving lately.
“We needed a space for them to come, to learn and to bring the kids together.”
Somali House includes training rooms, meeting areas, seminar spaces and a community lounge.
The centre hosts homework clubs for young people, citizenship classes and religious programs, as well as youth mentoring and sports initiatives.
It will also be used for cultural events and Ramadan activities.
“There are a number of young ones in the community who have no space,” Mr Moge said. “That’s why we have this space now.”
Mr Moge said the response in the first few weeks had been overwhelmingly positive.
“The community was so happy to see the space,” he said.
“There are a lot of young ones who are just coming to the space all the time.
“They feel proud and they feel they have a place to go right now.”
The association previously operated from Inala but Mr Moge said leaders say the new facility will help preserve language, culture and faith for younger generations born or raised in Australia, while also strengthening ties with the broader community.
Mr Moge hopes to expand Somali house further into the south Brisbane and Logan areas in the future.
“We want information sharing, culture sharing and learning from each other,” he said.
“For the community, having your own space is very, very important.”
