Relatively small numbers of Muslims live in regional areas, the sizeable Turkish and Albanian communities in Shepparton being a notable exception.
As a result, the mosque remains in regular use today – attended by Turkish, Egyptian and Pakistani worshippers, among others – and is regarded as a normal part of the city’s religious fabric.
The second mosque in the district was established in Mooroopna in 1987 and caters for Turkish-speaking Muslims but, Islam being a broader “church”, also conducts worship sessions in English.
The growing trickle of Macedonians from the former state of Yugoslavia was taking place at the same time.
Early pioneers from Aegean Macedonia started to arrive in Shepparton in the 1920s and 1930s, and many established market gardens.
After World War II (and the Greek Civil War) a large number of Macedonians migrated to Shepparton.
They set up an active Macedonian Australian People’s League and a branch was established in Shepparton as early as 1946. By the 1970s, they, too, had their own “temple” — a Greek Orthodox church.
Likewise, the denomination today is a readily accepted part of the city’s make-up.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact the centre on 4831 8659.
