Abdullah Sultan (Left) Pictured with Sheikh Mohamed Abdulzaher (right) pictured at “brother” mosque the Othman Bin Affan Mosque.
A heartwarming new initiative launched by the Young Mosque is bringing free meals and fresh hope to residents across the Hilltops region. Kicking off last week at 4:30 pm at Coffee Mate Café in Young, the project aims to offer a nourishing meal and a sense of connection, all entirely powered by volunteers.
Abdullah Sultan, member of the Mosque Committee, says the idea was sparked by a desire to give back to the wider community in a meaningful and inclusive way.
“We wanted to do something a little bit different,” Sultan said. “We’ve always supported other local not for profits like the Food Hall, Community Pantry, and Riding for the Disabled, but we wanted something where anyone in the community, especially our youth, could get involved in a hands-on way.”
The initiative, entirely volunteer-run, mirrors the Mosque’s broader ethos of community service, cooperation, and compassion.
“It’s 100% run by volunteers,” Sultan emphasised. “We got the idea going, and now the volunteers of the Mosque will keep it alive. The goal is that it becomes a regular part of the community, just like the Food Hall or Pantry.”
But more than food, the project aims to re-shape perceptions and foster deeper community connections.
“This is what we are meant to be doing as a Muslim community,” Sultan said. “We’re supposed to be good to our neighbours, to those who need and even those who don’t. That’s our duty, and this initiative is our way of showing that side of us, which often gets missed in the media.”
The meals will initially be provided once a month, rotating between Young, Boorowa, and Harden, with Young receiving slightly more frequent visits due to its larger population and higher demand.
“The first one is here in Young,” Sultan said. “Then we’ll head to Boorowa, then Harden, and then back to Young. We know there’s a bigger need here, but we’re committed to reaching everyone in the Hilltops region.”
With a strong foundation of community support and local sponsors already on board, plans are in motion to eventually increase the frequency to twice a month. Sultan even hinted at a long-term dream: a mobile food van to serve meals on-site in different towns.
“We’ve got a strong sponsorship base, which we’re very fortunate for,” he said. “If we build enough traction, we’ll look into getting a mobile food van so we can cook and serve fresh meals on-site as we go. That’s the long-term vision. Importantly, the program places strong emphasis on youth involvement not only to provide help, but to instil values of generosity and service.
“Our biggest priority is getting the youth involved,” Sultan explained. “We want them to see the value in giving back. It’s not just about food, it’s about building a sense of community, empathy, and purpose.”
-Liam Stuart
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