The new facility will be built in Baird Street, Ararat and the community group expects that construction will begin within the next two or three months.

Vice-president Osman Kokcu said fundraising efforts for a new facility had been underway for the last four years, but until the grant was announced the group was still a long way off.

“We’re so grateful – we really need it,” he said.

“(The project) was pushed back until we got some funds raised – we had already collected about $187,000 but we needed another $300,000.”

Currently the association operates out of a small room adjacent to the Ararat train station, which Mr Kokcu said barely gives them enough room to hold regular events. 

“Approximately 50 people plus their children attend the current centre in Ararat, as well as people from surrounding towns and travelers,” he said.

Mr Kokcu said the Ararat community was at risk of losing qualified people due to the inadequate facilities. 

“It’s the first question for Muslims who go to another town – are there any facilities for us?” he said.

“One of the doctors (in town) has been here for five years and left last week (due to lack of facilities). Another doctor who has been here for a few years is also thinking of leaving.”

The other issue the group faced in the current facility was that it wasn’t very safe for children.

“When people travel on holidays and come here they bring their kids. Then they see the trains and they worry – they’re always holding the kids’ hands,” he said.

“That’s the other thing we want, a secure area so the kids can run a bit.” 

The grant comes from the state government’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.