AFA

The Sunraysia Alevi Cultural Centre was established on the 11th of July 1992 to preserve and modernise its cultural identity whilst integrating with mainstream Australia.

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The Sunraysia Alevi community identified the need for its own community centre and in 1993 was successful in the purchase of its current building. The Sunraysia Alevi community worked together and in a short period of time was able to fully own its premises. To date this has been one of its biggest achievements.

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Since 1992 the Alevi community has worked with other community organisations, including health service providers, government departments and welfare agencies to deliver a wide range of programs. Some of these include providing information, advice and direction to its members, as well to the wider Turkish Community. A range of activities for youth, women and the elderly, regular cultural gatherings, including Cems, Semah, folk dancing, seminars and festivals, continue to be provided.

 

The Sunraysia Alevi Community like other communities is an ageing community living in regional isolation. It recognises the need to establish a Cem Evi, the provision of funeral services in line with Alevi belief, better infrastructure to cater for its community and to establish a hub where all of the community can gather for cultural functions and to learn about their cultural heritage.

 

The Sunraysia Contemporary Alevi Cultural Centre is proud of its history and is confident that the Alevi community will be recognised all over Australia and the world in establishing themselves as leaders in working against discrimination and oppression. It is also proud to be associated with other Alevi organisations in Australia and is one of the founding members of the Alevi Federation of Australia.