Turkish immigrants from Turkey arrived and settled in Thomastown, a working class suburb that at the time was a remote part of Melbourne.

[4] Due to their difficult economic plight, sentiments arose among the community that desired its religious needs to be addressed to cope with the situation.

[4] In the early 1980s, the Muslims in Thomastown numbered some 30 people and the Turkish Islamic Society purchased a property to cater for its community regarding prayers.

[1] The Thomastown Turkish Education and Islamic Society was granted a permit, subject to various restrictions and conditions, to have a community centre by Whittlesea Council in February 1983.

[5] Three reasons were given, that congestive parking would affect the residential area, increased noise, in particular at night, and funeral ceremonies conducted on the property perceived as detrimental.

[5] In February, a new application was submitted for a community centre and the Islamic Society was told that no religious activities could take place and the fence needed to be reinstalled.