Media Release
24 July 2026
A new cultural bridge between Australia and Indonesia has been established in Makassar with the opening of the new Australian Reading Corner at Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque in Makassar today.
Launched by the Australian Ambassador to Australia, Rod Brazier, and the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Todd Dias, the Australian Reading Corner provides a space for the Muslim community of Makassar to access books and resources to learn about Australia's history, culture and longstanding relationship with Indonesia.
"I am delighted to officially open the Australian Reading Corner at Masjid Al-Markaz Al-Islami. This milestone reflects Australia’s commitment to building deeper understanding between Australia and eastern Indonesia," said Ambassador Brazier.
The Head of Yayasan Islamic Centre Al-Markaz Al-Islami, Prof Hamid Awaluddin, welcomed the Australian delegation warmly and expressed his deep gratitude for the cultural and educational initiative.
“The Australian Reading Corner we are inaugurating today will serve as a source of information and knowledge—an objective that aligns with the mission of the mosque. I extend our deepest gratitude to the Australian government for establishing this Australian Reading Corner,” said Prof. Hamid Awaluddin.
Consul-General Dias added, “With thanks to the friendship and support of Masjid Al-Markaz Al-Islami, the official opening of the new Australian Reading Corner is a fantastic opportunity to build on the long history of exchange between our two countries, particularly between Makassar and northern Australia.”
The Australian Reading Corner is now open to the public and members of the Al-Markaz Al-Islami community.
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Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720334822456/