Message from Me
Welcome to The Fifth Pillar - our newsletter with intention, reflecting our sincere commitment to meaningful action and shared values.
Why “The Fifth Pillar”?
At LMA, our five core values - Sincerity (Ikhlas), Knowledge (Ilm), Integrity (Amanah), Excellence (Itqan) and Service (Khidmah) - are the pillars that support our mission and define who we are.
The Fifth Pillar newsletter is an extension of these values: a pillar of connection, communication and shared purpose. Just as our core values strengthen our community, this newsletter keeps us informed, aligned and united - helping us act with intention in everything we do.
I’m collaborating with John (Media and Communications Officer) and the Creative Team to finalise the upcoming editions of the newsletter before their release.
What I’m Working On - Strengthening Teamwork and Collaboration
This newsletter is part of our ongoing effort to strengthen teamwork and collaboration across the LMA. It aligns with the work I’m doing to create a clearer operating rhythm and to build shared understanding of how we work together effectively.
Our Operating Rhythm and Growth
An operating rhythm is about how we connect and work together consistently. It helps keep our priorities on track, makes meetings more meaningful and promotes effective communication at all levels: within teams and across departments.
At an organisational level, this includes executive discussions, board reporting and strategy reviews that guide our direction and accountability.
I’m working with managers to trial and shape an operating rhythm guided by what works best for their team - whether that’s one-on-one check-ins, quick catchups or more in-depth meetings as needed. While parts of this rhythm existed before, they were more scattered. We’re now working towards greater clarity and shared understanding of how teams and the LMA departments operate together to drive growth and improvement. This also helps us better map what the LMA is doing and communicate it clearly to the community and other key stakeholders, supporting our growth and expansion into new areas.
This work is also helping us look at ways to strengthen our structure, culture and how we work across departments. I’ll need support from all staff to do this well - including honest reflection on what’s going well and what could be strengthened. While it’s a lot to take on, it’s important that we approach this thoughtfully and with genuine care. It’s important we create a safe space to share ideas and feedback, focusing on learning and growing together as we make shared progress.
Meaningful progress happens when we start to view our goals collectively, not just individually. That shift begins when we stay open to new ways of working, support each other genuinely and make space to reflect. Growth comes when we lean into curiosity over assumption and collaboration over working in silos.
Coaching/Mentoring
I will also work with different departments to embed coaching and mentoring into our culture, making it a consistent part of how we collaborate and support each other in our roles.
Khouloud – Executive Officer
In This Issue, You Will Find:
- Shaping a Stronger Future: LMA’s Strategic Direction, Including Updates to the Vision, Mission and an Explanation of LMA’s Values.
- Introduction to Board Spotlight
- Successes and Highlights Since July
- Upcoming Sessions and Training & Development Opportunities
- One Random Question
- Wrap-Up for This Edition
SHAPING A STRONGER FUTURE: LMA’S STRATEGIC DIRECTION
At the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), we are committed to building a stronger, more purposeful future for the communities we serve. In 2025, our Leadership Team in collaboration with internal and external advice undertook a strategic planning process to clarify our vision, align on key priorities and shift from reactive operations to a more proactive and values-driven approach.
This summary outlines the highlights of that process, including our updated vision and mission, our core values rooted in Islamic teachings and the strategic priorities guiding our work across the year ahead.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Vision
The LMA stands as a pillar, deeply rooted in Islamic values, providing strength, guidance and a foundation for collective growth and unity across our places of worship and broader communities.
Mission
The LMA strengthens the Muslim identity by educating, empowering, and guiding individuals and communities across Australia, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds. We offer a range of humanitarian services to migrants, refugees, and broader Australian communities, assisting them in reaching their full potential and reflecting their true impact. We ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging through our community programs, Dawah (the act of sharing knowledge about Islam), and religious services. Rooted in the Islamic value of Khidmah (service), we extend our support to all who seek it, encouraging local and international engagement and building meaningful connections.
Reflection on Vision and Mission:
As we progress through 2025, it’s essential for each of us to reflect on the LMA’s renewed vision, mission and core values. These foundations guide our actions, helping us stay purposeful, proactive and deeply connected to the communities we serve. Let’s embrace these principles every day to build a stronger, more impactful future together.
OUR CORE VALUES
These five values underpin everything we do:
Core Value (1) - Sincerity (Ikhlas - إخلاص)
Definition: At the Lebanese Muslim Association, sincerity is integral to all our initiatives. Every action we take is guided by genuine purpose, ensuring our efforts are impactful and dedicated to supporting the community with authenticity.
Islamic Perspective: In Islam, Sincerity (Ikhlas) is central to all endeavours. Allah commands: “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion...” (Quran 98:5). This teaches us that all our actions should be driven by pure intentions. Sincerity calls for leadership that reflects genuine commitment and responsibility, ensuring we focus on meaningful contributions to the community.
CORE VALUE (2) - Knowledge (Ilm - علم)
Definition: At LMA, we prioritise the exchange and development of knowledge, empowering our team to grow meaningfully and apply their skills to benefit the community.
Islamic Perspective: The pursuit of Knowledge (Ilm) is a duty in Islam, as shown in the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) saying: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim" (Sunan ibn Majah). LMA upholds this by ensuring access to education, skill-building and informed decision-making.
CORE VALUE (3) - Integrity (Amanah - أمانة)
Definition: We act with honesty, fairness and ethical responsibility in all matters.
Islamic Perspective: Integrity (Amanah) means being trustworthy and just. Allah states: “Surely, Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those entitled to them” (Quran 4:58). This value ensures LMA operates with fairness, upholding moral responsibilities toward the community.
CORE VALUE (4) - Excellence (Itqan - إتقان)
Definition: We strive for the highest standards in everything we do, ensuring positive outcomes for the community.
Islamic Perspective: As the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Indeed, Allah loves that when any of you does a task, that he does it with excellence" (Narrated by Al-Tabarani). In our team, Excellence (Itqan) drives us to approach every task with skill, care and dedication, trusting that Allah, knowing our rightful purpose, will grant us success in our community-focused endeavours.
CORE VALUE (5) - Service (Khidmah - خدمة)
Definition: We are dedicated to serving the community, offering thoughtful support to those experiencing difficulties and providing essential services with care and consideration for all.
Islamic Perspective: Serving others is central in Islam. The Prophet (SAW) said:
“The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others” (Narrated by Al-Tabarani). LMA ensures that its services, from mosques to community support, are aligned with this principle.
A Reflection on the Values
Our values at the LMA are more than just words or standard statements many organisations have; they have been a part of who we are for a long time. Recently, we engaged with internal and external advice to carefully refine how we explain these values, ensuring they genuinely reflect the unique character of the LMA. By including both an organisational and a faith perspective, our values become truly meaningful and distinctive, guiding us authentically in all that we do.
What makes our values especially meaningful is their close connection to the Arabic language and Islamic faith, which deeply enriches their meaning and gives our work a unique purpose and direction.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2025 TO 2026
We have identified seven focus areas to guide LMA’s continued growth and impact:
- Health and Social Cohesion Initiatives
Strengthening health promotion programs and government partnerships.
Supporting long-term community wellbeing and inclusion.
- Talent Development
Updating role clarity, performance expectations and training pathways.
Empowering teams through leadership development and volunteer support.
- Community Engagement
Enhancing outreach across diverse audiences and interstate communities.
Promoting inclusive representation and active mosque involvement.
- Youth Engagement and Leadership
Expanding youth programs, spaces and social media reach.
Increasing funding and leadership opportunities for young people.
- Governance and Compliance
Strengthening financial systems, audits and policy reviews.
Aligning governance processes with strategic planning.
- Risk and Crisis Management
Developing risk frameworks, WHS systems and insurance coverage.
Promoting financial resilience and proactive planning.
- Financial Sustainability and Growth
Diversifying income streams and increasing operating grants.
Opening new services, including aged care, to meet future needs.
Your managers are, and will continue to be, working closely with you to operationalise relevant priorities for your team and impact indicators.
Introduction to Board Spotlight – A New Staff Newsletter Feature
Starting with our next newsletter, we’ll be launching “Board Spotlight” - a recurring section that features one LMA Board member at a time.
Each edition will include:
- A short profile of the featured Board member (their role, background and interests)
- A personal message or reflection for the LMA team - this could include:
▪️ What inspires them about LMA’s mission
▪️ A value or insight they want to share
▪️ Words of encouragement or appreciation
▪️ Thoughts on LMA’s direction or priorities.
The aim is to strengthen connection between the Board and staff by learning more about the people who help guide the LMA’s vision and governance. We plan to publish the first Board Spotlight in the next staff newsletter.
- Successes and Highlights Since July
- Update from Executive Director
Over the past month, I have been working closely with the Board on plans to expand the LMA’s presence into other states, while continuing to address local priorities such as the elevator issue and the leaking roof at the administration building. We are also progressing with the development application for the new youth centre, and finalising preparations to welcome clients to AMAN Aged Care from late September/October.
I am particularly excited about the recent opening of the Lakemba Women’s Health Centre and encourage all staff to get involved to ensure its success. In addition, Aman Care will be welcoming a new team member in early September to support the roll-out of the Support at Home Care program, which will strengthen the services provided to seniors.
– Khal
- Health and Other Projects
Cyber Security Awareness
As part of a recently awarded grant, the LMA is distributing cyber security awareness content to support our community in staying safe online. This initiative is also being extended to staff and programs, providing access to practical resources, tips and guidance on cyber safety. Tailored workshops can also be arranged to help build confidence and skills in recognising and responding to common cyber security risks.
Contact Isabella and/or Khaled K. for further details.
Bridging Generations: Stories That Connect Us
LMA was also successful in securing a Canterbury Bankstown Community Grant. This project focuses on intergenerational storytelling, connecting youth and elders through co-designed video interviews and culminating in a community gathering to celebrate shared histories, cultural identity and resilience.
It will benefit children and families, youth and older people. An exciting collaboration is underway between the LMA, elder community members and school students. More details to come.
AIMA Lifesaver Program at Lakemba Mosque
The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) will be at Lakemba Mosque on Saturday 27 September 2025 to offer free CPR and life-saving skills training for men, women and children. The session will begin with a comprehensive presentation covering real-world statistics, video demonstrations and key information on CPR, choking management and AED use. Participants will then take part in hands-on group training guided by AIMA volunteers, learning essential skills such as performing CPR, using an AED and responding effectively in emergencies.
Feel free to join us or contact Khaled. K for more information.
- GPT
Busy Period for the GPT Team
Since July, the GPT Team has been remarkably busy delivering a wide range of programs and activities. We organised a Wilderness Hike and hosted a Future Path Career Expo to support career exploration and development. Our Young Leaders Workshops have covered important skills such as public speaking, financial literacy, employment readiness, leadership and teamwork.
Participants have also had the opportunity to join a Floristry Course, and we celebrated diversity during Multicultural Day, offering workshops on employment and education pathways. The Team has run the UWS Fast Forward Program and the Sydney Trains Education Day, while also organising an Industry Connection Day at Warragamba Dam, which they attended with Punchbowl Boys High School.
In addition, we continue to run our regular programs, including weekly Job Fit Sessions at local schools and our Liverpool office, weekly Breakfast Clubs and weekly sports programs. We also deliver fortnightly activities at the Guildford Hub and also provide weekly tailored casework support.
Overall, since July, the Team has demonstrated remarkable dedication to providing meaningful engagement, education and support opportunities for the community.
Nicole and Joy
On behalf of the GPT Team
Religious
Preparations for National Mosque Open Day (NMOD) 2025 are well underway. Our campaign will launch at the beginning of October, leading up to the event on 25 October. We look forward to welcoming the community for a day of learning, connection and celebration.
The LMA/Feed the World Golf Tournament is back for its second year, promising another exciting day of sport, fellowship and community engagement. More details will be shared soon.
The Sheikhs continue to provide support to diverse community members while leading the mosques operated by the LMA.
Azhar Australia, an initiative under the Lebanese Muslim Association portfolio, is now in its third year of operation. The second semester commenced on 3 September and will run until the first week of December. By the end of the year, we will celebrate a cohort of graduates who have successfully completed the course.
Operations and Cross- Functional Department Updates
Since July, the Operations and Cross-Functional Department at the LMA has been progressing several important and impactful projects focused on enhancing services, strengthening community impact and improving internal processes. I am also excitedly overseeing Feed the World and LMA Travel activities, part of the broader portfolio of the LMA.
Khaled Alameddine, COO
Below are the key highlights from each Team:
Gym Updates
Optimus Gym continues to serve community clients, supporting and enhancing their overall wellbeing.
Also, the LMA is proudly supporting SHE Fights, an empowering 8-week program starting on 6 October at Bodypunch Boxing Gym in Lakemba. This initiative brings together boxing training, nutrition and mentorship to help women build strength, confidence and achieve their fitness goals. The program will conclude with a Fight Night Finale on 29 November, with charity collections on the night going towards Feed the World.
Funerals
We continue to serve the community by providing Islamic and faith-sensitive funeral services across several locations.
At the same time, Sydney is running out of burial space. Without new land, some faith communities, including Muslims, may face serious challenges at Rookwood General Cemetery over the coming two years.
The Carnarvon Cemetery proposal offers a solution, with 70,000 permanent plots in central Sydney, providing accessible, long-term and faith-respecting burial options.
We will be campaigning for this important initiative, sharing feedback and views to ensure dignity and respect for current and future generations.
Admin Team
We’ve been updating records and keeping our systems current to provide meaningful customer service that truly supports the community. We’ve also been developing a working schedule for the Lakemba Women’s Rest Centre to ensure smooth operations. The centre re-opened on Monday, 1 September, offering a safe and welcoming space for women and children using the Lakemba shopping strip.
Foodbank continues to provide products for individuals and families on Thursdays under the LMA services building, and plans are on the way to introduce additional support at the Lakemba Women’s Rest Centre in the near future.
Creative Team
The Creative Team has continued to support the LMA and its various departments through the delivery of diverse creative projects. Alongside this, we have revisited our internal processes, workflows and practices to ensure they are more effective and aligned with both the organisational vision and the Creative Team’s goals.
Our vision is to be a creative influence that drives positive impact across our community, youth and all entities of the LMA. We aim to achieve this by bringing our full commitment to impactful design, meaningful content and purpose-driven projects.
We are dedicated to supporting the expansion of LMA’s services, reaching wider audiences, promoting innovation and working collaboratively with other teams and stakeholders to bring the best ideas to life.
Looking ahead, our primary focus until the end of the year will be:
- Capacity Building: Strengthening creative capability within the organisation by developing streamlined workflows, simplifying processes, organising projects, upskilling staff and ensuring sustainable growth of the team’s output.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening engagement with our programs and initiatives.
- Awareness Building: Creating awareness for major upcoming projects, including the National Mosque Open Day (NMOD), the LMA/Feed The World Golf Day and the Launch Pad Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
- Advocacy Support: Partnering with the Grants Team to showcase LMA’s programs, workshops and events in the best possible way through strategic design and communication.
Through these priorities, the Creative Team is committed to advancing the organisation’s mission, elevating its profile and ensuring that every initiative is presented with professionalism, impact and creativity.
- Accounts Updates
Since the beginning of July, the Accounts Department and I have focused on several key projects related to accounts and finances at the LMA.
I have been busy leading and supporting the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (in progress), aimed at integrating financial operations, improving reporting capabilities and driving organisational efficiency. We also successfully rolled out a new payroll system, improving accuracy, compliance and efficiency in payroll processing within close timelines. In addition, I have been involved in work on the audit for the 2024 financial year.
I also want to take a moment to recognise the strong achievements of our Senior Accountant and Assistant Accountants. They have been working on ATO Reporting Support to consistently provide accurate and timely assistance for ATO compliance, reducing risk and ensuring full regulatory alignment. They have also supported the preparation and submission of grant reports and acquittals with high accuracy, maintaining compliance with funding bodies and contributing to ongoing funding success. Another significant milestone has been the successful implementation and configuration of the LMA Travel accounting software, which now enables streamlined travel expense tracking and enhanced reporting functionality.
Abdul, CFO
- ✨ HR Corner - What’s New in HR World
It’s been a busy few months in HR, and we’re excited to share some of the updates we’ve been working on to make your day-to-day at LMA even better!
💙 Your Wellbeing Matters - EAP is Here for You
Did you know? Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available not just for you but also for your immediate family. It’s free, completely confidential and here to support you with any personal or work-related challenges. Think of it as a little extra safety net - because caring for our people goes beyond the workplace.
Work Health and Safety
As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of both staff and visitors, we are collaborating with external providers and specialists to ensure our approach is proactive rather than reactive. This means putting robust procedures in place before any incident occurs. From updating policies and enhancing safety systems to promoting awareness and best practices, our aim is to create a workplace where everyone feels secure, prepared and supported. By taking these proactive steps, we can continue delivering our community programs with confidence, knowing that safety, wellbeing and support are always a priority.
👋 New Sign-In Stand @ Reception
You’ve probably spotted the shiny new sign-in stand at reception. From now on, both staff and visitors will need to sign in and out each day. Why? Because it’s not just about keeping track - it’s about keeping everyone safe! In the event of an emergency, we’ll know exactly who’s in the building and let’s be honest… it also feels a little bit futuristic.
Stay tuned for more updates - we promise, it’s going to be worth the wait. 😉
Christine
Upcoming Training & Development Opportunities
A special thank you to Reem and Gloria from Dreem Coaching and Consulting for providing the mindset and insights training.
Further training will kick off during September, with dates to be finalised based on staff availability. We’ll be running two streams:
• Organisational Growth Sessions - Khouloud will be running these, focusing on collaboration, growth mindset and topics of staff interest.
• HR-related Sessions - Christine will be leading these, covering key workplace and HR-related topics.
For team-specific training related to your technical role or immediate tasks, your manager remains your first point of contact.
We’ll be reaching out to staff to confirm that the dates work ahead of the first sessions in September. Updates will be shared via email and Teams chats.
One Random Question
Each edition, we’ll ask a fun, light-hearted question. The answers will be shared in the next newsletter (no names mentioned!).
This week: If you could pick anywhere for our end-of-year team outing, where would it be? No limits - we can always dream!
Submit your answer here: https://forms.office.com/r/hMGhv8fqcZ - it literally takes a minute!
Wrap Up for this Edition –
R U OK? – Because Every Day Matters
September is a timely reminder to pause and check in - not just with ourselves, but with those around us. Life often pulls us in many directions, and it’s easy to overlook how we or our colleagues are really feeling. Checking in matters: ask yourself, ‘Am I truly okay?’ and ask others, ‘Are you okay?’ - it can make a real difference. Small conversations, genuine listening and simple acts of care can have a lasting impact every day.
As we reflect on this, it’s a great opportunity to also consider how we can grow stronger together through The Fifth Pillar. Your reflections and ideas are always welcome - if there’s something you’d like to share or suggest, please feel free to get in touch with me at kkamalmaz1@lma.org.au. I’m also here to provide support whenever you need it.
Stay tuned for the next edition.
Peace and Blessings to All
Khouloud