Home of Masjid Al-Rida — a place of worship, learning and welfare for the Shia Muslim community of Western Sydney, and a helping hand open to all.
Al-Rida Community Welfare Association (ACWA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit charitable organisation founded by families of the Western Sydney Shia community. From a shared hope in 2007, those families came together to build Masjid Al-Rida in North St Marys — a holy place for worship and a centre to raise the next generation in authentic Islamic values.
We follow the Jaafari (Ithna Ashari) school of the Shia Islamic tradition. Our worship and programs are rooted in that faith, while our welfare and charitable work reaches the wider community — because a stronger neighbourhood lifts everyone.
“It is imperative to have a holy place for worship and a school to educate our children with authentic Islamic values — to fulfil our duties to Allah, to our country Australia, and to the wider community.” — ACWA founding vision, 2007
Every part of our work flows from the objectives written into our constitution — faith, education, welfare and belonging.
Daily prayers, Jumu‘ah and special programs through Ramadan and Muharram, nurturing the practice of the Jaafari Ithna Ashari tradition.
Programs that build moral character and authentic Islamic knowledge in our young people, so the next generation grows with confidence and values.
Assistance to the needy and underprivileged on humanitarian grounds — regardless of race, gender, colour, faith, age or country of origin.
Confidential guidance and support services for members and families who are going through hardship and need someone to turn to.
Religious, social and cultural gatherings — conferences, seminars and events that bring families together and keep our community connected.
Friendship, mutual understanding and good relations with our neighbours of every faith — building peace and cooperation across our community.
We help the needy and underprivileged on humanitarian grounds — regardless of race, gender, colour, faith, age or country of origin.
ACWA is governed by a written, registered constitution and the law. Contributions are handled with transparency, and the Association's income and assets are applied only to its charitable purposes.
An incorporated association under the NSW Associations Incorporation Act 2009. We operate within a clear legal framework, not on goodwill alone.
No income or asset of the Association is distributed to members for private gain. Funds are applied only to the Association's purposes, in line with our constitution.
ACWA is governed by a constitution that provides for both an elected committee and a permanent committee. The permanent committee provides long-term stewardship and oversight, while elected officers manage the Association's day-to-day operations. Under the constitution, the permanent committee holds final authority over major financial and strategic decisions. Members have their say at the Annual General Meeting.
Financial records are kept and reported each year, and the books are open to members for inspection at any reasonable time.
Members are the heart of ACWA. As a member you help shape our community and gain a voice in its future direction through meetings, elections and member participation.
Our funds come from members, donations and grants — and are used only to run the Masjid and serve the community. Every contribution is a sadaqa jariyah, a gift that keeps giving.
Support the running of the Masjid and our community programs today.
A regular gift gives us the stability to plan and grow our services.
Lend your skills to events, education and welfare projects across the community.
Remember Al-Rida in your giving so the Masjid continues to serve future generations.
See all the ways you can help on our donation page, or give directly using the details above.
Whether you want to pray, ask about membership, or talk about how you can help — you are welcome at Masjid Al-Rida.