1. Our Commitment to Safety & Security
The Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) is committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone who visits Sabah Al‑Ahmed Masjid for prayers and attends events at the Canberra Islamic Centre hall and other facilities. We follow recognised safety practices used across Australian relgious places, and community centres to protect worshippers, volunteers, and visitors.
2. Security Measures at CIC
Our safety framework includes:
- Perimeter security with controlled vehicle and pedestrian access
- CCTV monitoring in key areas
- Volunteer presence during Friday prayers and major events
- Restricted access to sensitive rooms and offices
- Emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, alarms, and first‑aid kits
- Mobile‑controlled gate access for authorised personnel
These measures align with common practice across Australian Islamic centres and other faith‑based organisations.
3. Emergency Evacuation & Safety Procedures
CIC maintains clear evacuation procedures to ensure rapid, safe movement during emergencies.
- Evacuation maps displayed throughout the complex
- Volunteers guide worshippers to designated assembly points
- Committee members contact emergency services
- No re‑entry until authorities declare the building safe
Additional best‑practice elements from other organisations include:
- Evacuation wardens trained annually
- Mobility‑assistance plan for elderly or disabled worshippers
- Multilingual evacuation instructions (Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Malay)
- Annual evacuation drills during quiet periods
4. Incident Reporting & Response
CIC encourages prompt reporting of any safety or security concern.
Incidents include: Fire, aggressive behaviour, vandalism, medical emergencies, suspicious activity, child safety concerns, and unsupervised children.
Best‑practice additions:
- Online incident reporting form
- Central incident register maintained by the Executive Committee
- Defined response timelines (e.g., 48 hours for review)
- Post‑incident debrief for volunteers and committee members
These practices mirror systems used by major mosques and churches across Australia.
5. Child Safety & Protection
CIC is committed to meeting the National Child Safe Standards (2026).
Key elements:
- Children must be supervised at all times
- No unauthorised person may remove a child from the premises
- Immediate reporting of any child safety concern
- Volunteers working with children must hold a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card
Additional recommended content:
- Child safety code of conduct
- Clear parent responsibilities
- Mandatory reporting guidelines
- Safe photography and media policy
6. Volunteer Roles & Training
Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining safety.
CIC volunteers:
- Monitor entry points
- Observe for hazards or suspicious behaviour
- Support evacuation procedures
- Report incidents immediately
Recommended additions:
- Annual volunteer training (security awareness, first aid, emergency response)
- Role descriptions for Friday prayer volunteers, event marshals, and evacuation wardens
- Pre‑event briefings for large gatherings
7. Community Awareness & Education
To strengthen safety culture, CIC will introduce:
- Safety signage in prayer halls and common areas
- Announcements before major events
- Workshops on emergency preparedness
- Information sessions for parents on child safety
These initiatives reflect best practice across Australian religious organisations.
8. Coordination with Authorities & Faith Networks
CIC collaborates with:
- ACT Police
- ACT Fire & Rescue
- ACT Ambulance Service
- Local Islamic centres
- Interfaith safety networks
This ensures our procedures remain aligned with national safety standards.