The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) Gala Dinner, held on Saturday 19 April 2025 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, was a profound evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition. Taking place on Day 1 of the two-day AIMA National Conference 2025, the event brought together healthcare professionals, leaders, and advocates under the theme “Setting Your Compass: Navigating Healthcare and Fostering Resilience.”
The Gala Dinner’s keynote address was delivered by Mr Gary Quinlan AO, former Australian diplomat and ambassador to the United Nations, whose insights into resilience and diplomacy set the tone for the evening. One of the most moving moments of the night was the presentation titled “From Melbourne to Gaza: A Surgeon’s Journey”, presented by Dr Mohammed Awad, sharing powerful reflections and photos from his recent medical mission in Gaza.
The audience was also treated to a vibrant and heartwarming Palestinian traditional Dabke performance by the Jafra Dabke Performance Group, filling the hall with rhythm, culture, and energy. As explained by the MCs, that due to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and Gaza and recent genocide, Dabke has become a key symbol of cultural resistance.
Celebrating 50+ years of medical service
The highlight of the Gala Dinner was the presentation of the 50+ Years of Service Awards, honouring Muslim doctors whose decades of dedication have profoundly shaped Australia’s healthcare landscape and Muslim community wellbeing.
These trailblazers were recognised not just for their clinical excellence, but for their leadership, community service, and advocacy:
- Dr Mohammad M Raza Khan: A pillar of community health and GP education, known for his commitment to mosques and registrar training.
- Dr Mohammed Amjad Hussain: Founder of one of Melbourne’s early Muslim GP clinics and a pioneer in culturally competent care.
- Dr Mir Mohamed Habib: Founding figure in Islamic medical advocacy, with over 50 years of service and thousands of circumcisions performed.
- Dr Mateen Jabbar: A compassionate GP serving Victoria’s diverse communities since the 1960s.
- Dr Ghulam Akbar Khan: Senior GP in Western Sydney and founder of a local mosque and Islamic school.
- Dr Sikander Khan: Esteemed surgeon and educator, who also helped establish halal certification and Islamic schools across Australia.
- Dr Mariam Hussain: Mental health advocate and key contributor to improving Muslim patient care in hospitals.
- Dr Mahomed Seedat: Veteran GP and leader in establishing Islamic institutions in Victoria and Queensland.
- Dr Ahad Khan: Dedicated to rural medicine, solo practice, and mentoring, with decades in remote Australia.
- Dr Mohammed Obeidullah: Known for his resilience and service from Tasmania to Sydney, including care during Cyclone Tracy.
- Dr Ishrat Ali: Consultant psychiatrist and author, internationally recognised for his mental health advocacy.
- Dr Parwin Shahnaz Faiz: A long-serving GP in south-west Sydney offering pro-bono services and supporting refugee care.
Each awardee’s story is a testament to unwavering service, compassion, and leadership — inspiring the next generation of Muslim healthcare professionals.
The event ended with a standing ovation for Dr Bushra Othman, Dr Mohammed Mustafa, and Dr Mohammed Awad for their strength in travelling to Gaza and their commitment to saving lives through their medical work.
Courtesy of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST
Photos by Mohamed Nasir Noor – Aliph Photography
