I have been quite sick during the last week so I have not done any filming or editing. Instead I have been doing some background research on the Mosques opposition in Bendigo, some key individuals and the anti-islamic group the United Patriots Front. I read and compiled a number of articles and now I feel more educated and prepared to take on this task. I think its important when interviewing subjects to know background information so I can ask the right questions.
Relevant Articles:
The party followed with a political pitch to disenchanted Liberals: “If you are one of the many Liberal members and voters looking for a new political home, a party which stands firm on Australian values, find out more about Australian Liberty Alliance”.
The Facebook page Stop the Mosque in Bendigo, which is liked by 16,000 people, posted: “Make no mistake Abbott was thrown out because of his stand against Islam”.
Turnbull’s appointment by the Liberal Party meant that: “The Muslim invasion will now come to our shores”, the group said.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bendigo-mosque-protest-antimosque-and-antiracism-protesters-clash-20150829-gjaml8.html
Hoskin accused the council and “complicit media” of trying to convince residents that most people in the city supported the mosque.
“The Islamic Council exploits the fact that most democratic societies are foolishly ignorant concerning Islam and the various and oppressive facets of that system,” Ms Hoskin wrote.
Ms Hoskin claimed whenever local residents opposed an application for a mosque, the Islamic Council of Australia obtained their names and addresses for sinister means.
“These people are then paid a visit by a group of Muslim men and threatened with reprisals if they won’t withdraw their opposition to the mosque,” she wrote.
http://morningmail.org/bendigo-mosque-court/ (This is a right-winged online paper against the mosque)
Julie Hoskin is the person who led the group that first appealed against the building of a mosque.
https://www.facebook.com/unitedpatriotsfront?fref=ts
THE UFP are fighting against Bendigo to welcome their share of the 12,000 Syrian Refugees.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/3328140/open-home-and-heart-to-refugees/
The UPF plans on running for Senate.
“Liberal and Labor have both betrayed us … United Patriots Front will be launching as a political party”.
Replying to supporters on the page, Mr Burgess said “Aussie’s (sic) will have the right to bare arms (sic) again if UPF gets into a position where we can make this law change.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-17/bendigo-mosque-protests-mayor-felt-numb-and-shocked/6782230
Recently a council meeting was abandoned and councillors left the Bendigo Town Hall under police escort.
“This group are choosing to come to Bendigo and try to whip up fury and frenzy when there should be none.” -Jacinta Allan, MP for Bendigo East
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-17/bendigo-muslim-community-undeterred-by-ongoing-protests-to-mosq/6784520
Currently the local Muslim community use a prayer room at La Trobe University’s campus which can only accommodate up to 50 worshippers. Mr Febriyanto said it was far short of what’s needed for the more than 300 Muslims in Bendigo, who hail from 25 different countries.
“I wonder if it had been a Buddhist temple if anyone would have objected, so it’s that fear of the other” – Tim McIntyre, Bendigo business owner