The first Islamic School in Victoria, King Khaled Islamic College, was established in Coburg in 1983. Mohamed Hassan was invited onto the board and served as Chairman for many years.

In 1991, he became aware of the need for an Islamic School in South East Melbourne. Mr Hassan took the brave step of retiring as a lecturer, volunteering full time for over two years to establish the Islamic College of Noble Park, which would later become Minaret College.  The college opened in 1992 with only 22 students, and for the next 25 years,  Mr Hassan served tirelessly as its Director.  With characteristic foresight and devotion to the local community, he oversaw rapid growth and major developments at Minaret College, notably the expansion to Springvale and then Officer campuses.

Mr Hassan was awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2007 at Government House and lifetime achievement awards by Mission of Hope and the Centre for Islamic Thought & Education.

Mr Hassan retired from Minaret College at the end of 2016, but still participated in College life. He often visited the school and participated in graduations and other events.  In late 2017, he opened the masjid at Springvale campus, a long held dream come true, exactly 50 years after arriving in Australia. Mr Hassan passed away peacefully during his sleep in June 2020, may Allah encompass him with Mercy.

Generations of families have benefited from Mr Hassan’s sincere and tireless community efforts. His personal attributes of patience, gentle manners and deep faith endeared him to all who knew him.

Mr Mohamed Hassan OAM was a true pioneer of Australia’s Muslim Community, which he served sincerely for 50 years. His legacy continues at Minaret College.

A story of Mr Hassan’s life and contribution to the community was published in AMUST. Click here to read more.