Rabita Centre Australia is the organisation behind the Rockbank Environment and Activity Park (REAP) It is a not-for-profit charitable organisation formed by Muslim Australians of Eritrean ethnic origin in 2014
Rabita aims to be a vibrant gathering hub for the wider community, founded to bring together, connect, educate and empower families and youth to live their lives in the best way they can
When the site was purchased in 2016 it was regarded as an opportunity to bring these aims to a reality and was aptly labelled “Dream Realising”
To understand this sentiment is to know the history of Eritrean Muslims in Australia who are basically a people dispossessed. To purchase a property they could call their own is one thing – to then be completely magnanimous about it and propose uses that benefit the wider community in order to foster harmony and social cohesion through interaction and participation is something to be applauded
On the one hand, the Rockbank Environment and Activity Park, serves the specific needs of the members of Rabita Centre – specifically it will act as a gathering hub for families and youth where they can socialise, play sport, assist each other and benefit from training and educational activities
On the other hand, Rabita Centre has recognised that the project presents an opportunity to give – to reach out. In consultation with Desypher Architecture a 5-stage masterplan has been formulated culminating in the “Rockbank Environment and Activity Park” (REAP). The project promotes healthy and responsible living and aims to benefit the wider community through wholesome activities such as; therapeutic horticulture, sports and other physical activities, social festivals and events, educational and vocational training and environmental initiatives
It is expected that participation, interaction and cooperation around these activities will go a long way to promoting wider-community benefit, social cohesion and harmony. This approach has already won the support of federal and state members of parliament, heads of departments, several councillors and many community organisations
We think it’s a philosophy that brings Australians together
