Skip to main content

IFTAR 2026 Expression of Interest

To host an outdoor IFTAR dinner followed by Public Prayers at Lakemba Nights during Ramadan 2026.

City of Canterbury Bankstown is seeking expressions of interest from a suitable and appropriate organisation or partnership between organisations (The Host/s) to hold a combined free outdoor IFTAR Dinner followed by public Tarawih Prayers with Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, during the Lakemba Nights during Ramadan event in March 2026.

Purpose

The IFTAR, or breaking of the fast, takes place following Maghrib (sunset) prayers during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan. In recognition of this important event, it is proposed to host a public IFTAR where community members will share a meal and experience breaking of the fast and engage in meaningful conversations learning more about Ramadan.

Following the IFTAR, it is proposed to hold the public Tarawih Prayers.

Date

Thursday evening, 5 March 2026 between 7-10pm.

NOTE: If the weather doesn’t permit the event to go ahead on 5 March, there will be no other alternative date.

Location

It is proposed that the IFTAR Dinner followed by Public Tarawih Prayers will be held on Haldon Street (between Oneata and Gillies Street) in Lakemba.

The available total maximum space is 700 sqm (refer to map below).

Event activity

If possible, it is proposed that the IFTAR will be a sit-down occasion.

It is estimated that approx. 250 people could be accommodated in this scenario.

Final capacity will need to be determined once the set-up and configuration has been agreed to, noting the above area the event will be restricted to.

Final numbers will also be determined following an assessment of risk and safety.

The host organisation/s will be expected to manage all aspects of the invitations (subject to approval of Council) and on-site management.

The IFTAR is to be provided free of charge to participants. Please see below for details on the host’s requirements and Council’s responsibilities.

The IFTAR will be followed by public Tarawih prayers, which will also be managed by the host organisation/s.

Host Responsibilities

If successful, the host organisation/s will need to provide and fully fund all of the following, (to be pre-approved by Council):

IFTAR

  • Detailed site map showing the layout of the event
  • All of the catering at NO CHARGE to either Council or participants
  • All tables and chairs, table covers, utensils and any event theming
  • Marketing and promotion plans and materials for the event
  • Educational materials about the purpose of an IFTAR and about the host organisation
  • Management and administration of invites, RSVPs (in full consultation and approval from Council)
  • Staffing and/or volunteers to manage entry and attendance at the event
  • Any other administrative tasks required to ensure a successful event

The successful host organisation will also need to demonstrate that:

  • They have the capacity and capability to manage the logistics and catering for such an event and can put in place appropriate parameters to manage invites and RSVPs
  • All food handling and safety requirements can be met

Public Tarawih Prayers

  • Pack up and clean-up of area following the IFTAR
  • Set-up and bump-in for Public Tarawih Prayers – including any flooring / carpeting on the road
  • Promotion
  • Staffing and/or volunteers to manage entry and attendance at the event
  • Any other administrative tasks required to ensure a successful event
  • Pack down and clearance of the area

City of Canterbury Bankstown responsibilities

City of Canterbury Bankstown will provide the following, in consultation with the host organisation:

  • A specially cordoned-off area of 700 sqm as indicated in the map
  • List of invitees
  • Personal invitation from the Mayor
  • Public address system
  • Support in developing the running order/agenda for the event
  • Security, Police, First-aid and Traffic controllers
  • A formal risk assessment
  • Public liability insurance
  • Limited Council staff – up to 3 to help oversee the event
  • Limited parking for VIPs – up to a maximum of 5 spaces
  • Logistical advice for bump-in and bump-out
  • Any lighting deemed necessary for safety (not decorative)
  • Waste management
  • Media management

Expression of Interest process

STEP 1: Initial Expressions of Interest

Interested organisations are required to submit their expression of interest via email to events@cbcity.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Monday 22 December 2025. There will be no extensions given to this date and time.

The EoI must include:

  • Organisational details – including contact details, a contact name, a copy of their ACNC registration
  • A statement to outline the organisation’s connection to Islam and the Lakemba area
  • Evidence to show that they have the capability to plan, administer and deliver such an event which includes both the IFTAR and Public Tarawih Prayers
  • Name and contact details of the Event Manager assigned to manage this event
  • A preliminary map of how they will utilise the available space for the IFTAR with tables and chairs, microphone and speakers, food servery, adequate space for guests with an allowance for evacuation measures and entry and exit points
  • A preliminary map to show how they will utilise the space for Public Tarawih Prayers
  • A DRAFT bump-in bump-out schedule for both the IFTAR and Public Tarawih Prayers to demonstrate how the logistics for these two set-ups and set-downs will work
  • A DRAFT run-sheet for the IFTAR and Public Tarawih Prayers

STEP 2: Shortlisted host organisations

The preferred host organisation/s from this EoI will then have 10 days from notification to provide the following information prior to Council accepting the proposal:

  • Proposed menu for the IFTAR
  • How the catering will be supplied
  • How food safety standards will be adhered to
  • Estimated costs for hosting the entire event, both IFTAR and Public Tarawih Prayers and how these costs will be met and a statement from the organisation that they will cover all of these costs
  • Details of available staff and/or volunteers to manage the event from conception through to completion
  • An outline process of how they will manage invites, RSVPs and management of invitees on the night
  • Samples of educational materials they will provide on the night about their organisation and about the purpose of an IFTAR and Public Tarawih Prayers

For updates on the Lakemba Night during Ramadan event 2026, please visit: Lakemba Nights during Ramadan.