29/03/2026
CHURCH TORCHED IN KILMORE 🔥
A heritage-listed church in Kilmore has been badly damaged after a suspicious fire, with the incident now drawing wider attention due to its planned conversion into a mosque.
Emergency services were called to Powlett Street shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, with crews bringing the blaze under control within 20 minutes – but not before significant damage was done to the 160-year-old bluestone building.
The site, originally built in the 1850s as a Wesleyan Methodist Church, had recently been acquired by the Kilmore Islamic and Community Centre, which was preparing to restore it and operate it as a place of worship.
Victoria Police have confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious, with a crime scene established. However, at this stage, investigators say it is not believed to be targeted and is not being linked to other recent fires, noting the building had been frequented by trespassers.
That view has been challenged by members of the local Muslim community, who believe the fire was deliberate and connected to the site’s future use.
“Today, our 165-year-old heritage-listed bluestone building (the former Uniting Church) was targeted in a deliberate arson attack,” wrote the Kilmore Islamic and Community Centre in a statement.
“This is not just an attack on a building,” they stressed. "It is an attack on local history, heritage, and community. It appears to be a targeted attack against the local Muslim community.”
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be divided. We are not going anywhere. We will rebuild. We will restore. We are one, and we are many.”
The incident has disrupted plans to restore the historic building, with those involved saying the project has now been set back significantly.
Reports of a separate fire at a property linked to a member of the Muslim community the night before have also added to concern.
In the aftermath, community leaders and political representatives have visited the site in a show of solidarity, emphasising unity and rejecting hate-based violence.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to come forward.
