The comments come in response to the negativity that has surrounded the building of the Bendigo Islamic Centre which was approved to go ahead this month.

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council executive committee interfaith officer Constantine Osuchukwu said unlike Bendigo, he had not observed any apparent opposition to the building of the mosque.

“As a community, most people have been supportive. We need to support people of all cultures and religious backgrounds to be able to freely live in our society and be able to worship in a way that meets their spiritual needs,” he said.

“In Australia we have freedom of religion, so our Muslim brothers and sisters have got the right to freely practice their faith without undue interference.”

Ballarat's Muslim community includes about 65 families and a strong contingent of more than 100 students.

Located at Elsworth Street East, the mosque was opened in May this year. Up to 150 Muslims can pray in the building, with congregational prayer sessions held regularly.

Ballarat Interfaith Network public relations officer Margaret Lenan Ellis said it was important for Ballarat’s only mosque to be confidently operating in the community.

“It’s also important for non-Muslims to get to know and appreciate the individuals who make up the Islamic community and that a mutual feeling of friendship be openly developed,” she said.

Ms Lenan Elllis said she was pleased no open animosity to the mosque had been broadcast but said it could be due to the Ballarat Islamic Society choosing to keep a low profile.

Ballarat’s reaction to its first mosque comes as a complete counterpoint to that of the Bendigo Islamic Centre with members of an anti-mosque lobby group planning a rally this weekend.

Bendigo mayor Peter Cox, however, welcomed VCAT’s approval of the structure, saying it was time for all parties to put their differences aside and move forward in a positive and respectful way.

The Islamic Society of Ballarat was unable to be reached for comment.