Dr Hamza Al Katranji
Secretary and Public Officer
Our story
Twelve families, one promise: to look after each other.
Jeeran started with twelve families who had recently settled in Melbourne. They became friends, explored Victoria together and looked out for each other in everyday life, especially through the COVID lockdowns.
In August 2022 they met in a member’s garage and decided to give back: Jeeran Social Club was incorporated that month. Today the club brings together 120 families, mostly in Manningham, Whitehorse and the eastern suburbs. Most are Syrian, and about a quarter come from other backgrounds.
Jeeran is self-funded and run entirely by volunteers.
Vision
To make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Arab Australians and the communities they live in within Victoria.
Mission
To provide services and organise activities that strengthen community ties and promote social inclusion in a culturally welcoming environment.
Values
- Integrity
- Cultural competency
- Growth
- Innovation
Executive Committee
Five volunteers who share every job between them, from booking venues to setting up on the night.
Salmah Sakhita
Treasurer
Nasih Abdul Samad
Member of the Executive Committee
Ashraf Oghli
Member of the Executive Committee
Bashar Kowatli
Member of the Executive Committee
In the media
Jeeran in the news
Coverage of the club on SBS Arabic and in the Arabic-language press in Australia.
SBS Arabic radio and podcast
"سوريا تتّسع للجميع": كيف تنظر الجالية السورية في أستراليا إلى واقع الوطن الأم في ذكرى "التحرير"
Hamza Katranji on how Syrian Australians marked one year since liberation, and the club’s Melbourne celebration.
Listen or read(In Arabic)SBS Arabic radio and podcast
كيف يرى الأستراليون السوريون الأمل والقلق بشأن بلدهم وتطلعاتهم للمرحلة المقبلة؟
Our Secretary, Dr Hamza Katranji, on the hope and the worry Syrian Australians feel about Syria's next chapter, and how our community can support the transition.
Listen or read(In Arabic)Annas News
"نادي جيران الاجتماعي" السوري الأسترالي يطلق خطة عمله لدعم سوريا الجديدة
Our plan for how Syrian Australians can help the new Syria, which led to the Australian Syrian Alliance.
Listen or read(In Arabic)SBS Arabic radio and podcast
هل تستطيع سوريا تجنب السقوط في هوة الطائفية بعد الاطاحة بنظام الاسد؟ ناشط سوري يجيب
Two days after the fall of the Assad regime, our Secretary, Dr Hamza Katranji, on how Syria can avoid sectarian division, through an independent justice system and inclusive civilian government.
Listen or read(In Arabic)SBS Arabic radio and podcast
"جيران": عائلات عربية تُحيي التكاتف المجتمعي في ملبورن بطريقة مبتكرة
How Jeeran brings Arab families together in Doncaster, featuring our Ramadan home decoration contest and one of its winners.
Listen or read(In Arabic)SBS Arabic radio and podcast
نادي "جيران الاجتماعي" و"أطباء بلا حدود" يتعاونان لدعم المستشفيات في غزة
Our fundraising with Médecins Sans Frontières for hospitals in Gaza.
Listen or read(In Arabic)
Thank you
Partners and supporters
Local businesses, our council and our libraries, who have backed our events and programs with food, venues, sponsorship and partnership. Visit them and tell them Jeeran sent you.
Shamiat
Authentic Syrian restaurant in Northcote. Our Iftar caterer, who also donated food for our Family Iftars in 2025 and 2026.
shamiat.com.au
Afiouni Sweets and Pastries
Lebanese sweets from Campbellfield. Donated the sweets for our 2025 Family Iftar.
afiounisweets.com.au
Box Hill Action Indoor Sports
Home of our Ramadan Family Iftar since 2023. In 2026 they gave us the prayer court free of charge.
boxhillindoorsports.com.au
Skillfield
Sponsor of our Syria Freedom Evening, December 2024, and a top contributor to our 2023 earthquake appeal.
skillfield.com.au
Manningham Council
Community partner. Supported Arabic Storytime for children under five in Manningham, 2024 to 2025.
manningham.vic.gov.au
Whitehorse Manningham Libraries
Community partner. Ran Arabic Storytime with us at the Heimat Centre and Pines Library, 2024 to 2025.
wml.vic.gov.au
Come and meet us
Jeeran is a friendly community of families, run by volunteers. If you speak Arabic, love our food and enjoy family gatherings, talk to us and come along to an event to see if we’re a good fit.