In 1964 The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc (AFIC) was incorporated to raise the profile of Muslims in the community, to implement Islamic legal, educational and temporal practices and to conduct marriages and burials. AFIC coordinates Islamic activities and is instrumental in funding mosque and school buildings. It also appoints Imams and teachers. Its affairs are managed by a board of sincere elders responsible to an elected Shura Council according to a registered constitution. The board is committed to the cohesion of a Muslim community of diverse ethnic groups and to advancing the cause of Islam in Australia. AFIC publishes The Australian Muslim News, guides, booklets and other Islamic literature. It organizes the Hajj and Umrah, administers Muslim schools and organises youth camps and other activities. It is responsible for Halal slaughter and Halal certification of meat and non-meat items. Thanks to AFIC's exemplary and thorough Halal slaughter regime, meat export to Muslim countries has become a major industry in Australia today! Appointed Muslim representatives monitor the entire operation from the time the animals enter the abattoir until the meat is packed and shipped. The representatives oversee the complete quarantining and thorough cleansing of the slaughter houses, boning rooms, coolrooms, chillers, freezers, packing and loading areas and all equipment therein, in accordance with Shar'ia. They supervise the Muslim slaughtermen, ensuring Islamic rules of slaughter are adhered to. In its endeavour to ensure the integrity of Halal certification, AFIC enjoys the cooperation of the Australian Quarantine Inspection Services.   Added on December 31, 2007