IS recruiters at NSW community centre

Recruiters for Islamic State have been masquerading as social workers at a NSW community centre to entice at-risk youths to join their ranks.

Groups of men would pose as community workers and visit the Bankstown Multicultural Youth Service (BMYS) to befriend and convert youths to the IS cause, according to former employee Sarkis Achmar.

The so-called Ginger Jihadist, Abdullah Elmir, was one of those who visited the centre.

"BMYS staff worked tirelessly and managed to guide at least seven young people away from the clutches of his friendship," Mr Achmar told the Canterbury Bankstown Express.

"I believe we assisted in avoiding at least half a dozen other young people following Abdullah overseas."

Islamic State recruiters try to meet youths away from their families, tempting them with inducements like drugs and money.