A Melbourne male model has reportedly died while fighting alongside Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

Sharky Jama, 25, was reportedly living in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, held by IS militants, but was shot dead in Syria.

The Somali Australian Council of Victoria said Jama's father, Dada, received a text message and phone call on Monday to say his son had died.

Dada Jama told SBS he believed the news when he tried to call his son's phone and it went straight to voicemail.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not confirmed the death, saying its capacity to do so is extremely limited.

"Due to the extremely dangerous security situation, consular assistance is no longer available within Syria," a spokesperson said.

"Australians who become involved in overseas conflicts are putting their own lives in mortal danger.

"Any Australians fighting with non-state militia in Syria or Iraq should end their involvement in the conflict now and leave the conflict zone."

Somali community in Melbourne in shock

Melbourne's Somali community said it was shocked by the reports of Jama's death.

The council's president, Hussein Haraco, said he had known Jama's family for more than 10 years and no-one knew why Jama went to Syria.

"They haven't got any idea what is the reason," Mr Haraco said.

"He was just a young man playing soccer and being at other activities and suddenly something happened and he went to Syria.

"[It's] really shocking for the whole community and we are really confused."

A woman claiming to be a relative of Jama left a tribute to the man she called her handsome cousin on social media stating: "All them beautiful memories and time we shared I shall keep dear to my heart".

Mr Haraco urged federal authorities to scrutinise the planned movements of young men travelling overseas.

"We discussed [the issue of extremism] very well among the community and we formed a group as well also discussing about this issue and we're trying to put some suggestions to the Government how we can even prevent this not to happen," he said.

Mr Harcao said Jama was a good boy who helped young children in the Somali community.

Calls for government taskforce to stop youth radicalisation

The Somali Australian Council of Victoria called for an urgent government taskforce to help stop local youths from being influenced by terrorists.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he would welcome input from Somali elders about how to tackle extremism in Australia.

"We are tackling violent extremism in a whole range of ways and we're certainly happy to work with communities to try to ensure that the better angels of people's natures are to the fore," he said.

Mr Abbott said he had a "very simple message to anyone who might be thinking of going overseas to join these terrorist groups".

"Don't. They are death cults. That's what they are," Mr Abbott said.

"They're not about religion. They're just about death.

"And it's just as likely to be your death as anyone else's death.

"If you go overseas for this kind of purpose, you are a danger to others, you are a danger to yourself. Don't do it."

Australian teenager Jake Bilardi is also thought to have died while fighting with IS.

It is believed he was involved in a suicide bombing in the Iraqi city of Ramadi last month.