Sikh Gurdwara in Officer in Melbourne’s southeast has received a major funding promise for some key facilities inside the premises.
MELBOURNE – Jason Wood, Federal MP for Latrobe recently announced $340,000 dollars for Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Officer. The Federal funding came as a welcome boost for the south eastern Sikh community.
This funding is to be invested in community-focused projects that will include a kids’ language school, play area, organic farming and rainwater harvesting.
The funding was in response to a “very professional” proposal from the Officer Gurdwara for community-based projects that was supported by a petition from 665 community members. Here is everything you need to know about post-settlement funding service that you might require later in the future.
Mr Woods said he is confident these projects would promote social cohesion.
The Sikh community had earlier promised to put in some more of their funds to build ownership of these creative projects. S. Jatinder Singh Uppal donated 170,000 AUD to these and related projects, which implies that Officer Sikh community now has 510,000 AUD to spend on these community focused projects.
Officer Sikh Gurdwara has earlier received funding from Stronger Communities Program, Pick my Project, Melbourne Water.
The announcement was made at a special event that was held inside the newly built Gurudwara premises. The Minister was accompanied by many dignitaries that included Brad Battin, State MP Gembrook; Mayor Graeme Moore, Cardinia Shire Council; Mayor Amanda Stapledon, Casey Council and Cr Damien Rosario, Casey Council.
Since its official opening in January 2019 the Gurudwara has catered to the Sikh community residing in South Eastern suburbs. A special congregation is held on Thursday evenings and Sunday morning of every week to offer prayers, meditate and partake of free langar (community meal). The Gurudwara is open to all and has the capacity to seat around 200.
Mr Woods also applauded community initiatives and interactions the Officer Sikh community was carrying in Latrobe. He particularly mentioned their work for Australia Day, Bunyip fire relief, Harmony Day etc.
The funding announcement was attended by Brad Battin, State MP Gembrook; Mayor Graeme Moore, Cardinia Shire Council; Mayor Amanda Stapledon, Casey Council; Cr Damien Rosario, Casey Council.
With the Sikh community’s earlier promise of putting their own funds into these projects, there will be a total of over half a million dollar funding available.