By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE, 15 September: Local families and community organizations in the south-east will benefit from a new multipurpose Indian Community Centre to be built in Monash.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos today visited the Sankat Mochan Samiti (SMS) Temple in Huntingdale to announce $556,000 to kick-start the project, delivered as part of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Program.
In honour of the Sankat Mochan Samiti’s 10-year anniversary, and to make sure the project becomes a reality, Premier Andrews committed to a further $500,000 towards the build, under a re-elected Labor Government.
Addressing a large gathering of devotees and community leaders at the temple Premier Daniel Andrews said, “This investment will provide a dedicated space for Victorians of Indian heritage to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions with pride.”
“Labor believes we are stronger for our diversity – and is willing to make the investments to back it up,” he said.
The Centre will be used for events, festivals, and activities including adult education programs, as well as providing a dedicated space for locals with Indian heritage to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
The SMS will lead the development of the Centre, with every Indian community group in Monash able to make use of the facility.
The SMS has grown from a small group of volunteers into a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need, including offering hot meals and helping newly arrived refugee families find their feet.
Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos said, “Every week, the Sankat Mochan Samiti’s volunteers provide a hot meal and a friendly face to hundreds of people in need. This investment will help them continue their vital work.”
