MELBOURNE, 9 November, 2024: In a first, Victoria’s Labour Government today named a lake at the Berwick Springs as ‘Guru Nanak Lake’, in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, and also announced $ 600,000 funding for ‘Langar’ (community feasting at Sikh temples) events to many Sikh institutions across Victoria.
The announcement was made in the presence of a large number of Sikh and Indian community members by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today morning at the Berwick Springs. The Minister of Planning Sonya Kilkenny was also present and addressed the gathering.
Each year, Sikh communities across the world celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru and founder of the Sikh faith. Sikh communities respect Guru Nanak for his immense contributions to humanity, including the tradition of Langar.
Langar is the tradition of people sharing a free communal meal, regardless of their gender, class, nationality, or faith. All Langar events welcome the Sikh and broader Victorian community to attend.
Organisations hosting Langar events include Sikh Volunteers Australia in Casey, Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Greater Dandenong, and the Ballarat Sikh Community and Mildura Sikh Community in regional Victoria.
Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 91,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2021 Census.
The renaming of the lake follows consultation with key Sikh community leaders and traditional owners and will celebrate Victoria’s Sikh community who have made and continue to make important contributions to our richly diverse state.
Lee Tarmalis MP says in a Linkedin post, ” This dedication of Guru Nanak Lake not only honours his teachings but also reaffirms our commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive community in Victoria.”
The Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council Inc. in a media statement said, ” On behalf of the entire Sikh community of Victoria and Australia, we extend our heartful gratitute to Hon Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, and Minister for Planning and Suburtbs Sonya Kikenny for recognising the invaluable contributions of the Sikh community and honouring the profound legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This commendable gesture reflects the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting and celebrating our diverse communities.”
The renaming event, was organised by nthe Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council and the nSikh Interfaith Council of Victoria with the Dept of Premier and Cabinet.
A media release says, ” The Labor Government is ensuring place names reflect Victoria’s rich diversity and history. Victorians are encouraged to nominate exceptional individuals from underrepresented groups – including women, First Peoples, and multicultural communities – to be honoured through place names.
The ‘Name a Place’ campaign is open until 16 December, to make a nomination fill out the naming survey at engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place.
For more information on Langar Celebration events, visit vic.gov.au/langar.
This report to be updated.
