A Sikh temple in Melbourne’s southeast has received a major funding promise for some key facilities inside the Gurdwara.
Jason Wood, the federal member for Latrobe announced funding of $340,000 for Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh temple in Officer for various projects, such as the kids’ language school, play area, organic farming and rainwater harvesting.
The funding announcement has come after a “very professional” proposal from the Officer Gurdwara for community-based projects. Mr Woods said he is confident these projects would promote social cohesion.
About 665 petitions were received in support of this proposal.
Federal MP Jason Wood with members of the Sikh community at the Officer Sikh Temple on Sunday. Source: Supplied
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.
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.
