The Victorian Government’s recent decision to officially name a lake in Berwick Springs as Guru Nanak Lake has sparked a heated debate within the local community.
Now, a counter petition, launched by supporters of the name change, emphasises the importance of fostering understanding and celebrating diversity in multicultural Australia.
This new petition entitled “Appeal on behalf of entire Australian Multicultural Communities” started by ‘Australian Community’ has garnered 6,200 signatures. It seeks to address recent concerns and foster understanding about the decision to officially name a lake in Berwick Springs for the first time.
One of the campaigners, urged support for the new petition, highlighting on Instagram:
“After years of effort- we now have a lake in Berwick named after *Guru Nanak* – the founder of Sikh faith and now the local community is protesting!!! *All communities need to understand that social cohesion is a core Australian value and our right*.”
The petition claims that “the issue appears to be politicised” and:
“This is not a renaming, as the lake never previously had an official name.”
However, the City of Casey’s 18 November bulletin clarifies that the renaming of Berwick Springs Lake to Guru Nanak Lake fulfils a 2018 election commitment made by Victoria’s former Premier.
The statement read:
“A lake in Berwick Springs was recently renamed Guru Nanak Lake by the State Government … The renaming applies only to the lake and not the wider estate or area.”
The State Government’s announcement, made on 9 November, honours Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and recognises the significant contributions of the Sikh community in Victoria.
In addition to the renaming, the state government announced $600,000 in funding to support Sikh organisations hosting Langar events—traditional community meals—to celebrate Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt defended the decision, saying:
“I’m delighted to recognise the Sikh community’s contributions by naming a landmark after Guru Nanak, who stands for equality, compassion, and service.”
According to the new petition, the renaming followed consultations with stakeholders, including the Bunurong Land Council, Geographic Names Victoria, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission. However, some residents argue the decision lacked sufficient input from the local community.
A petition entitled “Stop Berwick Springs Name Change – A Worrying Precedent for All Victoria!” opposing the decision has garnered over 7,300 signatures. Critics argue the lack of consultation has alienated residents who see Berwick Springs Lake as central to their community’s identity.
“The sudden change of this name, without proper community consultation, has caused enormous distress among residents,” reads the petition, led by resident Michael Ball.
Ball commented on social media:
“We respect the Sikh community, but this process feels disrespectful to us. Renaming a well-known public place requires broader community involvement. Berwick Springs is the heart of our neighbourhood.”
The controversy highlights a growing debate over the use of religious figures in public landmark naming in Australia. While many celebrate the Victorian Government’s move as a reflection of Victoria’s multicultural ethos, others worry it could set a precedent for excluding community voices in future decisions.
Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny defended the broader initiative, stating:
“This renaming ensures our place names better reflect and celebrate Victoria’s rich diversity and history.”
Recently, Brad Battin MP and Ann-Marie Hermans MP organised a public hearing to raise concerns of the Berwick Springs Estate and local community members about the State Government’s renaming of Berwick Springs Lake to ‘Guru Nanak Lake’.
Brad Battin MP, the State Liberal MP for Berwick, stated that this public hearing wasn’t about division, but a call for transparency, genuine consultation, and shared decision-making.
“Having an opinion is not divisive; silencing a local community’s voice for politics is.”
He and Ann-Marie Hermans MP will soon release a formal discussion paper on the renaming issue, inviting all community members to submit.
As the debate continues, it underscores the need for clear communication and collaborative decision-making in Victoria’s multicultural communities.
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