Victoria’s Allan Labor Government has unveiled a new community landmark, Guru Nanak Lake, at Berwick Springs in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith.
In addition, $600,000 has been allocated for Langar events across Victoria in the lead-up to Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary celebrations.
Announcing the renaming and funding, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of Victoria’s Sikh community.
“I’m delighted to be recognising the significant contributions of our Sikh community in Victoria by naming a landmark after the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak,” she said.
“In the coming months, Sikh Victorians and the broader community can celebrate, commemorate, and learn more about this important figure and Langar.”
This year’s events will be hosted by Sikh Volunteers Australia in Casey, Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Greater Dandenong, as well as by Sikh communities in Ballarat and Mildura.
Member for Narre Warren South, Gary Maas, said the renaming was a fitting tribute:
“Berwick Springs is a beautiful location for this mark of our celebration of Victoria’s Sikh communities.”
The lake renaming follows consultations with Sikh community leaders and local traditional owners, celebrating Victoria’s 91,000-strong Sikh population.
Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny highlighted the gesture as part of the government’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive state, stating,
“This renaming is another way we’re ensuring Victoria’s place names better reflect and celebrate our state’s rich diversity and history.”
In addition, the government’s ‘Name a Place’ campaign encourages Victorians to nominate exceptional individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, First Peoples, and multicultural communities, for place-naming honours.
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