By Kyra Gillespie
The weekend saw the official opening of the Officer temple, with a symbolic flag raising taking place on Sunday 3 June.
It was a special day for Cardinia’s Sikh community, who have struggled to find a permanent place of worship in the region.
The event saw footfall of around 125 guests, which included representatives from multicultural communities, local MP’s and councillors.
The gathering hoisted a Sikh Flag, an Australian flag and an Aboriginal Flag, marking it a day of not just new place of worship but also “beginning of new friendships, collaborations, trust, faith, respect and togetherness.”
The flag hoisting was followed by encouraging words from guest speakers who raised ideas for successful execution of the temple project in the future.
Attendees also planted trees and installed bird boxes at the property to celebrate the World Environment day.
Sikh community spokesperson Harpreet Singh expressed the community’s relief in finally being able to secure a place of worship after coming up against multiple hurdles since purchasing the twenty-acre property.
He also thanked the local land care groups, community organisations, environmental experts and other stakeholders for their support in the planning phase of the project.
“Everyone, no matter which country, religion or cast he or she belongs to, is welcomed to the Gurdwara and be a part of our celebrations and service,” he said.
“This flag raising day has shed light on our oneness in diversity, underlined that like minds and tireless efforts have keys to all doors and last but not the least it laid foundation of not only a new Sikh temple but also new friendships, collaborations, trust, faith, respect and togetherness.”
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross said Council is supportive of such community projects and had unanimously supported the creation of the Gurdwara.
“As a member of the Cardinia Interfaith Network, this community has actively participated in promoting social cohesion and multiculturalism.
“The Network welcomes the opportunity to promote greater understanding of diverse cultures and encourages community members to attain peaceful and respectful coexistence,” Cr Ross said.
Bass MP Brian Paynter, who was instrumental in the push for the place of worship at the 33 Officer Road site, spoke proudly on the day.
“Today is a very special one for not only the local Sikh community but everyone in our community,” he said.
“This is about building bridges and celebrating everything that makes us different and yet so much alike.
“The Sikh community have immersed themselves in our lives and today we join them in celebrating the opening of their new place of worship.”
