By Kyra Gillespie
A new Sikh temple for Pakenham has been given a half-million dollar boost in federal funding.
The Gurudwara Baba Budha Sahib ji, to be established at a recently purchased property at 905 Kooweerup Road, Pakenham will receive $500,000, La Trobe MP Jason Wood announced on March 30.
The cash will be used for various projects, including a kids’ Punjabi language school, a community kitchen upgrade to feed the homeless and senior citizens club meeting area.
“Mr Wood said he is confident these projects would promote multiculturalism and social cohesion among different ethnic societies,” Baba Budha Ji Charitable Association Pakenham volunteer Monty Sodhi said.
“Mr Wood also applauded community initiatives and interactions the Pakenham Sikh community was carrying in La Trobe. He particularly mentioned ourwork for Australia Day, Bunyip fire relief and Harmony Day.
“The funding announcement was attended by the whole BBJCA committee and volunteers along with Jason Wood.
“Pakenham Sikh Gurdwara has earlier received funding from Pick my Project.”
The funding announcement came after a proposal from the Pakenham Gurdwara committee for community-based projects.
“It was with great pride I announced $500,000 of federal funds to the Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji Pakenham,” Mr Wood said.
“These funds will assist the Baba Budha Ji Committee BBJCA team give back to the community.
“They plan on delivering a free food kitchen for the people of Cardinia, along with the homeless, a Punjabi language school for children and a community centre for senior citizens.
“It was fantastic to see such community collaboration with different community organisations gathering together for such days as Australia Day, the Bunyip fires and Harmony Day.”
