By Mitchell Clarke
The Officer Sikh temple believes a “deliberate” attempt to damage their freshly laid nature strip was racially motivated.
The Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (Officer Sikh temple) has been forced to implement 15 security cameras across their 20 acre block following a string of attempted break ins.
But the latest incident has left temple volunteers “appalled and shocked” after a hoon driver is believed to have deliberately torn up the lush green nature strip.
Dedicated volunteers had spent about 100 hours to reinvigorate the grass area as part of the temple’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“This looks like a very deliberate attempt to damage the area. They drove past this nature strip purposefully and damaged it massively,” Officer Sikh temple spokesperson Harpreet Kandra said.
“I doubt someone would lose control and go that way off the road. We definitely think it’s targeted and we suspect racism as a possible cause.
“I don’t see any reason for someone to do this. They can’t earn anything out of it unless they’re venting out their anger. If people have any grudges against us, come and talk to us.”
It’s not the first time the temple site has been targeted – prior to it’s build, forbidden items such as meat, liquor bottles and cigarette butts were strewn across the site.
Mr Kandra said the latest “disrespectful act” occurred sometime on Saturday night, 1 August, but said four resident volunteers didn’t hear a thing.
He said the team of volunteers were hurt and shocked to see their hard work ruined, especially during a time of crisis.
“We’re just very disappointed in these difficult times that someone is obviously too selfish and disrespectful,” Mr Kandra added.
“We are here to contribute to our community and in this pandemic period, we should be working to help each other, rather than against each other.”
The Officer Sikh temple recently donated more than 1500 kilograms of groceries to those who had been impacted by the pandemic.
The incident was reported to Pakenham police station and Cardinia Shire Council, who are now looking into whether barriers could be implemented along the nature strip to avoid any future incidents.
