Melbourne – The Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib ‘Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND)’ Officer on Saturday 14th of May 2022 and connect with multicultural communities in the La Trobe electorate. He was welcomed by the local Indian, Sikh community and other multicultural communities. Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs and Jason Wood, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs and MP for La Trobe also joined the event.
Community spokesperson Harpreet S Kandra welcomed everyone to less than 3.5 years old ‘youngest Gurdwara in Victoria’. He spoke of the several social cohesion and community wellbeing activities organised by Officer Sikh Temple.
Many kids welcomed all dignitaries with flowers that had thanks messages attached to the flower stem. The dignitaries were thanked for Federal funding to realise several projects such as Multipurpose room; Kids play area and library; Organic farm.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of the Officer Gurdwara while referring to the 3-page document of several initiatives compiled by SGND. The Prime Minister’s FB post after this visit stated, ‘Australia is the strongest multicultural country on Earth. We’re supporting our amazing multicultural communities to ensure a stronger future for all those who call Australia home’.
Alex Hawke’s FB post says, ‘Great to visit Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer in Melbourne with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Jason Wood MP. As the youngest Gurdwara in Australia, it was fantastic to see what a welcoming and vibrant community they have built, and to hear of all the work they are doing to support the local community. It is amazing communities like this, and all they do to support all Australians, that makes us the most successful multicultural country in the world.’
Jason Wood announced an election commitment of $500,000 for the Officer Gurdwara to upgrade their security infrastructure. He also commended the great service by the Sikh community and thanked them for their several contributions. He said, ‘It was fantastic to receive flowers from children and very grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality.’
The dignitaries also visited the Community kitchen where Scott Morrison learnt the cultural way to prepare the community meal ‘Langar’, especially the Indian bread ‘roti’. The Prime Minister’s visiting team appreciated and congratulated the organising team for a well planned event organised at a very short notice.
The Prime Minister paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib Officer
