The Victorian government has provided $500,000 for a new multipurpose hall at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, about 37km from the Melbourne Central Business District.
The government said it would release the funds once the Hindu Society of Victoria obtains the relevant building approvals for the proposed work.
Funding to the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, consecrated in 1994, is part of the Andrew government's budget commitment to provide $21 million for upgrading multicultural community facilities.
Victoria's Labor government has provided $300,000 to the Hindu Society of Victoria through various grants in the past seven years.
The secretary of the Hindu Society of Victoria Ratnam Kandasamy said they are in the process of building the hall.
"Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 devotees visit our temple every year," Mr Kandasamy told SBS Hindi.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence and Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny visited the temple on 31 March.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence and Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny visited the temple on 31 March. Source: supplied by Victoria government.
“We’re proud to support the construction of a new hall to support Victoria’s growing Hindu community," Minister Spence said.
"The temple is magnificent, both in its beauty and its purpose in helping Hindu Victorians come together.
“It is so important all Victorians have a sense of belonging and a place to connect with culture and traditions, and the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple is crucial to that work,” Minister Spence added.
Member for Carrum Ms Kilkenny said Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple and the Hindu Society are an important part of the local community.
Member for Carrum Ms Kilkenny said Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple and the Hindu Society are an important part of the local community. Source: Facebook/Shivavishnutemple Hsv (Hindu Society of Victoria)
“We are proud to support this new hall and the delivery of the Society’s much-loved events and festivals," Ms Kilkenny said.
