Community raises over $53k for Indian youth killed in Christmas Day tragedy

The community has come forward to support the family of an Indian youth who died after drowning near the Gold Coast on Christmas Day.

Ravneet Singh Gill

Ravneet Singh Gill drowned at Duranbah beach in north-eastern New South Wales. Source: SBS

The Gold Coast Sikh Council, along with other members of the community, have come forward to assist the family of a 22-year-old deceased Indian youth, Ravneet Singh Gill.

Ravneet who first came to Australia on a student visa hailed from the village of Gill in Ludhiana district of Punjab in India.

Gill’s life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident at Duranbah, a popular Tweed beach in north-eastern New South Wales.

He was one of the eight swimmers who drifted out to sea near the Gold Coast on 25th December.

Community worker Manjit Boparai who also played a big role in sending Gill's mortal remains to India told  that an amount of nearly $53,000 has been transferred to the Gill family.

“We thank everyone who made generous donations. The money has reached the family who are very thankful to the community membres who hleped raise this amount,” he said.

“This is small token of our respect to the Gill family. We are aware that Ravneet was the type of person who had a big heart who always offered help where he could!

Gold Coast Sikh Council community spokesperson Surjit Singh earlier said that Mr Gill's death was a shock to the small Sikh community of the Gold Coast.

"As the eldest of his family Ravneet was the pillar of hope and support for his parents and younger brother who reside in India," he told .

The Gold Coast Sikh Council raised $38,624 through their fundraising efforts. 

Gill's father Harpal Singh has thanked community for their care and support throughout this ill-fated incident.

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2 min read
Published 12 April 2018 1:40pm
Updated 12 April 2018 6:14pm
By Preetinder Grewal


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