‘Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Darbar’ at Officer Road in Melbourne’s south-east has officially opened its doors to the local Sikh community.
Religious hymns were sung, langar (community meal) was served, Sikh turbans were tied on visiting dignitaries and site tours were also hosted by volunteers to mark the opening of the shrine near Pakenham suburb.
A number of special guests, including federal MP Jason Wood, newly-elected Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and Mayor Cr Graeme Moore were also in attendance at the three-day event. 
Community spokesperson, Harpreet Singh said he was thrilled by the number of people who had turned out to support the special occasion.
Dignitaries at the opening of the new Sikh temple in Victoria Source: Supplied
“I want to thank everyone for their advice during the difficult planning phases of the temple. We invite you to share your own bright collaboration ideas in the path of making this new home a matter of pride and an asset for our community,” Mr Singh said. 
The proposal to set up the shrine had initially faced hurdles after a group of residents had raised objections with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) over the choice of location in October 2017.
Langar being served to worshipers at the newly-opened Sikh temple in Melbourne Source: Supplied
The group had expressed concerns that a green wedge zone was not a suitable area for a place of worship.
But after some deliberation, the appeal was withdrawn and a permit was finally issued by the council for the construction of the Gurudwara.
At present, the temple does not have a formal structure, but what the organisers have is a blueprint for the next 5 years, “with community integration and engagement as one of the core verticals.”
