Key Points
- Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt also announced $600,000 in funding for Langar (free meal) events.
- Some Berwick Springs residents have expressed anger over the renaming.
The Allan Labor Government has renamed one of the lakes in Victoria’s Berwick Springs after the first Guru and founder of Sikhism – Guru Nanak Dev.
From November 9 onwards, the Berwick Spring lake with a fountain will be called ‘Guru Nanak Lake'.
Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 91,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2021 Census.
Jasbir Singh Suropada, chair of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, presents a gift to Victoria's Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt. Credit: Supplied
"People visiting this place will look at the board, read about our Guru, (and) some might Google it and learn about Sikhism and its founder.
"We are trying to add a link describing about Sikh history here so whoever wishes to know more can do so."
The renaming ceremony began with Uncle Mark Brown, a Bunurong elder, performing a Welcome to Country ceremony.
Uncle Mark Brown, an elder from the Bunurong people, performed a Welcome ceremony. Credit: Supplied
The government claims that the renaming campaign is being run to reflect Victoria's rich diversity and history.
During her speech at the event, Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, said: "This renaming is another way we’re ensuring Victoria’s place names better reflect and celebrate our state’s rich diversity and history."
'Wrong' move
Some residents of the Berwick Springs community, however, have questioned the government’s move.
Commenting on a social media post regarding the announcement, one user claimed she was a local resident and that the renaming had "no relevance whatsoever and is creating further division".
Funds for Langar
The renaming of the lake in Berwick Springs came ahead of the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak on 15 November.
Guru Nanak is renowned for starting the tradition of 'Langar' or a free communal meal which is open to all without any discrimination.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, announced $600,000 in funding for Langar celebration events across Victoria.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, and Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, at the Berwick Springs renaming. Credit: Supplied
"I think there is enormous affection right across the Victorian community no matter what your background for the enormous amount that (the) Sikh community gives back to the broader Victorian community," Stitt told SBS Punjabi.
"Whether that is during bushfires or floods or during (the) Covid-19 pandemic or just everyday Victorians who might need that bit of extra support, the Sikh community are always there to help."
LISTEN TO
Victoria government renames lake in honour of Sikhism founder
SBS Punjabi
11/11/202410:44
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