Key Points
- The City of Casey has issued a public statement claiming they were not 'involved' in naming the lake.
- Berwick Springs' residents say they were not consulted in the lead-up to the landmark being named.
- Sikh community clarified that they do not wish to impose any restrictions or change the way people use the lake.
Naming has become an point of contention amongst Victorians.
The Allan Labor government named a lake in Berwick Springs as Guru Nanak Lake on 9 November, 2024. Berwick residents, who claim they were not consulted, are opposing the name.
Temporary signage at a lake in Berwick Springs. Credit: SBS Punjabi
The petition states: "The name Berwick Springs Lake is intrinsically linked to the identity of our Berwick Springs community. It has been a defining feature of our neighborhood and holds significant meaning for local residents."
"The sudden change of this name, without proper community consultation, has caused enormous distress among residents and beyond."
At the time of publication, this petition had garnered over 7,000 signatures.
The lake in Berwick Springs is in Victoria's south-east. Credit: SBS Punjabi
I have nothing against those of Sikh faith, but naming something (after a) religious (entity) is problematic. It causes division and excludes (people).Berwick resident
"I am Catholic and wouldn’t accept (it) if they proposed it to be Pope John Paul Lake either."
She further added, "The guru has no connection with the majority of residents".
"The residents would be doing the same if it was another religious leader. It’s the process we're disappointed with."
'No consultation'
Head petitioner and spokesman for the Berwick Springs community, Michael Ball, told SBS Punjabi: "We respect the great work that the Sikh community does. It does not matter who it was named after. Unfortunately, the Sikh community is dragged into it."
"There was no consultation … The first thing anyone knew about it was when they held the naming ceremony.
"Whether you change a name (of a place) or Gazette a name for the first time, it does not matter. You have to consult the community. There has to be a 30-day objection period. And then there is an appeal process after that.
"They have not followed their own process."
People identify the Berwick Springs lake with Berwick Springs ... It's not just the lake. Berwick Springs get its identity from lake.Michael Ball, Berwick Springs community spokesperson
While the government has maintained that the landmark didn't previously have a name, residents claim that in such a case, the preference should have been given to the existing name used by the community.
"In . There is a long history of calling this place Berwick Springs," Ball said.
"The place gets its name from the lake … When you change the name of the lake, you are changing the identity of the area.
"It is creating a lot of problems within the community."
He said residents were currently consulting the community as to the name of the lake. He said their local MP would then take the matter to Parliament.
He further said that residents were seeking an apology from the government. "It is disappointing the way the government has handled it … It is disappointing for everyone," Ball said.
The government should apologise to not only the residents but also to the Sikh community.Michael Ball, Berwick Springs community spokesperson
In addition to Berwick Springs residents, the residents of the claiming that they were not "involved" in naming of the lake.
"Council is aware of conversations that took place between the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water, and Geographic Names Victoria; however, Council was not involved in the naming of the lake or have any authority on the naming of the lake," the statement says.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, and Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, at the lake's naming ceremony. Credit: SBS Punjabi
Sikh community files counter petition
The counter petition states: "If the concern is with the process, the community could accept the name and provide constructive feedback to the government and stakeholders for future policy making, rather than calling for a name change."
“But if the concern stems from unfamiliarity, fear or misunderstanding, we should remember that we live in a multicultural Australia. We are enriched by multicultural communities like the Sikh community, (which) consistently contributes to Victoria in numerous ways."
One of the petitioners, Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, told SBS Punjabi: "If there can be a places named after Christian saint Mary MacKillop then why not Guru Nanak?"
"Many people have said that to me that Guru Nanak has no relevance in Victoria. I question them all, if Guru Nanak’s Sikhs are living here, contributing to the economy here, and serving the people here in bushfires and pandemic; then how can you say that Guru Nanak has no relevance?"
Concerns over alcohol, meat consumption at lake
Liberal Party MP, Matthew Guy, said activities associated with the Guru should be "pure" and "uncontaminated" and asked Labor ministers if they had also gazetted prohibition of consumption meat and alcohol at a location named after the Guru.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, said: "One of Victoria’s greatest strengths is our diversity. It’s something Labor will always champion, which is why we were so proud to bring Guru Nanak Lake to life."
"The Allan Labor Government is proud to deliver this election commitment to the Sikh community and we reject any suggestion that it will impact on any of the facilities enjoyed by the whole community."
People from the Sikh community and Labor MPs gather at the temporary sign announcing the new name of the lake in Berwick Springs. Credit: SBS Punjabi
"We have nothing but respect for all.
“If naming a place after Guru Nanak has hurt anyone, we apologise.
"We apologise not because we are weak or wrong but because our guru says 'where there is forgiveness, there I reside'."
Suropada also clarified that the lake was not a place of worship and consuming any meat or alcohol there would not be controlled by any Sikh body.
"We do not own the lake. It is still open for people of all communities to use as per their will," he said
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