Premier visits Gurudwara

The Victorian Sikh Association, in partnership with Master Darshan Singh from Sikh Welfare Council hosted the visit of Premier John Brumby to the Gurudwara Sahib Blackburn recently. It was reportedly the first ever visit by a Victorian Premier to the Sikh Temple in Blackburn. The Blackburn Gurudwara is an iconic and much revered place of religious and social significance for the Sikh Community in Melbourne.

The Premiere’s visit was much publicized and several hundred people from the community attended the event. Also present were Tim Singh Lawrence, from the Darebin ward, Tony Robinson MP, member for Mitcham, Bob Stensholt MP, member for Burwood, Lyn Gunter, Mayor Murrindindi Shire Council and Stephen Dimopoulos, Commissioner from the VMC.

The Premier announced that the State Government will contribute $50,000 towards integration initiatives and projects launched by VSA. Harvin Dhillon, President of VSA thanked the Premiere for his concern for the community. He said that VSA will provide more details of the projects and initiatives once the formalities have been completed.

In relation to the recent spate of attacks on Indian students Premiere Brumby assured everyone that strong measures are being taken by the Victorian Government to address the issue. Addressing the packed sangat Premiere Brumby said “We have had some challenges with some recent incidences, those incidences are obviously regrettable, they are taken very seriously by me and by Victoria Police,” he said. “Any racist attack, just one in one year is one too many. So I’ll get that message out.” He assured everyone that Melbourne is a safe