A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will support our proud Sikh communities as they celebrate the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith.
Labor will back local celebrations, set to be held in the second half of 2019, with a dedicated $200,000 fund, with support available to Sikh organisations across the state.
The fund, administered through the Multicultural Affairs portfolio, will go towards activities and events that mark this special occasion – celebrating not only this important milestone, but also the many contributions of Sikh Victorians.
Our state is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 52,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2016 Census.
It’s why it’s only fitting that we should also have Australia’s biggest and best celebration for the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The commitment builds on $100,000 provided by the Andrews Labor Government towards the 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games, to be held in Melbourne in April 2019.
The Games, expected to attract more than 3000 athletes and up to 90,000 spectators, are a celebration of Sikh culture and traditional games, while also promoting health and wellbeing.
As part of its Victorian Budget 2018/19, the Labor Government provided an extra $1.4 million over two years towards the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.
Only Labor will stand with our state’s proud multifaith and multicultural communities, and only Labor is willing to make the investments that really matter.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Labor recognises that – in every way – our Sikh communities have made Victoria better, stronger and fairer.”
“With this investment, we’ll celebrate those many contributions and mark one of the most important days in the Sikh faith.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“We’re home to Australia’s biggest Sikh population, so it’s only fitting we’re also home to Australia’s biggest celebration for the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020