Daniel Andrews along with his colleagues Martin Pakula MP, Jude Perara MP and Hong Lim MP attended the Vaisakhi Mela at Sandown Racecourse on 6 April, where they experienced the rich Punjabi culture and tradition, and enjoyed bhangra and gidha.
Mr Andrews also visited the Blackburn Sikh Gurudwara with Hong Lim MP, Judith Graley MP and Stephen Dimopoulos, Labor Candidate for Oakleigh. Executive committee welcomed the delegation and took them on a tour of the gurudwara premises.
On the occasion of Vaisakhi, Mr Andrews also visited the Cragieburn Sikh Gurudwara 13 April. Liz Beattie MP, Danielle Green MP and Ros Spence, Labor candidate for Yuroke accompanied him.
“Gurudwaras are not just places of worship but they are true community centres where everyone is welcome, everyone is equal and everyone, not just Sikh or Indian, can get the support they need,” said Mr Andrews.
Labor delegations were greatly impressed with the level of volunteer activities at both gurudwaras, the extent of community support and facilities which are solely run with community donations. The delegates shared langar or food with other members at both gurudwaras.
“The sense of collectiveness and sense of purpose among devotees at the gurudwaras is admirable. The contributions of the Indian community make our state and our nation prouder and stronger,” said Mr Andrews.
Blackburn and Cragieburn gurudwaras together serve more than 40,000 free meals every month. Both gurudwaras run a free community kitchen, language schools, music classes and community libraries. Both gurudwaras also made a contribution of $11,000 contribution to the Good Friday Appeal 2014.
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