At Melbourne’s satellite suburb of Officer, a vibrant community is actively engaged in efforts to create a greener environment.
The extent of their endeavours was evident on World Environment Day this June. Fifty plus community organisations, dignitaries and people from all walks of life converged at the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, Officer in a show of collective responsibility.
At the forefront of this green movement is Harpreet Singh Kandra, who proudly states, “Since 2018, we have planted approximately 2,000 trees.”
Recently appointed as an ambassador for the Sustainability Victoria Campaign in alignment with World Environment Day, Kandra firmly believes that effectively addressing the challenges posed by climate change necessitates active engagement and involvement from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Kandra raises an important question, “Can CALD communities be effectively engaged if we fail to appreciate their understanding and ownership of this multifaceted problem?”
He emphasises that climate change will impact everyone regardless of race, and we must recognise that the changing climate will potentially affect everyone equally, similar to the pandemic.
With the Officer Gurudwara serving as the focal point, Kandra embarked on a small journey with his team of volunteers in 2018, planting an impressive 200 trees on the sacred two-acre grounds. This June, the total number reached 2,000.
“Each tree represents a symbol of hope, nourishment, love, compassion and pledge to protect and preserve our planet for the future generations,” he emphasises.
Their commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive engagement caught the attention of local councils, environmental organisations, and even government agencies.
As a result, numerous initiatives have emerged to further support and expand their efforts. Among these initiatives are the installation of rainwater harvesting infrastructure with a remarkable capacity of 95,000 litres, the implementation of sewage farming techniques, the establishment of an organic farming project, the installation of a substantial 13.2kW of solar panels, and the construction of a generous 300 m2 nature’s strip surrounding the Gurdwara property, aimed at enhancing the environment and promoting greenery.
Embedded within these initiatives is the principle of collective responsibility, which aligns Kandra’s vision of fostering a multicultural Australia.
On June 10th, the Gurudwara celebrated World Environment Day, an event that united a multitude of organisations, Federal and State MPs, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik from Pakenham Hills Ward, Cardinia Shire, as well as a host of friends and dedicated volunteers.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles, who was present, expressed immense delight in joining the commemoration of World Environment Day at Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer. He acknowledged the Gurdwara’s exemplary efforts in embodying the spirit of a multicultural community through their dedicated work in combating environmental degradation.
The Minister highlighted the Gurdwara’s role in promoting environmental awareness and fostering sustainable practices within diverse communities. Their inspiring demonstration of how multicultural communities can collaborate to protect the Australian environment serves as a significant example.
Lee Tarlamis, Labor Member for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region, who was also among the attendees, highlighted that the tree plantings at the Gurdwara have now surpassed 2,000, reflecting the significant commitment to environmental sustainability.
Victorian Multicultural Commissioner Viv Nguyen said while the event centered around tree planting, it held a deeper significance in strengthening social cohesion in Victoria and providing an opportunity for Sikh members to live their faith.
Despite the encouraging acknowledgements, Kandra emphasises that the participation of multicultural communities in the battle against climate change has been significantly overlooked and requires urgent attention.
“It is crucial that we allocate more resources to raise awareness about this pressing issue and collaborate with our youth to implement the knowledge gained within their own households.
“By sharing and adopting best practices from each other’s homes, we can unite and work collectively towards a sustainable future. As the saying goes, ‘A child is the father of man,’ and in this fight against climate uncertainty, we must remember that we are stronger together and divided we will fall.”
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Vibrant Officer community unites for a greener environment on World Environment Day. 50+ organisations, dignitaries, & diverse individuals come together at Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar to demonstrate collective responsibility. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/8ANwKmJiqy
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