As grief hung heavy over Bondi this week, a quiet act of compassion unfolded in the area, offering comfort where words often fell short. Volunteers from Turbans 4 Australia (T4A) came together to distribute free food and water to a community mourning the devastating terrorist attack that shocked the nation.
From Monday through to yesterday, the Sikh-led charity mobilised dozens of volunteers, young and old, to serve those paying their respects.
The organisation’s founder, Amar Singh, spoke to The Indian Sun as the group concluded its on-the-ground service yesterday. His voice, weary but resolute, carried both the weight of the community’s grief and the purpose of his team’s mission.
“This is our solidarity for a community affected by terrorism,” Singh said. “Australia is my country as well, and nobody can accept this kind of violence.”
Over the course of the week, the organisation distributed around 5,000 bottles of water, one tonne of bananas and approximately 2,500 hot vegetarian meals. Understanding the specific needs of many mourners gathered at vigils, volunteers also provided kosher snacks—including chips, chocolates and lollies—for Jewish community members.
“We were doing about five to six boxes of bananas every day, several bottles of water and around 300 hot meals daily,” Singh said. “It was an act of kindness. Many people came up saying they hadn’t had a meal.”
What made the effort even more remarkable was the diversity of those involved. The oldest volunteer was 74-year-old Shailinder, a fifth-generation Australian whose family has called this country home for 135 years. The youngest volunteer was just six years old.
For Shailinder, the tragedy struck a deep chord. Having lived through decades of Australia’s peace, the event came as a profound shock. “They have never seen anything this bad in Australia,” Singh shared on her behalf. “It is such a peaceful country.”
Around 10 to 15 volunteers were on the ground each day, handing out food and water, while others worked behind the scenes cooking meals, sourcing supplies and coordinating logistics. Friends and supporters used trucks to transport food, often spending long hours to ensure everything reached Bondi in time.
“Most of our volunteers don’t even live in Bondi,” Singh said. “For some, it was an hour’s drive one way. They gave their time freely, it was a huge service and a huge generosity.”
Turbans 4 Australia was founded by Amar Singh in 2015 with the aim of promoting volunteering, giving back to the country and fostering harmony and social change. Over the years, the organisation has become widely known for responding swiftly to crises—whether bushfires, floods or moments of national tragedy—guided by the Sikh principle of seva, or selfless service.
This week’s response, Singh said, was driven by that same belief.
As candles burned and flowers filled memorial sites, Turbans 4 Australia offered more than food and water—it showed that even in tragedy, communities can come together with care and kindness.
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