Victoria’s Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland has attended the grand inauguration of the Hindu Temple Shree Swaminarayan Melbourne Gurukul, representing Leader of the Liberal Party Jess Wilson MP at the ceremony.
Speaking after the event, Mr Mulholland said, “What an honour to attend the Grand Inauguration of Hindu Temple Shree Swaminarayan Melbourne Gurukul, representing Leader of the Liberal Party Jess Wilson MP.”
The new temple has been constructed within 11 months, following a period of intensive community involvement. Mr Mulholland noted that the site looked very different when he first saw it last year. “Just over a year ago, I visited this property for the annual Western Gujju Inc Kite Festival, and the place where this Mandir now stands was just an empty piece of land,” he said.
He pointed to the contribution of volunteers in delivering the project within a short timeframe. “It is an incredible testament to the over 500 volunteers that this wonderful temple has been brought to life and built in just 11 months,” he said.
According to Mr Mulholland, the facility is intended to serve multiple roles within the community. “It is not only a temple, but also an educational centre, a community gathering space, a food bank and so much more. I’m so incredibly proud to support this community and can only admire how far they have come,” he said.
The inauguration marks the formal opening of the temple and its associated community spaces, which organisers say will support religious observance, cultural activities and local outreach initiatives. Events such as the Western Gujju Inc Kite Festival have previously drawn members of the wider community to the site.
Mr Mulholland also acknowledged those who organised the event. “Deepest thanks to Ghanshyam Bavadiya for hosting me, I look forward to returning soon,” he said, concluding his remarks with “Jay Swaminarayan”.
The opening ceremony was attended by community members and supporters, marking the completion of a project driven largely by volunteer effort and local fundraising.
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