The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria’s Sikh communities celebrate the 550^th birthday anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji with events around the state, including Wyndham.

Fulfilling an election commitment, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas, Member for Altona Jill Hennessy and Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly announced that 18 organising groups will share in $200,000 to hold a range of events throughout October and November in 2019.

That includes The Voice of Victoria hosting the “Jitt Jameh Rajaan” Gender Equality Forum at the Wyndham Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing on 5 October 2019. This event will focus on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji around equality and the role of women in today’s society.

This also includes The Sikh Community of Western Victoria holding a 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at the Tarneit Gurudwara from 15 to 17 November 2019.

It is one of 20 events to be supported through the Labor Government’s Sikh Celebrations and Events Fund.

Each year, Sikh communities right across the world celebrate Guru Nanak – the first Guru and founder of Sikhism – with these events considered the most sacred in Sikhism.

Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 52,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2016 Census.

All funded events are open to the Sikh and broader Victorian community. Buildings and landmarks around Melbourne will also be lit in saffron on 12 November in honour of the occasion, including the Bolte Bridge, Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Town Hall, the Arts Centre and AAMI Stadium.

For a full list of events, visit vic.gov.au/sikh-celebrations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne

“Heading into the last election we promised we would help support Guru Nanak celebrations– and I’m delighted to be delivering on that promise today.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee District Tim Pallas

“The Andrews Labor Government is a proud supporter of our Sikh community, including here in Wyndham, and it is wonderful to be able to help locals share in these wonderful celebrations.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Altona District Jill Hennessy

“This is a government that truly embraces multiculturalism and celebrates the things that make us all unique.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit District Sarah Connolly

“Throughout October and November, Sikh Victorians and the broader community can celebrate, commemorate and simply learn more about this important figure – I encourage everyone to find an event near them and take part.”