Three cultural organisations in Melton have received money to pursue infrastructure projects that will help them better serve their communities.
This includes the Sri Durga Temple in Deanside, which received $400,000 from the state government to build a new car park.
The Hindu temple hosts religious festivities almost every month and is a meeting place for the Indian community in the municipality.
The $1 million project will provide 158 car park spots for visitors attending the temple, which also has a culture and education centre.
Secretary Rishi Prabhakar said the sheer volume of people who go to the temple means a car park is an absolute necessity.
“The carpark is the only missing link … it allows us to manage the traffic and make the journey easier for attendees,” he said.
Mr Prabhakar said the site was “one of the biggest temples in the southern hemisphere” and that the amenity would boost its legitimacy.
“It looks more presentable with so many people coming in, it looks bad without it,” he said.
Members of the temple were grateful for the contribution, Mr Prabhakar said.
“It is a big support … we are very, very thankful to the government,” he said.
The temple’s biggest occasion in October attracts about 15,000 to 20,000 people to the temple, with smaller events still reaching 10,000 people.
Mr Prabhakar said there was a high level of multiculturalism demonstrated at such celebrations.
“A lot of people want to connect with the community and culture,” he said.
“It’s a Hindu temple but everyone is welcome to come and enjoy it with us.”
It is expected the car park will be completed by December.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Melton received more than $275,000 in funding to also build a new car park, as well as installing heating and cooling systems in the church.
Shree Swaminarayan Agnya Upasna Satsang Mandal received $400,000 for the construction of a multicultural, multipurpose facility.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the state government would continue to invest in these organisations to ensure they could adequately service
“We want to ensure Melton’s multicultural communities have the support and facilities they need to celebrate and share their culture with all Victorians,” he said.
Eddie Russell
