By Gladys Barreta
A Federal Government election promise to fund a new community and education centre at Sri Durga Temple has been described as a significant show of support for the region’s rapidly growing multicultural society.
If re-elected, the Federal Government has committed $5 million to the temple to develop a multi-purpose Community, Cultural and Educational Centre, supporting a wide range of events and functions for the expanding Indian diaspora in Victoria.
Sri Durga Temple currently serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Indian community, providing a place for worship, festivals, and community gatherings.
Hawke MP Sam Rae and Gorton Labor candidate Alice Jordan-Baird said the funding would enhance the temple’s capacity to host religious ceremonies and community events, as well as allow the continuation of its food relief programs.
Vice President of Sri Durga Temple, Gary Verma said the new centre would become a vital space for language classes, health programs, youth support, performing arts education, and social services for more than 298,000 members of Victoria’s Hindu community, along with broader multicultural groups.
“Once constructed, the centre will become a vibrant hub for the Hindu community across Victoria, while also providing a space for broader communities to learn, understand, and engage in cultural arts and language education,” he said.
“In addition to offering much-needed space for the Indian community to host their events, the centre will also allow us to expand our charity and relief programs for the wider Victorian community.”
Sri Durga Temple is registered as an emergency food provider in Victoria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the temple provided more than 65,000 cooked meals and distributed over 5 tonnes of groceries to those in need.
The temple has also raised funds for bushfire victims, supported international earthquake relief efforts, and donated medical equipment to local hospitals in Melbourne.
Mr Verma said the government’s support for multicultural communities is a welcome move and widely appreciated by the Hindu community.
“This is what makes us a truly multicultural society. The Hindu community is now the third-largest migrant and faith community in Australia, and this investment is a hugely welcome step,” he said.
“It will help us preserve our culture, celebrate festivals with the wider community, and continue to practice our faith freely, all while contributing to the broader Victorian society.
“For the Indian community in Victoria, the temple provides a deep sense of belonging and continuity with our roots. It is a place where traditions are celebrated and passed on to future generations, while also allowing us to carry forward our mission of helping others.”
