Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill has praised the Sikh turban as a powerful symbol of equality and dignity during his visit to the Ellenbrook Multicultural Festival in Western Australia.
“The Sikh turban remains a powerful statement of equality and is a religious symbol of dignity for Sikh men,” Hill said in a post.
“The turban was radical in its origins, worn by all regardless of caste — a bit like our modern Aussie notions of equality and the ‘fair go’.”
Hill attended the festival, organised by the Ellenbrook community — a small group of culturally diverse representatives dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism in the region.
Punjabis are among Australia’s fastest-growing communities, with significant populations in Victoria and New South Wales. Their presence stretches back more than 150 years, with early migrants working as labourers, traders and cameleers.
In Western Australia, the Punjabi and Sikh communities have roots dating to the 19th century, when many arrived as camel handlers for transport routes across the outback, while others worked as travelling salespeople. Their long-standing contribution remains an important chapter in Australia’s multicultural story.
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