The Hindu community of NSW has marked a historic milestone with the acquisition of a new property in Sydney’s West, set to become a vibrant cultural hub with the support of $3.75 million from the Minns Labor Government.
The Hindu Cultural and Education Centre in Parramatta will be a central touchpoint for the Hindu community, hosting cultural events, music and dance classes, yoga, and activities for seniors and young people.
The Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) will also use the space to run training for Hindu chaplains and religious education teachers, and to store important religious and cultural texts.
The centre will serve as the main administrative hub for the HCA and other Hindu community organisations.
The funding is part of an election commitment by the NSW Government to support the Hindu community in NSW.
The announcement comes as the HCA has settled on a property in Parramatta, which will be the site of the Hindu Cultural and Education Centre.
The Hindu Council of Australia is the national peak body for the Hindu community in Australia with almost 200 organisations being its members across Australian states and territories.
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today Premier Chris Minns said that Hindus have made Australia better.
“Today we’re delivering our election commitment to establish a home for Hindus in Western Sydney with more than a quarter of a million people in NSW now practising Hinduism.
“This site will be a cultural and spiritual hub for the Hindu community for many years to come, and I look forward to seeing the centre add to the rich diversity of Sydney’s west.
“I congratulate the Hindu Council of Australia for its work to make this project a reality” added Premier Minns.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, who became the first Parliamentarian anywhere in Australia to take his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, said that he was excited to see the project come to life.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper was also present during the launch.
“The Hindu community in NSW is growing, so I’m very pleased that with this funding from the Minns Labor government Parramatta will the new home for a Hindu cultural centre.
“The Hindu Cultural and Education Centre will host a range of activities from cultural exchanges to wellness sessions, and it will act as a base for engagement with other faiths and communities.
“For over 25 years, the Hindu Council of Australia has dedicated itself to fostering harmony and social cohesion in in NSW. I’m excited to see the Council’s impact on the community grow once the centre opens,” said Minister Kamper.
CEO of Better Balanced Futures Murray Norman also emphasised the importance of having a Hindu Cultural and Education Centre.
NSW Member for Parramatta Donna Davis added,
“Parramatta is the heart of the Australian Hindu community, with almost 22,000 Hindu Australians calling the area home.
“There is no better place for a Hindu Culture Centre than Parramatta, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to help fund such an important project.
“I am proud to represent an area where such an important centre of Hindu culture and faith will be located; providing much needed community spaces.”
President of the Hindu Council of Australia, Sai Paravastu, began the event with a verse from ancient Hindu scriptures ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The world is one family’ — a truth that beautifully embodies the spirit of multicultural Australia.
“This is not just a philosophy for us Hindus; it is a lived value. It is why we are gathered here today — to celebrate unity, gratitude, and the beginning of a shared journey through the Hindu Hub,” added Mr Paravastu.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
