Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood and Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson have announced $5 million for Shri Durga Temple’s Education and Cultural Centre in Melbourne’s West. The funding commitment was made during a visit to the temple by Mr Wood and Senator Henderson, along with Liberal Party candidates for Gorton and Hawke, John Fletcher, and Simmone Cottom, marking a significant show of support for one of Victoria’s largest and fastest-growing multicultural communities.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm by the management committee of the Shri Durga Arts and Cultural Education Centre (SDACEC Inc.), which owns and operates the 8-hectare community precinct.
The funding, if the Coalition is elected to government, will go towards building a multi-purpose Educational and Cultural Centre to support language classes, health programs, youth support, performing arts education and social services for over 200,000 members of Victoria’s Hindu community and broader multicultural groups.
Mr Wood, said this facility will serve as a vital hub for education, cultural enrichment, and community support initiatives.
“For years, Sri Durga Arts, Culture, and Educational Centre has been a pillar of service to the Hindu community – preserving faith, traditions, and education while bringing people together through its various initiatives.”
“Once constructed, the ‘Educational and Cultural Centre’ will become a vibrant hub for the Hindu community across Victoria, while also providing a space for broader communities to learn, understand, and practice cultural arts and language education. The Liberals’ commitment to multiculturalism is not just about words—it’s about action, and we stand with the Australian Hindu community in ensuring this vision becomes a reality.”
Mr Wood added “This is not just an investment in bricks and mortar”.
“It’s an investment in community, culture, education, and harmony.
Shri Durga Temple is already a vibrant hub, and this new centre will help scale up the incredible work being done to support Victorians of all backgrounds.”
Senator Henderson echoed the sentiment, saying the Liberal Party recognises the value of multicultural institutions that offer educational opportunities while fostering social cohesion.
“The centre will be a vital space for cultural learning, community engagement, and intergenerational support, she said.
“It aligns with our commitment to support grassroots organisations and improve educational outcomes for all Australians.”
“Thank you to John Fletcher, who has listened to local residents and fought for this hub at the Sri Durga Temple, which will serve local Hindu communities for many generations to come. The people of Gorton have been ignored by Labor for far too long – it’s time for a strong local voice who will listen to the needs of the community. John is a genuine local who cares deeply about the community he is seeking to serve,” added Senator Henderson.
The planned centre, part of a long-term masterplan, will include an 800-seat hall, dedicated rooms for language and computer classes, and a library housing literature on art, culture and Hindu philosophy. The new facility is expected to enhance SDACEC’s capacity to deliver a wide range of community-focused programs currently run from temporary structures.
“We are deeply grateful for this show of support,” said a spokesperson for SDACEC.
“This centre will not only serve the Indian community but also become a platform for intercultural learning and harmony across Victoria.”
These programs include Hindi and Indian language classes, digital literacy sessions for seniors, women’s health education, youth counselling, cultural performances, food distribution, and blood donation drives. Major events held by SDACEC regularly draw crowds of between 10,000 to 20,000 attendees.
With the total project cost estimated at $6 million, SDACEC has already committed $1 million from its own revenue sources. The additional $5 million, if secured through the Coalition’s election win, will enable the centre’s construction to commence, further cementing the site as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s growing Indian-Australian community.
The announcement underscores the increasing importance of Western Melbourne electorates in the federal election, where a growing Indian diaspora is emerging as a critical voter base. The pledge by the Liberal Party is seen as both a cultural investment and a strategic electoral move.
Construction of the foyer extension to the existing temple is already underway, and SDACEC hopes to begin work on the new Education and Cultural Centre by 2026 if funding is confirmed.
Support our Journalism
Whether you live in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA or India, you can take a paid subscription by clicking on Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
