NSW’s Labor party has promised to provide $3.75 million towards the establishment of a Hindu Cultural and Education Centre – a home for Hindus in Sydney if they form the government after the 25 March election.
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said, “The Hindu community needs a home – and that home should be in Sydney’s northwest.”
“The proposed Hindu Cultural and Education Centre will become the epicentre of activity for people of the Hindu faith in New South Wales.”
The funding will be provided to the Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) to help plan and establish the new facility to be located in Sydney’s northwest.
Surinder Jain is the National Vice President Hindu Council of Australia.
Mr Jain said, “The establishment of a Hindu Cultural and Educational Centre in Sydney is an exciting project which will deliver lasting benefits to every one of the Hindu faith in New South Wales.
“It will support the work of the many Hindu community organisations and temples in New South Wales,”
added Mr Jain.
The proposed Centre will meet the administration needs of the HCA and other Hindu organisations and provide a venue for community meetings and events.
Activities planned for the Hub include yoga classes, dance, music, seniors gatherings, counselling and indoor games.
Surinder Jain explained if established, it will be available for use by the Hindu communities from all countries including India, Nepal, Fiji, Bangladesh etc.
The facility will have a commercial kitchen to provide Hindu Saatvik food by Karma Kitchen to Meals on wheels, hospitals, school canteens and aged care homes.
The educational activities planned for the Centre include community language lessons as well as the training of Hindu Chaplains and Special Religious Education teachers.
The Hindu community has also identified a need for a library and storage area where important cultural, educational and religious materials can be kept and accumulated for future generations.
As a first step to the project, the elected NSW Labor Government will provide $250,000 to the Hindu Council of Australia for a business case to confirm the community’s needs and to obtain the professional advice required to plan a successful project.
“NSW Labor has always been the champion of our multicultural and multifaith communities, and we look forward to working with the HCA on this project if we form Government after the election,”
said Mr Minns.
The additional $3.5 million will be reserved for the acquisition of suitable premises once the business case has been completed.
The commitment is part of NSW Labor’s Fresh Start Plan to support faith communities right across the State.
Hindu Council thanked MP Chris Minns and shadow Multi-cultural Minister Steve Kamper for making this announcement. Chris Minns addressing a gathering of Hindu community leaders praised the contribution of Hindus and Indians to Australia and to the state of NSW.
He said that this announcement is a very minor contribution to the community when compared with what Hindus have and are contributing to Australia.
