Foundation stone laid for Sikh temple in Canning Vale

14/4/99
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Board has laid the foundation stone for Perth's newest place of worship - a Sikh temple in Canning Vale.
The Minister, representing the Premier, laid the stone on the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the Sikh faith, the most important day in Sikh history.
He officiated at the invitation of the Sikh Association of Western Australia, which caters to the religious, social and cultural needs of a community of more than 400 members.
Mr Board praised the hard work and fundraising efforts of the community, which had raised sufficient funds to purchase a 2.3ha block of land and build the temple.
"Our cultural diversity is one of our State's greatest assets and it is crucial that the vitality of our various cultures is maintained," he said.
"The building of this temple is just the first stage of a Sikh community complex, which I understand will eventually include a Sikh school," he said.
"With additional accommodation provided by a community hall and other cultural and recreation facilities, this centre will provide a wonderful point of focus for the Sikhs and a window on their culture for the wider community of WA."
The Sikh Association of WA, which was founded in 1975 and now boasts a membership of over 300, is co-ordinating the community complex project.
Sikhs arrived in WA as early as the middle of last century, many working as cameleers and later as hawkers and pedlars.
Today, Sikh migrants come from many countries, including India, South East Asia, the United Kingdom and Fiji. Most are employed in the professions of medicine, engineering science and teaching.
Media contact: Jody Robb 9222 9211