By Jamie Salter
Cranbourne’s Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) has been recognised for strengthening multiculturalism in a ceremony hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission on 7 December.
The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence acknowledge outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across multiple categories.
SVA was the winner of the Premier’s Award for Community Harmony – recognising a significant contribution to increasing understanding, acceptance and cooperation between different faith and cultural groups.
SVA is a non-profit volunteer organisation focusing on reducing distress in the community by providing free food to disadvantaged or needy individuals and families.
It was founded by the Sikh community in 2017 and regularly helps feed homeless people in the municipalities of Casey and Frankston.
Due to the 2020 bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic, the service expanded to more areas, to assist more vulnerable communities impacted and has played an active part in Victoria’s crisis response and recovery efforts.
SVA co-founder Jaswinder Singh said he never thought he would receive such a big honour.
“It was a big achievement and I’m very proud to have received the award,” Mr Singh said.
“Last year the ceremony was not conducted but this year it took place at Melbourne’s Government House.
“It was a wonderful experience, to meet so many community members we haven’t seen in two years.”
On average, SVA delivers 800 meals every day, with over 100,000 free meals delivered in seven months during 2020.
“In 2020 alone we delivered 142,000 free meals and in 2021 we’ve done 129,000 so far – it’s a huge operation which is only possible when the whole community comes together and everyone has supported it,” Mr Singh said.
“Victoria has the biggest multicultural community Australia who join in to help people, regardless of faith and religion.”
SVA has 250 registered volunteers from all age groups and culturally diverse backgrounds who work cohesively to create a more engaged and peaceful multicultural society.
It is working towards producing 10,000 meals a day in 2022.
