By Brendan Rees
The State Liberals have pledged to contribute $155,000 to a premier sporting and cultural event of the Australian Sikh community which Cranbourne will host in 2019.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy joined members of the Sikh community and Casey councillors at Casey Fields on Friday 12 October to make the funding announcement which will assist with the staging of the 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games.
The funding package would enable the Sikh community in Victoria to hold the Games primarily at the multi-sport complex at Casey Fields in Cranbourne, close to where so many of the Indian community call home.
It is expected that over 3,000 athletes will participate in the games, in 14 different sports with 90,000 spectators cheering them on.
It comes as the Liberals attempt to strengthen ties with the Indian community with Mr Guy also promising in August to build a $5 million Indian Community Precinct in Cranbourne.
Mr Guy said the Sikh community was “a large and vibrant part of Victoria’s multicultural community.”
“The Australian Sikh Games are an important part of the community’s calendar and I wish all competitors the best of luck.”
Casey Council Deputy Mayor Amanda Stapledon welcomed the announcement, saying it showed “the esteem that the Sikh Community are held in.”
“It recognises the benefits that the Sikh games will bring to the Casey Region both in economic, tourism/visibility and relationships and strengthens the support that council committed to recently, ensuring the games are a great success this year and in years to come,” she said.
Last month, Minister for Sport John Eren joined Dalvinder Garcha, president of the Games Organising Committee at Casey Stadium to officially launch the countdown to the event.
Mr Eren also announced a $100,000 events package for the Sikh Games, along with a $50,000 contribution from Casey Council.
“Sport plays an important role in the cultural traditions of all Victorians and we’re right behind major sporting events that encourage everyone to get together, keep active and stay involved in their local communities,” Mr Eren said.
In 2019, the Games will fall at the same time as Sikh New Year celebrations, Vaisakhi and the funding will allow for New Year celebrations to be incorporated into the Games.
