Victoria govt to fund Hindu temple in Australia

Melbourne, February 16

With Hinduism emerging as one of the fastest growing religion in Australia, the Victorian government on Friday announced over 160,000 dollars funds for the upgradation of Shri Shiva Vishnu temple here.

The Cultural and Heritage Centre also known as Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple was consecrated in 1994. It is said to be the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.

The Victoria's Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott who visited the temple today said the government would provide over 160,000 dollars funds to the Hindu Society of Victoria to upgrade its Cultural and Heritage Centre.

He said the state government is keen to promote an inclusive society where every Victorian can preserve and share their culture and traditions in spaces of their own heritage.

Under the new funding from the Labour Government, the driveway and entry points of the Cultural and Heritage Centre would be upgraded and more than 300 car parks will be added on the site.

The new project is also expected to benefit thousands of Hindus and wider community members from Carrum Downs suburb where the temple is located.

The funding is being provided through the Labour Governments Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts (CICP) programme which aims to promote greater use of community facilities by states culturally diverse communities, increasing their participation in activities, improving access to services and enabling states cultural precincts to remain attractive for cultural and tourism activities.

The upgrades to the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple will help our Hindu community enshrine and share their values of compassion, selflessness, harmony, tolerance and respect,” Scott said.

By working together with local communities, we are building a Victoria where everyone belongs, feels accepted and can freely participate and contribute, he added.

Also, present on the occasion, the local politician and a member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny said, "Our local Hindu community has been advocating for upgrades to the Cultural and Heritage Centre – were listened and were getting it done.                

According to latest census, Hinduism had the most significant growth since in last decade driven by immigration from South Asia.

The 2016 census had revealed that over 440,000 Hindus were now living in Australia and there was 1.9  per cent growth in Hindu population since 2006. PTI