The Australian Sikh Heritage Trail is a network of winding pathways and storyboards by Perth's Canning River showcasing Australia’s rich Sikh history.
This is the exact site where Sikhs were cremated legally in WA for the first time in the 1930s.
The Trail was the venue for the celebration of the annual Australian Sikh Heritage Day held this weekend.
Tarun Preet Singh from Australian Sikh Heritage Association (ASHA) told SBS Punjabi that commemorations were held by the Sikh community to share its rich and vibrant Australian history.
“The annual day marks the contribution of Sikhs in building Australian identity,” he said.
“We also commemorated the ultimate sacrifice of Flying Officer Manmohan Singh during the air raids in Broome during World War–II on 3rd of March 1942. He is immortalised with plaques in three cities in Australia - Perth, Darwin and Broome."
The visitors were invited to participate in filling a ‘My Australian Sikh Heritage Project booklet’ comprising of a questionnaire from the Australian Sikh history shared on the plaques at the Trail.
SAWA representatives had the opportunity to share the Australian Sikh history with the wider community. Source: Supplied
Mr Singh said that this idea was intended to inculcate a sense of pride and self-esteem by education and engagement.
Sikh Association of Western Australia also presented mementos to groups involved in the construction of the Sikh Heritage Trail.
Mr Singh said that many first time visitors to the Trail appreciated the efforts made by the community.
The dignitaries present at the annual Sikh Heritage Day. Source: Supplied
“It is our chance to preserve and share our Australian roots with the wider community. We’re glad that everyone liked it,” he said.
“It was the first event since the passing of John Parker who was the main promoter of Sikh history in WA and creation of this site. His absence was deeply felt by the Sikh community.”
The guests and visitors were entertained with Chinese Lion Dance and Japanese drummers groups besides Bhangra and skit by the students of Punjabi School.
Local and Federal MPs, Mayors and Consul General of India in Perth were some of the esteemed guests present to mark this event.
Free bus service was provided for visitors from both Bennett Springs and Canning Vale Gurudwara sahibs in Perth.
Australian Sikh Heritage Day event was supported by the City of Canning.
