A very first gurdwara could open soon in Geelong, where the local Sikh community will be able to host prayers and weekly gatherings. The Advertiser reported that the community has their eyes set on a historic building which once, was a church site.
Prabhjot Singh Dhaliwal has lodged an application before the City of Greater Geelong, to convert the former South Geelong Uniting Church building into a Sikh gurdwara. He said that the Sikhs living in Geelong for the past 20 years currently don’t have a local place of worship and have to travel to Melbourne for prayers and community gatherings.
The site recommended cite for gurdwara include a church and the UnitingCare headquarters that was sold in 2013 for an estimated $4.5 million as the Uniting Church offloaded several assets. The property was sold to help ease debt linked to the cost closure of Acacia College in Melbourne, with the church holding its last service in April 2014.
Under the new plan, it has been suggested, that the gurdwara will be established in the church’s old Sunday School building which is accessed from Balliand street.
The application reads that the hours of operation will be 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 9pm on Sunday. The weekly gatherings would be held on Sundays from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. It is estimated that both gatherings will attract almost 100 people each.
The application reads, “All activities will be held indoors”
“No alcohol and smocking will be permitted within the premises at any time”
Currently the application is before the City of Greater Geelong. A council decision is not expected to be made before February 8 this year.
