Plaque unveiled in Western Australia honours the 135 years of Sikh settler legacy

A plaque has been unveiled in Coolgardie, a remote town of Western Australia, to acknowledge the contributions of early Sikh settlers in the region. The plaque is part of a trail being created across the state to formally recognise Sikh history. Designed in the shape of a half-worn turban and featuring traditional Punjabi Phulkari art, the plaque commemorates the stories of nearly 150 Sikh residents who lived in the area during the 1890s.

Members of the Sikh community attending the unveiling of the plaque. Credit: Tarunpreet Singh.

Recent research reveals that Sikhs had established a presence in Australia around 135 years ago, well before the First World War.

Research conducted by Tarunpreet Singh has been formally accepted by the government, leading to the installation of a new plaque in Coolgardie, near Kalgoorlie, honouring the contributions of Sikh settlers to the region.

Official records indicate that nearly 150 people of the Sikh faith lived in the area during the 1890s.

One of the plaques set-up at Coolgardie. Credit: Tarunpreet Singh

This Sikh community is also credited with influencing changes to Australian law, enabling cremations to be carried out according to Sikh religious practices.

The small group of Sikh population is remembered by locals as 'fighters', and the local government recognises Sikh history as an integral part of the region’s heritage.

The Shrine of Coolgardie's official website states, "Coolgardie has a significant history of Sikhs. The plaque will help unlock the potential of these stories, creating opportunities for communities to access and enjoy them, and to understand the history, cultures and environments of Australia."

Massa Singh, one of the early settlers in WA. Credit: Tarunpreet Singh

"This will add to the Sikhs' sense of place and how this land and area have evolved. This plaque will be a sustainable method of teaching and learning for both."

In this podcast, listen to SBS Punjabi's interview with the historian behind this project, Tarunpreet Singh as he takes listeners on a journey of unearthing history.

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