The government of Victoria has announced financial support of $30,000 for Sri Guru Singh Sabha - Craigieburn Gurudwara to assist with their aid work for the local community through these challenging times.
Highlights:
- $30,000 Funding approved for Sri Guru Singh Sabha - Craigieburn Gurudwara
- Almost 8,000 cooked meals have been delivered to the international students in Victoria since March
- Essential items like groceries, nappies, baby food, and other basic necessities are also being delivered
This comes as part of a $14.3 million support package announced by Premier Daniel Andrews, which includes the funding to expand health messaging and to assist multicultural organisations working on the ground to deliver emergency relief, such as culturally specific accommodation and food for those self-isolating or in quarantine.
Talking about the impacts of COVID-19 on the Victorian community Premier Dan Andrews said “This is one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever had to face, but by supporting one another, staying home and slowing the spread of this deadly virus, we’ll get through to the other side.”
Sikh community has always been on the forefront to help and serve the local communities in the hard times: Ros Spence
In a statement, Minister of Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence said, 'Multicultural organisations right across the state have been doing incredible work making sure every person is supported – regardless of their background or the language they speak – and this vital support will continue."
"Sri Guru Singh Sabha Temple in Craigieburn is one of the many organisations identified through the Government’s CALD Communities Taskforce, which was set up last month to provide support and emergency relief to those in need, hence it has been recently funded $30,000 support the purchase, preparation, and distribution of food among community members, including international students."
'The Sikh community has always been on the forefront to help and serve the local communities in the hard times.'
She further said, “To get on top of this pandemic, it’s vital that we all work together – and that includes looking after multicultural and multifaith Victorians that face unique challenges, like language barriers or access to services.”
Gurdeep Singh Matharoo, Secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha - Craigieburn Gurudwara told SBS Punjabi that, "We have served around 8,000 cooked meals to international students in Victoria since the start of the pandemic.”
Volunteers preparing fresh cooked food packages for delivery. Source: Supplied
He further added, “We receive numerous amount of emails and phone calls every day from people from diverse communities seeking help with day to day groceries and other essentials. Our team of volunteers is delivering all the essential stuff at the doorsteps of those in need.”
These projects are normally run by community donations and during current times the assistance of $30,000 will help provide to those having difficulties due to the pandemic.
Paramjit Singh Garewal, President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha - Craigieburn Gurudwara said in addition to cooked meals, daily need items have also been provided to those doing it tough.
Volunteers delivering groceries in Victoria Source: Supplied
“We’ve been providing free cooked food, groceries, and other essential stuff to the people in isolation until they come out of it. This includes day groceries, nappies, baby food, and other essential items with a supply lasting nearly a month or two."
"If anyone is struggling in the current times and needs help, we can be reached at secretary@sgss.org.au," he added.
Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8 pm and 5 am.
The only reasons for Melbourne residents to leave home during these hours are for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative.
All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
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