Locally known as the "Missing Piece of Paradise," the town of Woolgoolga, on New South Wales' north coast is highly regarded as an oasis for Sikh culture’s establishment in Australia.
The town’s more than 50 per cent of Sikh population controls most of the banana and blueberry plantations of the region.
With the growing community needs, the town saw its first Sikh Temple officially opened in June 1968 at Hasting St, Woolgoolga. Apparently, It was also the first Sikh Temple in Australia.
A pilot project was started four years ago to modify Gurdwara’s building.
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The Gurdwara has seen a recent installation of ten eye-catching glistening domes over the roof.
Amarjit Singh More, Public Officer for the Gurdwara committee told SBS Punjabi that it's an exciting moment for the community.
“If you walk pass the Gurdwara you can’t miss the beauty of the building,” Mr More tells SBS Punjabi.
“This Gurdawara is built as a new two storey building.”
“In the first level, we are planning to complete ‘Langar Hall’ and the state of art commercial kitchen while the second level focus would be to complete the main hall ‘Darbar sahib’.”
“Gurdawara’s original building has been heritage listed and there is a proposal to convert it into 'The First Sikh Museum in Australia’.”
“The project cost can go up to $3 million. It is mainly funded by the local Sikh Sangat [fellowship or association]."
"We have traveled around to collect the donations, a process which is still undergoing."
"With intricate marble and granite work, the building is set to be finished by the end of the year."
"This Gurdwara is our legacy for generations to come and we are committed to do everything we can for its establishment and successful running," says Mr More.
There are thousands of Gurdwaras spread across the world providing a spiritual home to the devotees.
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Gurdwaras are considered a symbol of spreading values, traditions and teachings of humanity and the Sikh religion.
