Highlights
- Queensland Senator Paul Scarr thanks members of the Sikh community for COVID-19 aid
- Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara has distributed over 20,000 cooked meals and 2,000 grocery kits since March
- "Sikh community represents the best of Australian values," said Senator Scarr
Senator Scarr said it is extremely important to recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Sikh community in Queensland and across the country "because reaching out to people in times of need represents the best of Australian values.”
“The Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara has provided approximately 20,000 free cooked meals and 2,000 free grocery hampers to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. In providing that assistance, members of the gurudwara have volunteered their time continually over the last three months,” the LNP Senator from QLD said in his speech in the Senate last week.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Senator Scarr said he was “astonished to the see the boxes of food and generous donations during his recent visit to the temple.
“The Brisbane Sikh Temple should be extremely proud of their work during COVID-19. This is a wonderful group of people who is helping those struggling and in times of need. It was great to witness first-hand the hard work of the Sikh temple and the positive impact they are having in the community," he said.
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr helping Sikh volunteers with distribution of COVID aid in Brisbane. Source: Supplied
'Sikhs will always stand up for people in need'
Sikhs first came to Australia in the 1830s and there are an estimated 126,000 Sikhs living in the country, according to the 2016 census data collected by the .
Surinder Singh, member of the gurudwara's management committee told SBS Punjabi that the volunteers have been distributing free cooked meals and grocery hampers to people affected by the pandemic since March this year.
“We have been distributing hot meals and grocery packages since March 17th and we will continue with our efforts primarily for international students who are not entitled to any government aid,” he said.
Thanking the Senator for acknowledging their efforts, Mr Singh credited the volunteers and the entire Sikh community for their donations and efforts towards distribution and preparation of meals.
“The entire management committee is indebted to Senator Scarr for appreciating the selfless efforts of the volunteers and the Sikh community that has tirelessly worked towards helping those in need during these hard times. We will always stand up for everyone in need in times of crisis beyond this pandemic,” he added.
In his speech, Senator Scarr said he has made three reflections from his experience of visiting the Sikh temple and volunteering with the members of the community.
Senator Paul Scarr with the volunteers at the Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara. Source: Supplied
“The first is on the dignity and respect with which members of the gurudwara treated every person they assisted.
“Secondly, I note that the assistance has been provided to Australians and visitors to Australia irrespective of race, religion or nationality. That is a reflection of the Sikh religion, a belief that we as humans are all equal and part of the oneness of humanity.
“Third was the importance for assistance to be given in a selfless way, not looking for anything in return, just wanting to help someone, just wanting to give,” he said.
He also spoke highly about the moral significance of making donations at the Sikh gurudwara and the practice of preparing and serving langar (community kitchen service).
“As at many gurudwaras, the Brisbane Sikh gurudwara has a langar, a community kitchen providing free meals, prepared by volunteers, to all the visitors of the gurudwara, without distinction related to religion, gender, economic status or ethnicity. They all sit on the floor together, representing their common humanity and their equality," said Senator Scarr.
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