'Sikh history flourishes in Western Australia': A memorial plaque unveiled to honour Sikhs in Wheatbelt

Funded by Sikh Association of Western Australia, a plaque depicting the Wheatbelt Sikh history was laid at the Old Quairading Railway Station, 164 km from Perth.

A plaque to honour migrant Sikh pioneers of Westen Australia installed at Old Quairading Railway Station Museum. Credit: Rav Grewal Photography.

The Sikhs arrived in Australia in the late 19th century, primarily serving as cameleers or traders. Many led camel trains, serving as the backbone of the heavy haulage industry in remote areas, including the Goldfields region, Rabbit-Proof Fence, and various country towns. These camel trains were crucial in supporting mining projects and connecting isolated regions.

To find out more, listen to this interview podcast with Tarun Preet Singh from the Sikh Association of Western Australia.