Melbourne-based Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) hosted its annual Vaisakhi event, where volunteers associated with the organization were honored for their services.
The event was graced by the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Bruce MP Julian Hill, and several other eminent personalities.
During the event, which showcased the organization's past achievements, several future projects were also unveiled.
Having started with the humble provision of food to the needy in 2014, Sikh Volunteers Australia now extends its outreach to remote areas of Australia to support the wider disaster-stricken community.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, organization representative Jaswinder Singh expressed gratitude.
"In recognition of our services to the wider community, the government provided us with a grant of 7 million dollars, which is now utilized to build a high-end kitchen to further enhance our services to the community," Mr Singh said.
The Prime Minister of Australia, who made his way to attend this event held in the city of Casey, promised to extend all possible support for the commendable work done by the organization.
Along with him, many other representatives from the Australian government and the opposition also participated in the event and shared their views.
Founded in 2014 by a group of fewer than twenty first-generation migrants, Sikh Volunteers Australia has now evolved into a charity with hundreds of volunteers.
Mr Albanese says the organization consistently puts its values into practice.
"During the pandemic, they provided food for students who were in desperate need of that support. During bushfires, floods, wherever there are issues confronting Australians we see the best of the Australian character, and there's no community organization that has done more than Sikh Volunteers Australia, we see them, whether it be here in Victoria are up in Lismore, wherever there are floods or natural weather events, we see people putting their values into practice."
Mr Jaswinder Singh said, "Apart from helping the community struggling with natural calamities, this organization is also doing various activities for the expansion and promotion of the Punjabi language".
"The organization has also prepared a bi-lingual booklet to help the elderly, with simple instructions on where to contact for help and support," he told SBS Punjabi.
Credit: Sikh Volunteers Australia
"The future of any community lies in its younger generation. Therefore, we must involve our children and youth in serving the wider community from an early stage," he said.
Click on the audio icon to listen to the full report and interviews in Punjabi.
