In 2019, during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, the Sikh community in Victoria proposed establishing a landmark in his honour. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the community continued advocating for the initiative through extensive engagement efforts. The numerous contributions of the Sikh community during the pandemic and in response to recent disasters further reinforced their case.
Their perseverance bore fruit on 9 November 2024, when a ‘previously unnamed lake’ in Berwick Springs was officially designated Guru Nanak Lake.
This man-made lake, located on Aboriginal land, was named following consultations with the Bunurong Land Council, Melbourne Water, Emergency Management Victoria, Victorian Multicultural Commission, and Geographic Names Victoria.
While the announcement was a moment of pride for the Sikh community, recognising their contributions to Australia’s multicultural society, it has sparked debate and raised broader questions about representation, misinformation, and inclusivity. And the celebrations lasted for just a day.
A Landmark Honouring Guru Nanak
The naming ceremony, led by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt, and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, commemorated Guru Nanak Dev’s 555th birth anniversary on 15 November.
The initiative was hailed as a recognition of the Sikh community’s contributions to Victoria’s social and cultural fabric. Community members expressed gratitude, calling the announcement a historic and unifying milestone.
Backlash and Misconceptions
Despite the lake being previously unnamed, some local residents have raised objections, questioning Guru Nanak’s relevance to Australia and expressing fears of changes to public amenities such as barbecue areas or the renaming of the Berwick Springs estate.
A “Stop Berwick Springs Name Change” petition, initiated by Aldonio Ferreira with head petitioner Michael Ball, has alleged a lack of consultation regarding the decision.
Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, a community leader and Systems thinking academic and practitioner, clarifies that the Sikh community was not part of the administrative processes followed.
“This is not a renaming—it’s the first time the lake has been named,” he emphasises.
Kandra also shares instances of backlash, including an email he received stating:
“How many places in India are named after Australians? None. And no places in Australia should be named after Sikh people. Think of the division and anger your stance on Berwick Springs Lake is creating.”
He reassures the community that the naming would not alter the lake’s essence or its use.
“The water remains clean, the air quality is unaffected, and people will continue to enjoy the space as before,” he says, noting the only visible difference is the sign identifying it as Guru Nanak Lake and its possible listing on Google Maps. He, in fact, feels that Sikhs will be eventually there to promote efforts to conserve the lake and beautify it such as adding sitting benches—all in line with principles taught and advocated by Guru Nanak.
A Multicultural Perspective
Supporters view the naming as a celebration of Australia’s multicultural identity. They point out that landmarks named after faith leaders, such as Mary MacKillop and Saint John of God, already exist.
“Why not Guru Nanak? Is the objection because of his immigrant or Indian heritage?” Kandra asks.
He argues that there is an opening prayer in the Victorian and Federal Parliament so Australia does values faith and power of prayers.
He argues that Australia’s multicultural ethos extends to recognising diverse communities in public spaces, suggesting the potential for streets like India Street, Fiji Street, or Bangladesh Street and likewise.
“Opposing this name contradicts the values of inclusion and diversity that define Australia,” he added, drawing parallels to past objections against building places of worship for minority faiths.
Critics questioning Guru Nanak’s connection to Australia, he notes, fail to grasp the broader principles of multiculturalism.
A Call for Unity
Kandra urges the community to embrace Guru Nanak’s teachings of love, compassion, and peace.
“Incidents like these only amplify awareness of Sikhism and Guru Nanak’s values,” he says.
A petition supporting the naming has garnered over 3,500 signatures, promoting inclusivity and diversity in Victoria’s cultural landscape.
“Australia belongs to everyone—Aboriginal custodians, immigrants, and even those protesting this change,” Kandra says, adding that this initiative exemplifies unity and positivity.
A Broader Question
As the debate unfolds, a fundamental question emerges: is this controversy about the naming process, or does it reveal resistance to acknowledging a faith leader from an immigrant background in Australia?
Connect with Indira Laisram on X
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
🌍Guru Nanak Lake in Berwick Springs marks a historic step for Victoria’s multicultural identity.🎉 Despite backlash, supporters see it as a victory for inclusion & diversity.🕊️ Should faith leaders be honoured?🤔 Share your thoughts!✍️ #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/vzHcB1HoY9
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) November 24, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
