Donation Appeal for Launceston Gurdwara Sahib Building- TAS

**Launceston Sikh Community Appeal for Donations towards New Gurdwara Sahib Building Project**

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Ji

The Launceston Sikh Community has a proud history of serving the Sikh and broader Tasmanian community, beginning with the arrival of the first Sikh settlers, Mr. Kulwant Singh Dhillon and Mrs. Mahinder Kaur Dhillon, in August 1969. They brought with them the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, establishing a strong spiritual foundation in Tasmania, despite their busy lives as educators. Over time, their home became a gathering place for Sikh prayers, meditation, and community activities, inspiring the growth of the Sikh community.

The need for a dedicated place of worship became apparent, and in response, the Dhillons began hosting monthly prayer and meditation gatherings at their residence in Grindelwald from 2009. In 2020, the Launceston Sikh Community formally registered an organisation named Akaal Sikh Society Launceston Inc. The vision for a new Gurdwara Sahib moved closer to reality when the Dhillons purchased 8.5 acres of land in 2014, with the goal of building a space for worship and community support.

Our community has continuously served the wider Tasmanian population, organizing food drives during the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating group blood donations, and offering classes to nurture the Punjabi language and classical Sikh music, ensuring that these rich traditions are passed on to the younger generation. Additionally, we have organised Gurmat camps and raised awareness on important social issues such as domestic violence and resilience, reflecting our commitment to the well-being of the broader community.

However, the current space is no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing community, and we are now seeking your support to raise funds for the construction of the new Gurdwara Sahib building. This new facility will not only provide the necessary space for worship and community gatherings but will also serve as a place for spiritual growth through Naam Simran (meditation) and help us extend our outreach to those in need across the region.

The planning permit has already been approved by the council, and we are making preparations to commence construction as soon as possible, with a tentative start in November/December 2024. We humbly request your generous contributions toward this noble cause. By donating, you will be helping us secure a place where future generations can learn, grow, and remain connected with Guru Sahib, ensuring the sustainability of our Sikh values and traditions.

We encourage you to donate generously. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and have a lasting impact on the future of the Sikh community in Northern Tasmania.

For more information, please contact:

- Karmjit Singh: 0438 509 321

With Waheguru Ji’s blessings, we can work together to achieve this milestone and create a space where we can all come together to serve, worship, and nurture the next generation.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Ji