A community in south-east Melbourne is expected to turn out in big numbers on the evening of Nov. 19 to protest the renaming of a lake in Berwick Springs.
The Victorian Labor government will be the focus of their efforts as the Berwick Springs Lake becomes “Guru Nanak Lake,” named after the founder of the Sikhism religion, which originated from India.
A newly-erected sign at the lake reads:
“This landmark aims to recognise and celebrate the significant contributions of Victoria’s Sikh communities.
“The Victorian government acknowledges the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of this land, and pays respects to their elders past and present.
Criticism of the Decision
However, the decision does have its detractors.
Member for Berwick and local Casey resident, Brad Battin, said the community was not properly consulted.
“I got 500 emails. We’ve got an issue with the renaming of a lake in my area, and 5,000 people have signed the petition in 72 hours,” Battin, also the shadow minister for police, told The Epoch Times.
“Everyone has been emailing me. On this one there are two elements—number one, I don’t believe government facilities should be named after a religious leader because that’s divisive.
“You can’t name them after every religious leader. And number two, you’ve got to consult with the local community.”
“I could understand naming it after something aboriginal heritage related from the local area, having some relationship to the land and the actual history of the location; but naming it after a religious leader from a foreign country … that’s just insane.
“Berwick Springs was a perfectly fine name … so why waste taxpayer money on changing it?!”
The public hearing on the re-naming of Berwick Springs Lake will be on at the Corner of Berwick Springs Promenade and The Esplanade at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Local Sikh Community Thankful, But Says It’s Not a Must
Senior figures in the Sikh community have also spoken out about the lack of community consultation regarding the renaming of the lake.
Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria committee member and practising Sikh, Karan Ghandok, has gone on the record saying the name change to Guru Nanak Lake was an act of gratitude to the community for feeding thousands of Victorians during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and the 2019 bushfire season.
But he added that while the Sikh community welcomed such a gesture, they believed the state government should consult local ratepayers.
State Ministers Say 6,000 New Names for Public Sites Coming
On November 9, the Allan Labor government announced $600,000 for Langar celebration events across the state, with the renamed Guru Nanak Lake as part of those festivities.
Victoria’s Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, said “this name is another way we’re ensuring Victoria’s place names better reflect and celebrate our state’s rich diversity and history.”
And in an Instagram post on November 9, she said the Victorian government would need about 6,000 new names for public sites all over the state over the next three years.
“There’s a story, an identity, and a sense of belonging behind the name of every street, park, reserve, lake, mountain, creek, beach, and public space,” she wrote.
“So let’s make sure the names and stories of our places are as diverse and vibrant as our beautiful communities.”
Member for Narre Warren South, Gary Maas, was also delighted with the name change.
“Berwick Springs is a beautiful location for this mark of our celebration of Victoria’s Sikh communities,” he said.
