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The Sikh Association of Western Australia (SAWA) caters for religious, educational,
social and welfare needs of Sikhs living in Western Australia.
SAWA was officially registered on 13th August, 1975 and pro-team principal
office bearers were:
President: Harbhajan Singh Bejawn
Secretary: Zora Singh Gill
Treasurer: Sardul Singh
At the time there were no more than a dozen Sikhs in Perth and they realized a
need for an organization that would co-ordinate and cater for the needs of the
small Sikh community. Initially, all the Sikh families used to get together
once a month to hold religious ceremonies or social functions etc. With time
membership grew and religious ceremonies were moved to community halls.
Since its incorporation, SAWA has had a dream of finding a permanent home and
in 1985 this dream came true when SAWA bought a property in Kensington. At this
time there were about 50 families and the place was ideal for the size of Sikh
community then. With time and induction of new families to our community we
started realising the need for a bigger and better facility.
In 1996, the SAWA Executive Committee proposed setting up a separate committee
to be named as the Land and Building Committee. The aim of this committee was
to acquire and develop facilities for a broader Sikh base in Perth.
In 1997, the Land and Building Committee purchased 5 acres of property at
Canning Vale and had it successfully zoned for a 'place of worship' and
community use.
The total cost of this project to date is close to $1.7 million. Most of this was
raised through donations from Sikh communityies in Western Australia, Interstate and overseas.
Donations are most welcome at anytime. Please post your cheque to SAWA and an
official receipt will be issued (tax deductable in Australia).
The new Gurudwara caters for the needs of over 500 families of Sikh community.
SAWA has appointed Giani Balbir Singh Ji to look after the premises of the
Gurudwara in Canning Vale.
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