Senator Paul Scarr thanks Brisbane Sikh community for their "selfless service" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledging the
“selfless” efforts of the Sikh community, Senator Paul Scarr thanked the
members of the Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara for providing free meals and groceries
to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator Scarr said it
is extremely important to recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Sikh
community in Queensland and across the country "because reaching out to
people in times of need represents the best of Australian values.”
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr helping Sikh volunteers with distribution of COVID aid in Brisbane.
“The Brisbane Sikh
Gurudwara has provided approximately 20,000 free cooked meals and 2,000 free
grocery hampers to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. In providing
that assistance, members of the gurudwara have volunteered their time
continually over the last three months,” the LNP Senator from QLD said in his
speech in the Senate last week.
Speaking to
SBS Punjabi, Senator Scarr said he was “astonished to the see the boxes of food
and generous donations during his recent visit to the temple.
“The Brisbane Sikh Temple
should be extremely proud of their work during COVID-19. This is a wonderful
group of people who is helping those struggling and in times of need. It was
great to witness first-hand the hard work of the Sikh temple and the positive
impact they are having in the community," he said.
Senator Paul Scarr with the volunteers at the Brisbane Sikh Gurudwara
In his
speech, Senator Scarr said he has made three reflections from his experience of
visiting the Sikh temple and volunteering with the members of the community.
“The first is on the dignity
and respect with which members of the gurudwara treated every person they
assisted.
“Secondly, I note that the
assistance has been provided to Australians and visitors to Australia
irrespective of race, religion or nationality. That is a reflection of the Sikh
religion, a belief that we as humans are all equal and part of the oneness of
humanity.
“Third was the importance for
assistance to be given in a selfless way, not looking for anything in return,
just wanting to help someone, just wanting to give,” he said.
He also
spoke highly about the moral significance of making donations at the Sikh
gurudwara and the practice of preparing and serving langar (community kitchen
service).
“As at many gurudwaras, the
Brisbane Sikh gurudwara has a langar, a community kitchen providing free meals,
prepared by volunteers, to all the visitors of the gurudwara, without
distinction related to religion, gender, economic status or ethnicity. They all
sit on the floor together, representing their common humanity and their
equality," said Senator Scarr.
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