In a landmark commitment to multicultural education and community welfare, a re-elected Albanese Labor Government has pledged significant funding for two major initiatives benefiting Australia’s Hindu community: the establishment of the country’s first-ever Hindu school and the expansion of the Karma Kitchen project.
$8.5 Million for Australia’s First Hindu School
The Albanese Government has committed $8.5 million towards the construction of a new primary school in Oakville, North-West Sydney. This will be the first Hindu school in Australia, catering to the growing Hindu community, which now numbers over 680,000 and is the country’s third-largest and fastest-growing major religion. Despite this, Hindu representation in the Australian schooling sector has been minimal.
The school, to be operated by the Hindu Education and Cultural Centre, will deliver the New South Wales curriculum while incorporating teachings on Hindu culture, traditions, and philosophy. This initiative has received strong backing from the Hindu Council of Australia, which represents over a hundred Hindu organizations.
Minister for Education Jason Clare emphasized the significance of the investment:
“The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future and investing in the first-ever Hindu school in Australia. Hinduism is Australia’s fastest-growing major religion, and the Hindu community plays an important role in the multicultural country we live in today. This new school will give parents in West and North-West Sydney the option to send their children to a school that incorporates their faith and culture.”
Andrew Charlton MP added:
“Australian Hindus are smart, hardworking, and community-minded. It’s about time their kids had a school of their own. In Western Sydney, we pride ourselves on raising smart kids in a vibrant culture – this new Hindu school will do exactly that, adding to the story of modern Australia and building a better future for us all.”
The government’s contribution builds upon existing funding from the Hindu community and other stakeholders, ensuring that the school’s development aligns with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
$2.4 Million to Expand Karma Kitchen
Further demonstrating its commitment to the Hindu community, the Albanese Government has announced an additional $2.4 million in funding for the second stage of the Karma Kitchen project in Parramatta. This initiative, spearheaded by the Hindu Council of Australia, has been providing free nutritious meals to homeless and vulnerable Australians for over a decade with the support of restaurants, volunteers, and community kitchens.
The new funding will support the construction of a dining area, an industrial kitchen, storage and toilet facilities, landscaping, and the refurbishment of an existing house on-site. These upgrades will enable Karma Kitchen to scale up its operations, delivering meals to around 400 people daily and expanding services such as aged care meal support, community dinners, and crisis catering.
With a strong network of dedicated volunteers and partnerships with community organizations like Mission Australia and Parramatta Mission, Karma Kitchen ensures that no one in need is left behind.
Andrew Charlton MP highlighted the impact of the initiative:
“For over a decade, Karma Kitchen has played a crucial role in providing free meals to homeless and vulnerable Australians – this commitment will help them reach even more members of our community. This vital project will provide much-needed infrastructure to support the Hindu community in Western Sydney and enhance services that benefit our broader multicultural society. The benefits of this project will extend far beyond the Hindu community, fostering inclusivity, community service, and social well-being for all.”
As with other government commitments, this funding will be allocated in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
A Stronger Future for Australia’s Multicultural Communities
These investments underscore the Albanese Government’s dedication to supporting multicultural communities and strengthening Australia’s diverse social fabric. Through education and community service initiatives like the Hindu school and Karma Kitchen, the government aims to create a more inclusive and culturally enriched future for all Australians.
