A Historic First for WA
The town of Dongara in Western Australia has made state history with the official naming of Sikh Lane — the first location in WA to carry “Sikh” in an official place name.
Located 360 kilometres north of Perth, the small coastal town held an inauguration ceremony on Saturday that drew a crowd of over 200 people, including local officials, descendants of early Sikh settlers, and community leaders.
Recognising Sikh Contributions
The naming of Sikh Lane acknowledges the important role the Sikh community played in Dongara’s early development.
“By the time of the 1911 Census, Sikh people formed 4% of Dongara’s population. That was the biggest Sikh population in WA at that time,” said Dr Bruce Baskerville, Chair of the Irwin District Historical Society.
Sikh migrants, led by the town’s first known settler Sojan Singh, established a thriving local business district in the early 20th century. Their shops and services became part of daily life in Dongara, and their impact continues to be remembered through oral histories.
Community Support and ResearchThe naming initiative was spearheaded by the Irwin District Historical Society (IDHS), which conducted historical research and advocated for official recognition over the past two years.
Dr Baskerville told Media that the Sikh community’s legacy had faded over time due to restrictive immigration policies during the White Australia era, which prevented families from reuniting.
“Eventually, many grew older without the ability to bring relatives here. Their shops were bought out and their community slowly disappeared from public consciousness,” he said.
Official Approval and Naming
The Shire of Irwin supported the naming proposal, and following a public consultation process, Landgate approved the name in July 2024.
Sikh Lane now runs through what was once the heart of the Sikh commercial area in Dongara — including land once owned by Sojan Singh himself.
A Powerful Symbol of Belonging
Sikh history advocate and event coordinator Tarun Preet Singh said the name change was deeply meaningful to both local and national Sikh communities.
“The contributions of the Sikhs in Dongara will now be known forever in a tangible form,” he said.
“It was emotional and powerful to have the descendants of Sojan Singh join the event. Their continued connection shows how strong these roots are.”
He added that the recognition strengthens the sense of belonging among Sikh Australians and could also encourage cultural tourism to the region.
What Sikh Lane Represents
Sikh Lane is more than a street name. It’s a lasting tribute to:
- 🏘️ The early Sikh settlers who helped build Dongara’s economy
- 📚 A piece of regional history that had faded from public view
- 🤝 The spirit of multicultural recognition and inclusion in Australia
Singh also expressed gratitude to the IDHS and the Shire of Irwin for their collaboration and support throughout the process.
“It’s a win-win. Our roots have been nurtured here for generations. Now, that legacy is finally being honoured.”
What’s Next?
Local historians and community leaders hope that Sikh Lane is just the beginning of wider efforts to recognise WA’s multicultural history.
Efforts may include:
- Educational plaques and walking tours in Dongara
- Community history exhibitions on early Sikh migration
- Collaborative storytelling with descendants of early settlers
Explore Sikh Lane
Visitors to Dongara can now walk down Sikh Lane and reflect on a powerful story of migration, community, and cultural endurance.
This naming is a milestone not only for Dongara, but for all of Western Australia — a clear step toward acknowledging the shared histories that shape the region today.
