Funding For VSA Pavilion in Ashwood 2013
toward a new pavilion in Ashwood Reserve, home to the Victorian Sikh Association.
“I am delighted to be able to announce that, if elected on September 7, the Coalition will contribute $150,000 to assist the community with the construction of a new pavilion in the popular reserve,” Mr Nguyen said.
“The Victorian Sikh Association brought to my attention the need to upgrade the facilities in Ashwood Reserve to support the numerous sporting activities played there, including soccer and hockey.
“The Victorian Sikh Association, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month, plays a pivotal role in bringing together hundreds of people to help them keep fit and healthy as well as to celebrate their cultural heritage and actively participate in the community.
Victorian Sikh Association President Harvin Dhillon welcomed the funding announcement from Mr Nguyen.
“We have been waiting for some time for financial support for this project to be rolled out,” Mr Dhillon said.
John’s message on VSA’s 25th
Dear Members of the Sikh and greater Indian community
It is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations on the 25 th jubilee of the Victorian Sikh Association. Since 1988, the VSA has offered a wonderful home for the Sikh and non-Sikh community in Melbourne for culture and a variety of sports. I commend President Harvin Dhillon, the board and committee members for their dedication and enthusiasm over the past quarter century.
In Australia, the Indian and Sikh community is strong and vibrant with some 450,000 members. Australia is a far better, far richer society as a result of the contribution that the Indian and Sikh community makes to this country, including in the seat of Chisholm where I am standing as the Liberal Candidate in the upcoming federal election.
Coming from a migrant background myself, I know the importance of having a ‘cultural home’ while integrating in Australia. Organisations like VSA play a vital and cherished role in connecting the old with the new home, celebrating cultural diversity, improving community services, and addressing community needs.
True integration means that we all have equal access to the benefits and responsibilities of our society while acknowledging our cultural heritage. When I was six years old, my family fled Vietnam’s communist regime and eventually made Melbourne our new home. This experience has instilled in me, like in so many fellow migrants, the strong values of hard work and a sense of community service. Australia has presented wonderful opportunities to me and my family and I am devoted to give back my fair share. I have always believed in giving something back to the country which accepted me as a refugee more than 30 years ago, which is why I have taken leave from my role as a partner at a leading accounting firm to contest the seat of Chisholm for the Liberal Party.
I am asking for your support on 7 September to deliver a better government for our community, as well as bring a new perspective to the Federal Parliament.
With warmest wishes – John Nguyen/ Liberal Candidate for Chisholm