Australian Sikh Heritage Trail

The Australian Sikh Heritage Trail, a group of interconnected pathways in Adenia Park, Riverton, Western Australia, is a monument commemorating the history of Sikhs in Australia.^[1] The location, adjacent to the Canning River, is significant as the heritage-listed Sikh cremation site.^[2] The winding trail features interpretive signage, plaques, benches, a sheltered area, and a boardwalk by the river.^[3] Information on the signs is organised by theme, such as Sikh farmers, Sikh wrestlers, Sikh Anzacs, Sikh hawkers and Sikh entrepreneurs.^[3]

The Australian Sikh Heritage Trail in June 2021

The Australian Sikh Heritage Trail was created through a collaboration of the state government's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the City of Canning, the Australian Sikh Heritage Association, the Sikh Association of Western Australia and Sikh Gurdwara Perth, over a period of three years.^[4]: 44 Initial funding of $150,000 came from a Lotterywest grant,^[3] while the City of Canning contributed $35,000 for construction.^[5] The department managed the project, with Canning responsible for construction and maintenance.^[5]

The trail was officially opened on 17 April 2018 by Minister for Environment Stephen Dawson, Acting Local Government and Heritage Minister Bill Johnston, and City of Canning mayor Paul Ng.^[6][7] The annual Australian Sikh Heritage Day was held there on 2 March 2019, attended by local and federal members of parliament, mayors, and the Consul General of India in Perth.^[8]

The 250-metre (820 ft) trail also presents information related to the Whadjuk Noongar culture and Swan Canning Riverpark,^[9] and is part of the broader Swan Canning Riverpark Trails Project of interpretation facilities called River Journeys.^[7]

See also

• W.A. Heritage Trails Network
• Man Mohan Singh (pilot)

References

1. Wynne, Emma (20 April 2018). "Sikh Australians and their contributions celebrated in new Perth monument". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 26 April 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
2. Shonakshi, C. (10 October 2016). "Sikh heritage Down Under: Telling the untold story". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
3. Grewal, Preetinder (18 April 2018). "Heritage Park to highlight Australia's Sikh history". SBS Punjabi. Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
4. Ansell, Ben; Henderson, Sophie (2018). "Highlighting heritage: Riverpark trail celebrates Australia's Sikh history" (pdf). Landscope. 34 (1): 41–45. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
5. Grewal, Preetinder (15 March 2018). "$150K WA grant to highlight Australia's Sikh history". SBS Punjabi. Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 17 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
6. Hussey, Toby (26 April 2018). "Trail marks Australian Sikh heritage". The Examiner. Canning, Western Australia. Archived from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
7. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (19 April 2018). "Trail celebrates Sikh heritage". Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
8. Grewal, Preetinder (5 March 2019). "Australian Sikh Heritage Day celebrated with great fervour". SBS Punjabi. Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
9. Nico, Jessica (18 April 2018). "Australian Sikh Heritage Trail". Canning Times. Community News Group. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.