The Federal Government has announced funding for improved security measures at the Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes.
The $50 million Securing Faith Based Places government program aims to protect Australians from crime and violence motivated by religious or racial intolerance at places of worship, faith-based community centres, and religious schools and preschools.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said his electorate was a “proudly diverse community” that valued and welcomed people of all faiths.
“Everyone deserves to be safe while practising their religion or undertaking valuable volunteer work,” Mr Neumann said.
“I’m very pleased the Vedanta Centre will receive this Australian Government funding.”
The Vedanta Centre plans to use the grant to upgrade security infrastructure, installing cameras, lights, fencing and a gate at the facility.
On Saturday, November 11, Mr Neumann dropped into the centre to meet with Swami Atmeshananda and congratulate him on the successful grant application.
Vedanta Centre history
The Vedanta Centre is a Hindu temple located in Springfield Lakes, which opened in 2018, and includes a meditation hall, community space, yoga room, residence for monks, a community garden and orchard, and soup kitchen-café, Maa Sarada’s Kitchen.
Mr Neumann has previously delivered $15,000 in funding for the Vedanta Centre’s community garden under the Federal Government’s Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee Program, and a further $15,000 grant through the Stronger Communities Program towards the fit-out of the soup kitchen.
Vedanta Foodbank volunteers have used the centre’s kitchen to prepare free community meals, and they have supported other local charities like Goodna Street Life and Westside Community Care in recent times by providing food hampers.
“I want to thank Vice President Swami Atmeshananda for everything the Centre does for the local community,” Mr Neumann added.
At least 177 recipients across different faith communities around the country will receive a share of $50 million – including more than 20 in Queensland. This sum includes an additional $10 million announced by the Prime Minister on October 16.
All grants are awarded through an open, competitive and merit-based process.
See also: Fun and friendship at the One and All Harmony Day Festival
