About Us
History
In 1969 the first organisation of the Sikh community in Sydney was formed named the ‘Sikh Cultural Society’. It was registered as a charitable organisation in 1970. Since that time it has been its dream to establish a ‘Sikh Centre’, which could cater adequately for the many needs of the Sikh community in the modern progressive society of Australia. The opening of the Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh place of worship, prayer, meditation and religious congregation) was the first step in the fulfilment of these aspirations.
Since 1970, a number of changes and developments in the organisation have occurred. In 1983, the ‘Sikh Cultural Society’ merged with another Sikh cultural organisation, the ‘Australian Sikh Club’ to form a new organisation named the ‘Australian Sikh Association’. A new constitution was drawn up to include the objectives of both organisations. The constitution was revised in 1988 so that the Australian Sikh Association could be incorporated.
Our Mission:
The Australian Sikh Association (ASA) aims to set a high standard in serving the needs of the Sikh Community in Australia, especially the community members located around North-Western, Hills, Western Regions of Sydney Metro area.
The Australian Sikh Association also aims to contribute to the wider Australian Society, by the way charitable activities and by actively engaging in the development of the Multicultural Australia, in the 21st Century.
At the Australian Sikh Association all governance is based on and in line with the high moral and ethical principles as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and as per the rules set out in the federal and state laws as well as the Australian Sikh Association constitution.**Management Committee**
WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA - WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH. Australian Sikh Association management committee is fully committed and always available for community sewa (welfare) and to address individual needs.
# Membership
Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood and other programs and activities that Australian Sikh Association runs are accessible to anyone, without any discrimination.
However, registered members of Australian Sikh Association receive certain benefits, such as:
- A right to vote (as per the Australian Sikh Association constitution)
- Free home delivery of ASA Today Newsletters
- An opportunity to be nominated to become a Board of director of Australian Sikh Association
- Have your say at certain meetings, e.g AGM, etc.
- As a member you will also contribute to the development of the Sikh Community in Australia
As per the Australian Sikh Association constitution, there are three categories of membership. These categories and their respective fee is shown below. Please note that there is NO annual or recurring fee. All prices are in AUD including GST.
Visiting the Gurudwara Guidelines
In the interest of upholding respect for Guru Granth Sahib ji and maintaining a peaceful and a pleasant environment for the visitors of Gurudwara Sahib, all persons entering the Glenwood Gurudwara Sahib are required to abide by the following Guidelines.
We thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines and making the visit to Gurudwara premises a pleasant experience for all.
Guidelines for visiting the Gurudwara Sahib premises
- Remove your shoes and wash your hands
– Please remove your shoes and store them on the racks provided in the Shoe room before entering the Gurudwara building.
– Separate footwear is to be worn in the washrooms which are provided near the washroom doors.
– Please wash your hands in the hand washing facility provided next to Shoes room.
- Dress Appropriately
– Please dress gracefully and appropriately to be able to sit comfortably on the floor in the Darbar Hall and Langar Hall.
– Low hanging trousers, shorts, short skirts, short tops and similar clothing are not appropriate.
– Please do not wear clothing which may be offensive to other attendees.
- Cover your head
– You must cover your head when entering the Gurudwara building.
– Hats and Caps are not allowed.
– Patkas and Scarfs are available in the Shoes room if you need them.
- Strictly prohibited in the Gurudwara premises
– Alcohol (Presence or Consumption)
– Tobacco and Smoking
– Meat or Meat Products
In the Darbar (Worship) Hall
– Mobile phones are to be switched off or in Silent mode.
– After “Metha Tek” (Bowing before Guru Granth Sahib ji), please sit on the floor in the sitting area facing the Guru Granth Sahib ji.
– Chairs are provided in the Darbar Hall for persons who are genuinely not able to sit on the floor due to medical reasons.
– It is customary for males and females to sit on the opposite sides of the hall, please sit accordingly.
– Please avoid all unnecessary talk and movement.
– Please receive the “Karah Parshad” with both hands, and please request for a lesser amount that you can consume to avoid any wastage.
– Please sit in the main sitting area of the hall. The area behind the Guru Granth Sahib ji is for persons performing the duties.
– Parents are requested to kindly mind the children in the Darbar hall to ensure a peaceful environment for the Sangat.
In the Langar Hall and Kitchen
– Do not crowd passage ways.
– Follow guidelines for returning of used plates and washing hands.
– Do not waste food. Please request less for children.
– Please assist in reducing wastage of food, water, electricity, gas and other resources.
– All Sewa in the Kitchen and Langar hall is supervised by the Langar sewadar and the Committee member in charge of Langar.
– You are welcome to assist in the preparation of Langar, Serving, Cleaning up of premises and washing of dishes and utensils.
– Please wash your hands before commencing any sewa in the Langar hall or in the Kitchen.
– Packing of Langar for home – please confirm with Langar sewadar to ensure that there is enough Langar for the Sangat in the Gurudwara.
Programs and Payments
– Please contact the Gurudwara manager/ Secretary to sponsor a program at the Gurudwara or at home.
– The Gurudwara manager/ Secretary will organise and provide with all the necessary details for sponsoring programs.
– Please ask for a receipt for the payments made at the cashier’s office for sponsoring of programs or donations.
Other important guidelines
– Please do not interfere with the duties being performed by the Granthi ji, assistant Granthi ji, Ragi Jatha, and the Committee Members.
– All announcements in the Gurudwara premises are made under the directions of the Management Committee and by persons approved by the ASA management. Please do not use the microphone for making any public announcements without the ASA management approval.
– Display or distribution of information (e.g., flyers for an event etc.) or sale of merchandise (e.g., Books, CD’s etc.) to the sangat is strictly prohibited and requires prior approval from ASA management.
– Collection of donation or sangat’s personal information is prohibited unless approved by the ASA management.
By - Management of Australian Sikh Association (ASA) Ltd.
Code of Conduct
In the interest of upholding respect for Guru Granth Sahib ji and maintaining a peaceful and a harmonious environment for the visitors of Gurudwara Sahib, all persons entering the Glenwood Gurudwara Sahib are required to abide by the following Code of Conduct policy.
The Code of Conduct policy is to set out the standard of behaviour expected of persons visiting the Gurudwara Sahib to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for all.
The ASA management wishes to thank you for your cooperation in following the code of conduct and maintaining a harmonious environment at the Gurudwara Sahib.
In the event of a breach to this policy by any visitor(s), ASA management reserves the right to ask the persons involved to leave the premises immediately and / or contact the respective authorities if required. Future access to the premises may also be restricted.
For the safety of all, a number of CCTV cameras operate in the Gurudwara premises.
Code of Conduct Policy
All visitors to the Gurudwara Sahib are required:
- To treat all other visitors with respect, dignity and courtesy.
- To follow guidelines of visiting the Gurudwara premises as set out in the guidelines section (Dress code, prohibited items, No Smoking etc.).
- To respect the religious proceeding and maintain a quiet and non-disruptive environment.
- Not to interfere in any of the activities being carried out by the Granthi ji, Ragi Jatha, Gurudwara staff and ASA management members.
- To refrain from aggressive behavior, violence and indecent language or activity.
- To report any safety concerns, injuries or emergencies to the Gurudwara staff or ASA Management.
- Not to indulge in any unlawful activity.
- To take care of the Gurudwara property and equipment and report any damages to Gurudwara manager/ Secretary immediately.
- To follow the rules and guidelines as set out and communicated by the ASA management.
By - Management of Australian Sikh Association (ASA) Ltd.