One Community, One Lake: Berwick Springs for all faiths, cultures, and nationalities
Australia is founded on the principle of separation of state and religion – a cornerstone of all other secular, democratic societies. This separation ensures equal treatment and respect for all faiths, which is especially crucial in our multicultural, multifaith, inclusive community.
Berwick Springs Lake stands at the very heart of our community, drawing together people of all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and nationalities. It is more than a just body of water; it is a core part of the identity of our community and has given its name to our estate, our streets, and even our weekly Parkrun. To our community Berwick Springs Lake belongs to everyone equally.
The Victorian State Government’s unilateral decision to rename our lake raises serious concerns about community consultation and democratic principles. This decision, made without any engagement with local residents, undermines the very essence of our inclusive community. While we deeply respect and celebrate the significant contributions of the Sikh community, particularly their exemplary charitable work, the naming of state landmarks after founders of religions – of any faith – compromises the principle of separation of state and religion..
Our position stems from a fundamental commitment to maintaining public spaces free from religion and for all to enjoy equally irrespective of their faith. We note that our petition to reverse the name change was followed by a counter-petition that disingenuously claims to be in the name of multiculturalism. It attempts to frame this as a choice between supporting multiculturalism and preserving democratic principles, creating a false choice. True multiculturalism flourishes precisely because of our commitment to the separation of state and religion and to public spaces that belong equally to everyone.
A Berwick Springs resident, who left their country of birth because of religious division, expressed profound sadness at now encountering the very tensions they had hoped to leave behind. This is a powerful reminder of the ramifications of religious tensions. While we do not suggest the Victorian State Government’s intentions were to create divisions and tensions, it is the appalling manner in which they conducted this process that has caused so much distress. The lack of respect for the residents of Berwick Springs is nothing short of astonishing.
It is State Goverment’s responsibility to make things right, reinstating the original name – Berwick Springs Lake.
One community, one lake.
