On New South Wales' Central Coast, a town boasts a population where 25 per cent is of Indian heritage. Originally settling for agricultural opportunities, there is a deeper reason the Punjabi Sikhs stay in Woolgoolga.
From six original settling families to making up a quarter of the town's population, here is why Punjabi Sikh s made Woolgoolga home.When thinking of large Punjabi Sikh population groups, the small coastal town of Woolgoolga in New South Wales may not be the first place that comes to mind.
Despite their contributions, they were subjected to discrimination, and the government passed laws, such as the Sugar Cultivation Act, that prohibited farmers from using coloured labour.The introduction of the White Australia policy, which aimed to exclude non-white migrants, made it incredibly difficult for new immigrants to enter the country.
The tensions between Australia's racial policies and its reliance on Indian soldiers became more prevalent during World War II. Although the original goal was not to settle in Australia, but bring back the earnings to India, this opportunity marked the beginning of chain migration and expanded the community's presence in the area.As World War II came to an end, Woolgoolga's banana farms, owned mainly by Italian immigrants, were facing a labour shortage.
As more Indians learn about Woolgoolga, and either move or travel to the town themselves, Simar has found purpose in helping others like him. Harvey Singh shares a similar sentiment, as someone returned after leaving to study education in Brisbane.
Punjabi Woolgoolga Farming Banana War World Punjabi Sikh Sikhs Temple Indian Migrants Migrate India Agriculture Cooking Families Home Town Population Founding Original Settling Rashmere Bhatti Arkan Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Museum History Community Values Lunch Worship Religion World War I World War Ii
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