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Applicant Prabhjot Singh Dhaliwal said Sikhs who had been living in Geelong for up to 20 years didn’t currently have their own local base. Geelong Sikh leaders looking to convert former South Geelong Uniting Church into local place of worship Shane Fowles, Geelong Advertiser January 23, 2017 6:30pm Subscriber only SIKH leaders are aiming to establish their first place of worship in Geelong, eyeing off a historic former church site. An application has been lodged to convert a former South Geelong Uniting Church building into a Sikh gurudwara, to host daily pray­ers and weekly gatherings. Applicant Prabhjot Singh Dhaliwal said Sikhs who had been living in Geelong for up to 20 years didn’t currently have their own local base. “People of (the) community have to go to Melbourne for worship and social gathering,” the application reads. The Moorabool/Fyans St site, which included the church and the UnitingCare headquarters, was sold in 2013 for an estimated $4.5 million as the Uniting Church offloaded several assets. The property was sold to help ease debt linked to the costly closure of Acacia College in Melbourne, with the church holding its last service in April 2014. Under the new plan, the gurudwara would be established in the church’s old Sunday school building, which is accessed from Balliang St. Hours of operation would be from 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 9pm on Sunday. The weekly gatherings would be held on Sundays from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm, attracting an estimated 100 people during both periods. “All the activities will be held indoors,” the application reads. “No alcohol and smoking will be permitted within the premises at any time.” Sikhism emanated from the Punjab region of India, with its followers believing in one immortal being, equality of all humans, anti-discrimination and a selfless life. The gurudwara is used for worship and the historic Sikh practice of the community meal. The application is before the City of Greater Geelong. A council decision is not expected to be made before February 8. Source - http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelong/sikh-leaders-looking-to-convert-former-south-geelong-uniting-church-into-local-place-of-worship/news-story/0904d73706d99c1543d72e9d8eea1c02