52-695: Woolgoolga is a town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales , Australia . It is on the Pacific Highway , approximately 550 km north of Sydney and 365 km south of Brisbane . The closest city to Woolgoolga is Coffs Harbour , which lies 24.8 km to the south. Woolgoolga has two beaches on the Pacific Ocean . The area has long been a centre of banana growing in New South Wales, but this industry has declined in
104-411: A baoli (step-well), bucket well, or rahat ( Persian wheel ) would be implemented and installed in the courtyard of the structure or near a pool of water. The dharamsals incorporated a langar (communal kitchen) and lodge, especially the ones on important highways and trade routes, where persons could eat and stay without discriminated based upon their religious or caste-background. This facilitated
156-495: A subtropical climate and is known for its waterways, beaches and hinterland of forests and farms. Major industries are farming, logging and tourism. The following local government areas are contained within the region: Many bus services run throughout the region. Providers include Buslines, Busways, Eggins, Ryans and Sawtell Coaches. There are several railway stations on the Mid North Coast serviced by three trains;
208-513: A 2017 plebiscite eventually legalising same-sex marriage in Australia , both of the federal Mid North Coast electorates recorded majorities for the "yes" vote, while in the 1999 Australian republic referendum and the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum , they both recorded majorities for the "no" vote. Gurdwara A gurdwara or gurudwara ( Punjabi : ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ , romanized: gurdu'ārā , lit. 'Door of
260-538: A Sikh to visit gurdwara. On joining the holy congregation, Sikhs should take part and obtain the benefit from the combined study of the holy scriptures. No one is to be barred from entering a gurdwara regardless of their religious or regional background and are welcomed in. Seva is an important and prominent part of the Sikh religion. Dasvand forms a central part of Sikh belief (of Vand Chhako ) and literally means donating ten percent of one's harvest, both financial and in
312-463: A day. Some gurdwaras also provide temporary accommodations ( serais ) for visitors or devotees. The gurdwara also serves as a community centre and a guest house for travellers, occasionally a clinic, and a base for local charitable activities. Apart from morning and evening services, the gurdwaras hold special congregations to mark important anniversaries on the Sikh calendar. They become scenes of much éclat and festivity during celebrations in honour of
364-491: A dharamsal dedicated to spreading their Guru's message and teachings in their local area. Bhai Gurdas states the following: “Wherever Guru Nanak visited, that place became a place of worship. The most important centres including those of the jogis visited by the Guru became spiritual centres. Even houses have been turned into dharamsalas where kirtan was sung on the eve of Vaisakhi.” Guru Nanak set-up an important dharamsal in
416-496: A group of people drove a stolen black Mitsubishi Pajero onto the beach and did irreparable damage to the shipwreck. The perpetrators broke off the most prominent visible parts of Buster . The car was found abandoned at a nearby village. Woolgoolga has two complete Gurdwaras (temples): As well as those there is another being constructed next to the First Sikh Temple. Curryfest is the largest single gathering for
468-697: A healthy communal life, and a Sikh must undertake to support all worthy projects which would benefit the larger community and promote Sikh principles. Importance is given to Inter-faith dialogue , support for the poor and weak; better community understanding and co-operation. Many gurdwaras also have other facilities for Sikhs to learn more about their religion, such as libraries, complexes for courses in Gurmukhi, Sikhism and Sikh scriptures, meeting rooms, and room-and-board accommodation for those who need it. Gurdwaras are open to all people, regardless of sex, age, sexuality or religion, and are generally open all hours of
520-409: A higher plinth, have entrances on all four sides, and have square or octagonal domed sanctums usually in the middle. During recent decades, to meet the requirements of larger gatherings, bigger and better ventilated assembly halls, with the sanctum at one end, have become accepted style. The location of the sanctum, more often than not, is such as to allow space for circumambulation. Sometimes, to augment
572-577: A main hall called a darbar , a community kitchen called a langar , and other facilities. The essential features of a gurdwara are these public spaces, the presence of the holy book and eternal Sikh guru the Granth Sahib , the pursuit of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct and convention), and the provision of daily services: Other ceremonies performed there include the Sikh marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj ; some of
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#1732793591062624-724: A repair shop. A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib , the Sikh flag. The best-known gurdwaras are in the Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar , Punjab , including Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), the spiritual center of the Sikhs and Akal Takht , the political center of the Sikhs. Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak was ordained directly by God to construct dharamsals (places of worship; meaning ‘abode of righteousness’), as per
676-410: A single humble room to house the local devotees of a locality for prayers. This was especially true in the rural areas, villages, and small towns where most of the local Sikh congregations consisted of simple peasants with little means of wealth. They were not built upon a specific axis because Sikhs believe God is omnipresent and the entire Earth is divine and equally fitting as such. The Adi Granth
728-504: Is a great elevated platform for watching the migrating whales as they journey to warmer waters for calving. The Sydney 2000 Olympics torch relay passed through Woolgoolga, as did the 2006 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay . In 2011, the area hosted Rally Australia , the 10th round of the World Rally Championship . It hosted stages 22 and 25 at Plum Pudding. On 8 March 1893 a 39-metre vessel named Buster
780-551: Is a popular destination for camping or resorts and surfing, with coastal and hinterland tracks, with the unique heritage-listed mountain village of Bellbrook popular for day trips inland or 4wd campers and keen bass fishers. Heading northwards beyond Newcastle , the Mid North Coast region's main towns include the towns of Bulahdelah , Forster, Tuncurry , Wingham , Taree , Port Macquarie , Kempsey , South West Rocks , Macksville , Nambucca Heads , Bellingen and Coffs Harbour . Of these Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are
832-474: Is important for the proper moral and spiritual development of a Sikh. One must study Gurmukhi script and be able to read Gurbani to understand the meaning of the text. A Sikh has to revert to the Granth Sahib for the all spiritual guidance in one's life. It is believed that a Sikh is more easily and deeply engrossed by Gurbani when engaged in congregation gatherings. For this reason, it is necessary for
884-579: Is served in the langar hall, to suit the visitors from different backgrounds so that no person may be offended. All people belonging to different faiths sit together to share a common meal, regardless of any dietary restrictions. The main philosophy behind the langar is two-fold: to provide training to engage in seva and an opportunity to serve people from all walks of life, and to help banish all distinctions between high and low or rich and poor. Gurdwara buildings do not have to conform to any set architectural design. The only established requirements are:
936-872: The City of Coffs Harbour , the Bellingen Shire , the Kempsey Shire , the Mid-Coast Council , the Nambucca Shire and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council . It also includes four state electorates ( Coffs Harbour , Myall Lakes , Oxley and Port Macquarie ) and two federal electorates ( Cowper and Lyne ). The region is conservative and is dominated by the Coalition in state and federal politics, particularly
988-648: The Guru ') is a place of assembly and worship in Sikhism , but its normal meaning is "place of guru" or "Home of guru". Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as Gurdwara Sahib . People from all faiths and religions are welcomed in gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takht (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. Any congregant (sometimes with specialized training, in which case they are known by
1040-569: The Indian subcontinent and in Afghanistan as a means of expressing their devotion to the faith. Udasis were commanded by Guru Hargobind and his successors to found dharamsals in the distant reaches of the subcontinent far from the nucleus of Sikh centrality and rejuvenate the abandoned, dilapidated, or struggling dharamsals which had been founded by Guru Nanak and his followers in faraway places, which struggled due to their extreme distance from
1092-771: The National Party . Of the two federal electorates, Cowper has only been held by Labor once (for one term) and Lyne has never been held by Labor (although was held by an independent for five years). In state politics, the Coalition safely holds all Mid North Coast electorates (the Nationals hold Coffs Harbour, Myall Lakes and Oxley while the Liberal Party holds Port Macquarie). In the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey ,
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#17327935910621144-580: The Sikh scriptures , and organizing charitable work in the wider community on behalf of Sikhs. Many historical gurdwaras associated with the lives of the Sikh Gurus have a sarovar (eco-friendly pool) attached for bathing. Gurdwaras have no idols or statues. Many gurdwaras are designed to seat men on one side and women on the other, although designs vary, and the divided seating is far from mandatory. They do not generally sit together but on separate sides of
1196-646: The 1870s when the Hofmeier family moved to the area to make their selections. Prior to this, the area was inhabited by the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. The name of the town derives from the word "Wiilgulga", which was used by the local Aboriginal people to describe the area, and the Black Apple trees that grew there. The name "Woogoolga" was gazetted in 1888, and changed to the current name of Woolgoolga in 1966. Timbergetting and sawmilling
1248-499: The 1920s resulted in Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee taking control of these gurdwaras. The Panj Takht which literally means five seats or thrones of authority, are five gurdwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community. They are result of the historical growth of the religion of Sikhism and represent the centers of power of the religion. A gurdwara has
1300-535: The B.40 Janamsakhi : Go, Nanak [answered God]. Your Panth will flourish. The salutation of your followers shall be: 'In the name of the true Guru I fall at your feet'. The salutation of the Vaisnava Panth is: 'In the name of Rama and Krisna'. The salutation of the Sanyasi Panth is: 'In the name of Narayan I bow before you'. The Yogi's salutation is: 'Hail to the primal One'. The Muslims' cry is: 'In
1352-646: The Grafton, the Casino and the Brisbane XPT trains . Each run north and south once a day. Heading north from Sydney Central, the first station on the mid north coast is Gloucester followed by Wingham and Taree . Further north are Kendall , Wauchope (for Port Macquarie), Kempsey , Eungai , Macksville , Nambucca Heads , Urunga , Sawtell and Coffs Harbour . There is no station for Forster–Tuncurry. The Mid North Coast includes six local government areas :
1404-539: The Woolgoolga community. It is an annual celebration of Woolgoolga's Punjabi heritage. Inaugurated in 2006 (with the help of local celebrity Jack Thompson and the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce), it is a celebration of the culture of the local Sikh community and is sponsored by the Regional Australian Bank. In 2009 it became incorporated into its own identity. It still uses
1456-560: The central Sikh authority located mainly in Punjab. Guru Tegh Bahadur founded new dharamsal centres during his missionary tours of the Malwa region of Punjab and in northeastern India . Dharamsals were also established on trade routes utilized by Sikh Khatri merchants, especially upon the routes between Chitagong -to- Kabul plus Agra -to- Burhampur . The dharamsals were simple constructions and modest buildings, usually just consisting of
1508-523: The divine Name, giving charity, and regular bathing. Keep yourself unspotted while yet remaining a householder. The above statement separates the institution of Sikh dharamsals from those of other faiths, ordaining it as an independent institution based upon Sikhism alone. The first centre was built in Kartarpur , on the banks of Ravi River in the Punjab region by the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev in
1560-588: The face of competition from Queensland . Recent times have seen many banana plantations replaced by blueberries after banana sales slumped in the late 1990s. Woolgoolga had a population of 6,151 people in 2021, including 283 indigenous persons and 4,331 Australian-born persons. The median age of all persons is 45 years. Notably, from the Census data, 1,056 persons (17.2%) speak Punjabi at home, 1,059 persons (17.2%) practise Sikhism and 550 persons (8.9%) were of Indian descent. Permanent European settlement occurred in
1612-438: The fast spread of Sikhism throughout the Punjab. Some dharamsals contained a hospital ward where the sick and injured could receive treatment. Other dharamsals incorporated carpentry workshops to construct beds and other needed furniture. The dharamsals often contained a school where one could learn Gurmukhi , Sikh music , and interpretation of Sikh scriptures . As the Sikh population continued to grow, Guru Hargobind ,
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1664-445: The form of time and service such as seva to the gurdwara and anywhere where help is needed. All Sikhs therefore get involved in this communal service whenever an opportunity arises. This in its simple forms can be: sweeping and washing the floors of the gurdwara, serving water and food ( Langar ) to or fanning the congregation, offering provisions or preparing food and doing other 'house keeping' duties. Sikhism offers strong support for
1716-492: The imposition of the prohibition of non-European migration under the White Australia Policy in 1901 and many of them then led a marginalised life on the north coast of New South Wales and in southeastern Queensland. Some Sikhs began to settle in Woolgoolga during World War II , because war-time labour shortages led to a relaxation of the previous prohibition of non-European labour in the banana industry. After
1768-543: The installation of the Granth Sahib under a canopy or in a canopied seat, usually on a platform higher than the specific floor on which the devotees sit, and a tall Sikh pennant flag atop the building. In the 21st century, more and more gurdwaras (especially within India) have been following the Harimandir Sahib pattern, a synthesis of Indo-Islamic and Sikh architecture . Most of them have square halls, stand on
1820-665: The local area. The nearest station is Coffs Harbour railway station . The nearest airport is Coffs Harbour Regional Airport . Mid North Coast The Mid North Coast is a country region in the north-east of the state of New South Wales , Australia. The region, situated 416km north of Sydney , covers the mid northern coast of the state, beginning from Port Stephens at Hawks Nest to as far north as Woolgoolga , near Coffs Harbour . The region has many beaches and subtropical national parks and forests as well as rural farmland and logging. Major coastal towns include Coffs Harbour , Forster and Port Macquarie . The Mid North Coast
1872-401: The major commercial centres, all with large shopping centres, public facilities and attractions. Kempsey and Forster-Tuncurry are considered semi-major commercial centres. Smaller towns that are popular tourist spots are Bellbrook , North Haven , South West Rocks , Urunga , Gloucester , Crescent Head , Hawks Nest , Woolgoolga , Old Bar , Lake Cathie and Pacific Palms . The region has
1924-487: The name and backing of the Chamber of Commerce but now partially pays for the event itself, including through the introduction of a two-dollar entry fee in 2009. Approximately 180 stalls are set up with around 16,000 attendants. Woolgoolga is home to Australia's largest Sikh/Punjabi population and has two Gurdwaras (temples). The festival seeks to promote culture and business interests from this demographic in Australia. It
1976-677: The name of the One God peace be with you'. You are Nanak and your Panth will flourish. Your followers shall be called Nanak-panthis and their salutation will be: 'In the name of the true Guru I fall at your feet'. I shall bless your Panth. Inculcate devotion towards Me and strengthen men's obedience to their dharma. As the Vaisnavas have their temple, the yogis their asan, and the Muslims their mosque, so your followers shall have their dharamsala. Three things you must inculcate in your Panth: repeating
2028-609: The new-found Kartarpur after settling there. Other important dharamsals were located in Khadur , Goindwal , Ramdaspur , Tarn Taran , Kartarpur (Doaba) and Sri Hargobindpur , all of whom had been directly founded upon the instruction of a Sikh guru. When the Manji system and the later Masand systems of preachers and dioceses was set-up, they were directed to found a dharamsal in their dedicated area of missionary work. Passionate early Sikhs would found dharamsals at various places across
2080-399: The rites of the death ceremony, Antam Sanskar ; and most of the important Sikh Festivals . The Nagar Kirtan , a Sikh processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community, begin and conclude at a gurdwara. Gurdwaras around the world may also serve the Sikh community in other ways, including acting as libraries of Sikh literature and schools to teach children Gurmukhi, housing
2132-477: The room, both at an equal distance from the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of equality. Worshippers are offered Karah Parshad (sweet flour and ghee -based food offered as prashad ) in the hall, which is usually given into cupped hands by a sewadar (gurdwara volunteer). In the langar room, food is cooked and served by the volunteers in the community. Only lacto-vegetarian food
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2184-512: The sixth Sikh guru, introduced the word "gurdwara". Gurdwaras evolved out of the earlier Dharamsal centres. The etymology of the term gurdwara is from the words gur ( ਗੁਰ ) (a reference to the Sikh gurus) and dwara ( ਦੁਆਰਾ ) (gateway in Punjabi ), together meaning 'the gateway through which the guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras. The use of ' sahib ', as sometimes appended in
2236-415: The space, verandahs are built to skirt the hall. A popular model for the dome is the ribbed lotus, topped by an ornamental pinnacle. Arched copings, kiosks and solid domelets are used for exterior decorations. It is the duty of all Sikhs to engage in personal and communal meditation, kirtan and the study of the holy scriptures. Meditating and understanding the meaning of texts from the Granth Sahib
2288-534: The term Gurdwara Sahib , derives from a loanword of Arabic origin, meaning "companion" or "friend". Kanwarjit Singh Kang classifies gurdwaras into two distinct categories: Some of the prominent Sikh shrines established by the Sikh gurus are: By the early 20th century, a number of Sikh gurdwaras in British India were under the control of the Udasi mahants (clergymen). The Gurdwara Reform Movement of
2340-411: The term granthi ) may recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib , in the presence of the rest of the congregation. All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people can eat free lacto-vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara. They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally
2392-495: The war they were able to acquire leasehold and freehold banana plantations. Woolgoolga had the largest regional Sikh/Punjabi population in Australia, and they are now said to own 90% of the banana farms and are also diversifying into blueberries. Woolgoolga's coastal location and temperate climate make it a popular tourist destination. The town has less traffic as it was bypassed by the Pacific Highway . Many travellers break their journey in Woolgoolga. The headland at Woolgoolga
2444-587: The year 1521. It now lies in the Narowal District of west Punjab (Pakistan). During the time of Guru Nanak, Sikh places of worship were known as dharamsals where kirtan was conducted by the early Sikh congregation. The worship centres were built as a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the guru give spiritual discourse and sing religious hymns in the praise of Waheguru . Guru Nanak would arrange early Sikh followers into various sangat congregations or parishes and instructed them to erect
2496-614: Was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and restricted 20-person outdoor gatherings. For the 25 September 2021 event, the plan is to offer the Bollywood Express which travels from Sydney through New South Wales East Coast and ends up in Woolgoolga, Coffs Coast. En route, travelers will be able to enjoy a Dholi drummer performance while sitting in Indian-garland decorated carriages. Woolgoolga has three schools: Library Museums Woolgoolga Taxi Service services
2548-636: Was driven ashore during a storm from the south-east. Buster's anchor cable snapped and its holding chains failed. The vessel eventually beached stern-first 200 metres down the beach just south of the Woolgoolga Lake mouth. The 310 ton vessel became a total wreck at the mouth of Woolgoolga Lake. Buster was built in Nova Scotia , Canada in 1884. It arrived at Woolgoolga from Sydney in February 1893 to load timber bound for New Zealand . In May 2019
2600-498: Was established in 1883. A government jetty was constructed in 1892 upon which tramways were laid. These tramways led to sawmills in the town which in turn were connected by light railway to the Jesse Simpson Range forest areas. The jetty was demolished over a prolonged period from 1952 to 1956. Woolgoolga was an early centre of Sikh migration to Australia . Sikhs had migrated to New South Wales and Queensland prior to
2652-489: Was installed at dharamsals after its codification and introduction in 1604. The dharamsals likely did not contain intricate and ornate furniture, fittings, and other decorative accessories, unlike modern-day gurdwaras. Dharamsals incorporated a body of water for public bathing due to the importance placed upon isnan (customary bathing in the morning ) in Sikhism. Wherever natural sources of water were not readily available,
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#17327935910622704-450: Was used as a case study for how event management has changed in the 21st century. Events include: cooking (in 2019 the celebrity chef was Justine Schofield ) dancing, a kids' entertainment area, mindfulness/meditation space and a large stage for musical entertainment. Prior to the actual event there is an assortment of activities which encourage out-of-towners to make a vacation out of the festival. The scheduled 26 September 2020 festivity
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