Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Australia Day, I was privileged to attend the ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of BAPS Perth at the temple in Wangara. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a worldwide sociospiritual volunteer and humanitarian organisation. It is in consultative status with the economic and social council of the United Nations organisation, with its presence spread worldwide. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS Perth, under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahan Swami Maharaj, has taken part in regular annual food donation drives, distributing several tonnes of canned food to local charities, including the Salvation Army, the Spiers Centre and No Limits Perth.

The organisation has prepared meals for bushfire volunteers and distributed healthcare packages during COVID lockdowns. BAPS has also raised money for the local hospital through fundraising walkathons and participating in Clean Up Australia Day and blood donation drives. The BAPS organisation is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. I want to thank Yogesh Shah, Hank Wadia and Dylan Wadia for welcoming me to the organisation.