The Khalsa Chowk sign on Thorne Road in the lead-up to the roundabout. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A roundabout on Griffith’s Thorne Road is now officially called Khalsa Chowk (pronounced khal-sa chowek), after a sign was erected displaying the new name in the English and Punjabi alphabet this week.
The name means “pure junction” in the Punjabi language.
In early 2024, Sikh community leader Harpreet Singh proposed the naming of the road landmark near the Sikh temple to honour the contribution his people had made to the town.
Former councillor Manjit Singh Lally, the only Sikh to ever serve on the local government body, pushed for the initiative. He was happy to see it come to fruition.
“Seeing the Khalsa Chowk sign officially installed is a proud moment — not just for the Sikh and Punjabi community, but for all of Griffith,” he said.
“It recognises the contributions of a vibrant and hardworking community that has been part of this town for generations. The name, meaning ‘pure junction’, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and is especially meaningful given its location near the Sikh temple.
“Importantly, the name is also written in Punjabi on the sign — celebrating the language, heritage, and identity of the community it honours.
“I’m very proud to share that during my term as councillor, I had the honour of voting in the favour of the recommendation to name [the roundabout].”
Former councillor Manjit Lally pushed for the roundabout to be named Khalsa Chowk. Photo: Oliver Jacques/Manjit Lally.
There are around 1000 Sikhs in Griffith, who practise the world’s fifth most popular religion and originally come from the North Indian state of Punjab, where Punjabi is the official language.
The community are known for their extensive charity work, such as regular donations made to the local hospital.
Mr Singh was unsuccessful in his re-election bid for council in 2024.
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The roundabout naming came after months of debate in council and the broader community.
Council invited public submissions on the proposal and received an objection from a group of residents who suggested the roundabout instead be named after pioneering family the Forlicos. Tiz Forlico was a prominent builder while his wife Joan is known for extensive charity work.
However, it was later revealed the Forlicos themselves never actually wanted the junction named after them.
In December 2024, council voted in favour of the Khalsa Chowk renaming. The cost of putting up the sign was paid for by the Sikh community.
“I want to sincerely thank the Forlico family for their graciousness in clarifying they did not seek this recognition for themselves. Their humility speaks volumes, and I respect the legacy they’ve built in our town. This is a moment of unity, respect, and inclusiveness for all of Griffith,” Mr Lally said.
The NSW Government roads authority Transport for NSW said it did not have any input in the Khalsa Chowk decision and it was a matter for Griffith Council, as the roundabout is on a local government road.
Roundabouts are not usually named, but Griffith Council has been naming various landmarks such as carparks after identities who have made a significant contribution to the town. The concept was championed by former councillor Simon Croce.
In 2023, three carparks in Railway Street were named after Bob Stevenson, who built Stevenson’s Blue Metal Quarry; Fred Eardley, a pioneer who opened the town’s first haberdashery store; and Eugene Jasnos, a Polish immigrant shoemaker.
Earlier this year, the council proposed naming the grassed median strip on Ortella Street after the Goslett family, whose members have contributed to the town for 95 years and served their country in overseas conflicts.
