Kidman Way roundabout named ‘Khalsa Chowk’, but there'll be no 'Prod Straight' road in Griffith

A new roundabout at the intersection between Kidman Way and Thorne Road will be named ‘Khalsa Chowk’, which means pure junction in the [Indian] Punjabi language, following a request by local Sikh community leader Harpreet Singh.

Griffith City Council approved the request at its August ordinary meeting on Tuesday (13 August).

A suggestion that a different stretch of road on Banna Avenue commonly known as ‘Prod Straight’ be formally named as such, however, was deemed outside council’s remit, as it was on a state government road.

The new roundabout name received unanimous support by councillors.

“We propose naming the new roundabout as ‘Khalsa Chowk’. The term ‘Khalsa’ holds profound significance within the Sikh community, representing purity, equality, and dedication to community service,” Mr Singh wrote in a letter to council.

“Naming the roundabout ‘Khalsa Chowk’ would not only honour our community’s heritage but also symbolise the inclusive spirit of Griffith.”

Mr Singh said his community was preparing to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in mid-2025 and that this marked a decade of active participation and contribution to the cultural diversity and social fabric of Griffith.

Sikhs practise the world’s fifth most popular religion and predominate the North Indian state of Punjab. Around 1000 people in Griffith adhere to Sikhism. The community is known for its annual Sikh Games sporting tournament, which attracts 25,000 visitors to town, and for making regular donations to the hospital.

Councillor Simon Croce brought the roundabout motion to council.

“I think Khalsa Chowk is a good name, Chowk being roundabout I’ve been told. I think it’s good to name roundabouts, like the Bagtown roundabout.”

Manjit Singh, the only Sikh councillor, said he was “very proud” of the decision.

Deputy Mayor Anne Napoli also expressed her support.

“I think it’s wonderful we’re starting to recognise different cultures in our multicultural community. I hope that moving forward we’ll also consider other names, such as those of people that have contributed to our wonderful city,” she said.

Councillor Simon Croce said he wanted to see this idea continue.

“I think other things that aren’t named should be named, as we’ve got a lot of names to use … I’d like to see Prod Straight named Prod Straight.”

Prod Straight is a small stretch of road along the eastern part of Banna Avenue where privately owned vehicles are parked all day and night while they are advertised for sale.

It gained its unofficial name because it was alongside the site of an iconic agricultural co-operative called Griffith Producers, which stored and sold fruit and vegetables.

Mayor Doug Curran responded to Councillor Croce’s suggestion by saying it was outside council’s remit as it was not “our road”.

Banna Avenue, the town’s main street, is a state government owned road.