The new roundabout on Kidman Way and Thorne Road was called “ghastly” but there was a fight over whom it should be named after. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A proposal to rename a roundabout in Griffith in honour of the Sikh community has been opposed at the council’s ordinary meeting on Tuesday (12 November), with community members and a councilllor suggesting the junction instead be named after pioneering family the Forlicos.
After a cordial debate, Griffith Council decided to delay a decision on this matter to a later date.
In August, the previous Griffith Council proposed calling the newly constructed roundabout at the intersection between Kidman Way and Thorne Road, ‘Khalsa Chowk’, which means pure junction in the [Indian] Punjabi language, following a request by local Sikh community leader Harpreet Singh.
“Naming the roundabout Khalsa Chowk would not only honour our community’s heritage but also symbolise the inclusive spirit of Griffith,” Mr Singh argued.
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.
Community representative Brian Sainty addressed the council and explained this case.
READ ALSO: Transgrid tower collapse prompts swift response from Dr McGirr
“I met the Forlico family on Sunday and they are in agreement with what I’m saying. I have a deep respect for what the Sikh community have done, but we believe there are other ways they can be recognised, other than this roundabout … the people of Griffith and Hanwood have always called that corner Forlico roundabout; it’s been that way for 50 years; I don’t think you can rush away folklore like that,” he said.
“The Forlico family have been here for 102 years and they have been icons of the city … the considerable contributions of the Forlicos have been dismissed.
“That roundabout is the most ghastly roundabout you’d ever want to look at; it’s just concrete. But there are three roundabouts on Jondaryan Avenue that are beautiful … they could be named the Sikh name.”
Former councillor and Sikh community leader Manjit Singh Lally presented the alternative view.
“In 2025, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Sikh temple. We make a significant contribution to the community, donations-wise. We need a permanent marked name in favour of the Sikhs in the community,” he said.
Manjit Lally spoke in favour of the Sikh name. Photo: Denny Fachin/What’s On Griffith.
Councillors Shari Blumer and Laurie Testoni spoke in favour of the Sikh name.
“I would rather see something bigger and better showcase the family name … I’m in favour of the roundabout being named after the Sikh community,” Cr Testoni said.
Councillor Christine Stead backed the Forlico name.
“The reason is history. The Forlico family came here just over 102 years ago … the Indian community while quite prominent and well-known … there are other places [that could be named after them], like the new Hanwood bridge. I would like council to consider the naming of the roundabout the Forlico roundabout,” she said.
Councillor Jenny Ellis said she was torn on the matter and recommended a decision be laid on the table, or delayed until a further date. A majority of councillors supported this suggestion.
After council makes its decision, it will erect a sign on the roundabout with either the Khalsa Chowk or Forlico name.
Loading ...
