Increasing security at The Great Stupa

EXTRA security infrastructure is continuing to be rolled out at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Myers Flat.

The attraction has received a $255,837 grant from the Federal Government under its Securing Faith-Based Places program which is designed to help prevent crime and violence motivated by religious or racial intolerance.

Christian, Buddhist and Sikh iconography in the Stupa’s Peace Park were seriously vandalised in May by a couple from Seabrook, and this underlined the importance of the measures.

The Stupa security project is being implemented across four stages, with stage one seeing the successful installation of new security cameras within the main temple, upgraded server and security software and extra hard drives for future expansion.

Stage two is due to begin over the coming months.

Great Stupa chair Ian Green said the next phase of expenditure will go towards protecting items around the grounds.

“The cameras have already proved themselves to be incredibly invaluable in protecting the many treasures that we have inside the Stupa,” he said.

“From here, we’ll move out into other sections in the Peace Park, because we’re getting more and more installations from different faiths, which many of the local communities have raised funds for. There’s some very valuable items there.”

Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the vandalism in May was a reminder of the need to address security risks at places of faith and cultural significance.

“It’s sad that we need these grants, but this is the modern world,” she said.

“We want to make sure that we are protecting not what is just in this space, but also to send a message that everyone has the right to practise their faith in a safe way in our country.”