RELIGIOUS ASSISTANT – NANAKSAR THATH ISHAR DARBAR
Location: Lynbrook, Victoria -3975
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary: AUD $79,000–$80,000 per annum plus superannuation
ANZSCO Code: 451816 – Religious Assistant
About the Organisation
NANAKSAR THATH ISHAR DARBAR is a respected Sikh religious and community organisation located in Lynbrook, Victoria. The Gurdwara provides daily religious services, spiritual guidance, Sikh religious education, community welfare programs, cultural activities and Langar services to members of the Sikh community and the wider public.
We are seeking a knowledgeable, dedicated and suitably experienced Religious Assistant to support the Head Granthi, other religious leaders and the Gurdwara management committee in conducting religious services and serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of the congregation.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Religious Assistant will perform the following duties:
- Assist the Head Granthi and other religious leaders in conducting daily prayers, Nitnem, Asa Di Vaar, Rehras Sahib, Kirtan, Ardas, Hukamnama and other Sikh religious services.
- Assist with the Prakash and Sukhasan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in accordance with Sikh religious practices and the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
- Read and recite Gurbani accurately from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji using the correct pronunciation, rhythm and religious protocols.
- Assist in organising and conducting Akhand Path, Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, Gurpurab celebrations and other special religious programs.
- Support religious leaders during Anand Karaj ceremonies, Antam Sanskar services, naming ceremonies, memorial services and other Sikh religious occasions.
- Prepare the Darbar Sahib and religious materials before services and ensure that the sanctity, cleanliness and proper religious arrangement of the worship area are maintained.
- Assist with Kirtan and the singing of Shabads and provide support through the use of traditional musical instruments such as the harmonium or tabla, where required.
- Explain Gurbani, Sikh history, Sikh principles and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus to congregation members under the guidance of the Head Granthi.
- Conduct or assist with Punjabi, Gurmukhi, Gurbani and Sikh religious education classes for children, young people and adult members of the congregation.
- Provide spiritual support and pastoral care to members of the congregation experiencing illness, bereavement, family difficulties, social isolation or other personal challenges.
- Visit elderly, sick or vulnerable congregation members in their homes, hospitals or care facilities to provide prayers, religious comfort and community support.
- Refer congregation members to appropriate professional, welfare or community services where their needs are beyond the scope of religious support.
- Assist in organising community welfare activities, charitable programs, food distribution, Langar services and outreach initiatives.
- Encourage congregation members, particularly young people, to participate in religious, cultural, educational and community-service activities.
- Assist with maintaining schedules and records relating to religious services, ceremonies, Path bookings, community visits and religious education programs.
- Respond respectfully to religious and community enquiries and support effective communication between religious leaders, volunteers and congregation members.
- Ensure that all religious duties are performed in accordance with Sikh beliefs, traditions, the Sikh Rehat Maryada and the policies of the Gurdwara.
- Perform other related religious duties reasonably directed by the Head Granthi or Gurdwara management committee.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
The successful applicant must have:
- A relevant qualification equivalent to an Australian AQF Certificate II or Certificate III in religious studies or a related field; or
- At least two years of relevant structured religious training or instruction; or
- At least two years of relevant employment experience as a Religious Assistant, Granthi Assistant, Sikh religious worker or in a comparable role.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Gurbani, Sikh history, Sikh philosophy and the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
- Demonstrated experience assisting with Sikh prayers, religious services, Path, Kirtan and religious ceremonies.
- The ability to read, write and recite Gurmukhi accurately.
- Strong communication skills in Punjabi and sufficient English to communicate with congregation members and the wider community.
- A respectful, compassionate and confidential approach when providing spiritual and pastoral support.
- The ability to work collaboratively with the Head Granthi, Gurdwara committee members, volunteers, families and community organisations.
- Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, public holidays and major Sikh religious occasions.
Desirable Skills
- Ability to perform Kirtan and play the harmonium, tabla or another traditional Sikh musical instrument.
- Experience teaching Punjabi, Gurmukhi, Gurbani or Sikh history to children and adults.
- Experience supporting community welfare, youth engagement and charitable programs.
- A current Australian driver licence or the ability to obtain one.
Personal Attributes
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
- A genuine commitment to the Sikh faith and its principles of equality, humility, compassion, selfless service and community welfare.
- High standards of personal conduct, integrity and religious discipline.
- Respect for people from diverse cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
- Patience, empathy and the ability to provide support during sensitive personal circumstances.
- Willingness to actively participate in the religious and community life of the Gurdwara.
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- A current résumé;
- Copies of relevant qualifications or religious training certificates;
- Employment reference letters confirming relevant religious experience;
- A brief cover letter outlining your knowledge of Sikh religious practices and suitability for the position; and
- Details of two professional or religious referees.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:
Application – Religious Assistant, Gurdwara
Applications close: 28/08/2026
Pay: Up to $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
