Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about the Australian Chinese Buddhist Society and Mingyue Lay temple in Bonnyrigg, which is within my electorate of Fowler. The Mingyue Lay temple was established 25 years ago and is one of the largest temples in Sydney. The temple is of a classical 12th century Chinese design, and the main shrine houses more than 37 bronzed Buddhas. Thousands of people—such as my good friend Kenrick Cheah and his family, who live in Chatswood—come from all over Sydney to see the temple, participate in celebrations, pray and pay their respects.

It is great to see our young generation participate in the opportunity to learn about each other's religion and culture. I thank the president of the Australian Chinese Buddhist Society, James Chan, who is a very hard worker. He prepares the temple every year to receive tens of thousands of visitors. I pay tribute to his family and his very supportive wife, Jenny Chan, who is a close friend of my wife, Bernadette. I also thank the management committee and volunteers, among them Jensen Tran and Vinh Trang, who have participated in many of the functions I have attended and who are supportive of many different community organisations and charitable fundraisers.

The Mingyue Lay temple serves as a beacon of tolerance, acceptance and inclusion in the very diverse community that I have the honour to represent.