Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

GOSLING () (): Last Sunday I had the honour of attending the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Buddhist Society of the NT with the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Nicole Madison, and the multicultural minister of the NT, Ngaree Ah Kit. It was a great event. The venerable chief monk gave us a blessing after lighting the oil lamp. The president of the society, Udara Weerasinghe, graciously welcomed us. We were treated, as you would expect, to wonderful traditional dances by Sadeepa Sandaruwan and Omaya Padmaperuma from the Sri Lankan Dance Academy of Darwin.

The Buddhist Society of the Northern Territory was formed by members of many different Buddhist communities to practise and share the Buddha's sublime teachings and to carry on his legacy in Darwin and throughout the Northern Territory. The society promotes social welfare using Buddha's philosophy and teachings and educates the future generation of Territory Buddhists.

It was a truly wonderful event to celebrate 40 years of pioneering work in establishing a Buddhist centre in Darwin, which really is a shining spiritual light for all Territorians. We're very grateful for their contribution to our community, whether it be the kids at school or members of professional industries. They contribute so much to our great Territory.