Free Vegie Temple Lunch

The Quang Minh Temple Arts and Multicultural community centre Fund Raising Result

REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF THE FUNDRAISING CEREMONY FOR THE QUANG MINH TEMPLE ARTS AND MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTRE

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF DONATIONS RECEIVED DIRECTLY AT THE EVENT HAS RISEN TO $311,669.00

Respected Venerable Monks and Nuns,
Distinguished Guests, and Dear Buddhist Fellow Devotees,

In an atmosphere of boundless joy and solidarity, Quang Minh Temple solemnly hosted a fundraising gala to realize the vision of the Multicultural Community and Arts Centre.

Within just three weeks of pre-event preparations, the campaign rapidly mobilized over $230,000. By the conclusion of the fundraising evening, the total amount raised through direct contributions surged to $311,669.00 . This marks an exceptionally impressive commencement for a series of financial campaigns projected to span four to five years throughout the construction phase of this landmark project. Opening Ceremony and the Noble Vision of the Project

The program commenced with a warm and formal welcome from the two Masters of Ceremonies, My Hien and My Phuoc, dedicated to the distinguished guests and community associations. The gala was honored to host nearly 500 attendees in person. The Organizing Committee expressed their sincere regrets for being unable to accommodate the overwhelming demand from over 700 people due to the current venue's capacity limits. However, this serves as a powerful catalyst for the next four years, ensuring that after the foundation stone is laid, a grand auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,000 will be successfully completed.

On behalf of the temple, the Abbot, Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, delivered the opening address, highlighting the profound spiritual and social significance of constructing the Multicultural Community and Arts Centre alongside the Stupa. With a total project value of $14 million, this sanctuary is designed to serve future generations through education, physical and mental healthcare, and the promotion of social cohesion through multicultural arts and heritage.

Once operational, the Centre is projected to welcome 10,000 visitors on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Furthermore, it will elevate the Temple’s annual hallmark events, including:

The Cherry Blossom Festival: Attracting visitors from across the state of Victoria each spring to admire over 100 cherry blossom trees blooming in unison along the riverbank.
The Mid-Autumn Festival: A traditional annual festival held in the eighth lunar month under the full moon, bringing together approximately 3,000 parents and children for community festivities.
Intergovernmental Support and Inter-Ethnic Fellowship

The presence of representatives from more than 10 diverse communities stands as a living testament to the practical value and multicultural spirit that the Centre embodies. The Organizing Committee proudly acknowledges the participation of:

1.   Tibetan Buddhist Community

2.   Bhutanese Buddhist Community / Druk Association

3.   Representatives from the Buddhist Council of Victoria (BCV) & the United Nations Day of Vesak Committee of Victoria

4.   Indian Buddhist Community

5.   Representatives from the Living Museum of the West & Victoria University (Indigenous Community)

6.   Jikishoan Zen Buddhist Community

7.   Philippine Community

8.   Taiwanese Buddhist Community

9.   Chinese Falun Dafa Group

10. Representatives from the Department of Justice Community Service/Corrections (Pending final confirmation)

11. Nepalese Community (Pending final confirmation)

During the event, Ms. Sarah Connolly delivered a speech emphasizing the significant stature and impact of the project on local community development. Following this, Ms. Natalie Suleyman, despite her demanding election campaign schedule, graciously allocated her precious time to attend. She affirmed that Quang Minh Temple has long made immense contributions to public welfare, such as supporting hospitals in the Western region, schools, aged care facilities, as well as providing disaster relief for earthquakes and bushfires. Consequently, she stated that the construction of this Centre is entirely justified and is an initiative that the State Government ought to champion and support.

Vibrant Devotion and Substantial Resource Pledges

Enhancing the spiritual warmth and harmony of the evening, the Buddhist Family Band delivered numerous outstanding musical performances. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly electrifying by the minute as everyone turned toward the screens to watch the live fundraising tally rise.

The primary objective of the campaign is to reach the $1 million milestone before officially breaking ground. To bring this grand auditorium to fruition, alongside the $4 million funding commitment from Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, the family of Dr. Nhan and Dr. Thu took the lead by pledging an additional $500,000. The Organizing Committee warmly welcomes and invites continued contributions from individuals, compatriots, and communities across Australia to help achieve the target of $400,000 by the end of this year.

Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead to 2027

Concluding the program, Dr. Nhan and Dr. Thu represented the Organizing Committee on stage to extend their deepest gratitude to the Venerable Monks and Nuns, partner communities, the organizing staff, reception and kitchen catering teams, the MCs, audio-visual technicians, security personnel, and the two Buddhist families who dedicated their efforts to making the gala a resounding success.

Following this moment of gratitude, the Abbot, alongside the Project Architect, Mr. Le Dinh Chau, solemnly announced a momentous and sacred upcoming event: On May 8, 2027, Australia will formally receive the Holy Buddha Relics—a national treasure graciously gifted by the Government of Thailand to Australia at the Parliament of Victoria. The Abbot extended a heartfelt invitation to all compatriots and Buddhist devotees to attend and pay their respects to these sacred relics.

The gala concluded with a memorable group photograph, cementing the bonds of friendship between the Venerable Monks and Nuns and the distinguished guests, including Ms. Cuc Lam, the Labor Party candidate for the Legislative Council (Upper House) representing the Western Metropolitan Region.

The Organizing Committee expresses its heartfelt thanks for the presence of the Venerable Monks and Nuns, distinguished guests, and all Buddhist devotees. Wishing you all peace, abundant health, longevity, and prosperity. May the Quang Minh Multicultural Community and Arts Centre project soon achieve complete fulfillment!

Reported by: Dr. Pham Phuc Nhan

Fundraising For The Construction Of The Multicultural Community Arts Centre

Report on the Nepal Disaster Relief Fundraising Campaign

An Quang Buddhist Temple 159 Cairnlea Drive, CAIRNLEA, VIC 3023, AUSTRALIA  Also rised $6500

Dear Respected Venerables of the Buddhist Sangha,
Dear Fellow Compatriots and Buddhist Devotees,
Following the humanitarian appeal issued by the Most Venerable President of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand, a week-long fundraising campaign was successfully conducted. Thanks to the extensive media coverage and promotion by Ms. Kim Hoang (Viet TV Australia) and Mr. Xuan Ngoc (SBS Radio), alongside widespread amplification across Facebook and YouTube, the relief programs have concluded with exceptional success.
💰 Summary of Contributions from Temples
Total Funds Raised: $ 214,015 AUD
Thien Hoa Buddhist Temple Cabramatta, 153 Gladstone St, Cabramatta NSW 2166 , raised $2,465 AUD.
Hoa Nghiem Temple (Melbourne) 442-448Springvale Rd, Springvale South VIC 3172 : $56,600 AUD (Collected during the afternoon event on Sunday, 13 September 2026).
Phuoc Hue Temple (Sydney) 365 Victoria St. Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 : $50,000 AUD (Collected during the morning event on Saturday, 12 September 2026).
Quang Minh Temple, 18 Burke St, Braybrook VIC 3019, held a fundraising buffet at 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 13, 2026, drawing over 2,000 fellow Buddhist community members and raising $99,270 AUD.
Bao An Temple, 15 Allenby Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025, New Zealand, held its event on the same day, Sunday, September 13, 2026, and raised $3,000 AUD.
Nam Hai Pho Da Pagoda, 21 Rue Max Frouin, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia. Held its event on the same day, Sunday, September 13, 2026, and raised $2,680 AUD.
🤝 The Spirit of Boundless Compassion
Despite cultural and linguistic differences, and notwithstanding the challenges our overseas Vietnamese community has historically faced due to natural disasters, the Sangha, regional temples, affiliate units, and devotees united in solidarity. Driven by the Buddhist principles of equality and compassion, the community directed its thoughts and resources toward the victims severely impacted by the recent disaster in Nepal.
Every contribution, regardless of size, reflected a profound sense of empathy and shared responsibility toward families experiencing immense grief and loss.
🌍 Context of the Natural Disaster in Nepal
Over the past decade, scientists have recorded a rising frequency of glacial collapses driven by climate change, which has accelerated the melting of permafrost. Consequently, a catastrophic flash flood caused by a glacial lake outburst at the border of Nepal and Tibet has claimed at least 1,399 lives, with more than 5,400 individuals still missing. Among the casualties, an eighth Australian citizen has been confirmed deceased, while 35 other Australians remain unaccounted for.
In response to this tragedy, numerous international humanitarian organisations have mobilised aid. The Australian Government promptly provided 5 million AUD in emergency assistance. Furthermore, the Federal Representative, Mr. Daniel Mulino (Assistant Minister for the Treasury and Minister for Financial Services), attended the Sunday fundraising event at Quang Minh Temple to offer encouragement and show solidarity with the community.
💐 Acknowledgements and Expressions of Gratitude
Embodying the noble traditions of mutual aid and community solidarity, the fundraising buffet exceeded expectations, securing a highly meaningful total of $ 214,015 AUD .
The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand, together with Quang Minh Temple, wish to express our highest gratitude to:
The Venerables of the Buddhist Sangha for their continuous guidance and support.
The Kitchen, Reception, Administration, and Security Committees, alongside the two Buddhist Youth Families, for their tireless voluntary service.
The Honourable Daniel Mulino and all distinguished guests for their valuable presence.
All volunteers and community members who attended and generously contributed.
Ms. Kim Hoang (Viet TV Australia) and Mr. Xuan Ngoc (SBS Radio) for their dedicated media coordination and promotion.
We sincerely wish you and your families continuous peace, steadfast spiritual resolve, and a life filled with health, happiness, and longevity.
Respectfully presented,
Dr Pham Phuc Nhan

BUFFET LUNCH FUNDRAISER FOR NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF

DEAR COMPATRIOTS AND FRIENDS,
Over the past decade, scientists have recorded a rising number of glacier collapses as climate change thaws permafrost at an unprecedented rate. The latest heartbreaking consequence of this is a catastrophic flash flood caused by a glacial outburst in the border region of Nepal.
To date, the disaster has claimed nearly 700 lives, with approximately 3,000 people still missing — severely impacting victims across Nepal and Gyirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region (China). Notably, at least 540 foreigners from 23 countries are among the victims, most of whom were Hindu pilgrims traveling from India.
Amidst the devastation, a deeply moving story has emerged as a beacon of hope: Principal Rajendra Dawadi, upon receiving an urgent warning call from a colleague 8 kilometers upstream, immediately evacuated 1,642 students to high ground. Just 6 minutes later, the entire school was completely flattened by the raging torrent.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the flash flood was triggered by a massive glacier collapse that released energy equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, setting off a series of severe landslides that devastated the region.
Our ancestors taught us: "The intact leaf protects the tattered leaf" and "When one horse falls ill, the entire stable refuses grass." In this spirit of mutual love and solidarity, the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand, alongside Quang Minh Temple, will co-host a charity event:
 
BUFFET LUNCH FUNDRAISER FOR NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF
  • Time: 11:00 AM, Sunday, September 13, 2026
  • Venue: Quang Minh Temple
Your presence and generosity will provide immense comfort, helping to heal the pain and empower those whose lives have been shattered by this disaster. We warmly invite our community and friends from near and far to join us and lend your support.
Our heartfelt gratitude to you all. Wishing you peace, health, and happiness.
Dr. Pham Phuc Nhan
 
 

THE 2026 ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL AT QUANG MINH TEMPLE

THE 2026 ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL AT QUANG MINH TEMPLE: A SACRED MILESTONE IN BUDDHIST DEVOTION AND A HISTORIC EVENT FOR THE MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

To our respected community members, venerable monastics, and distinguished guests,

On the beautiful morning of August 23, 2026, under a clear blue sky and gentle spring sunshine, the vibrant pink and red cherry blossoms in full bloom before the Grand Main Hall (Dai Hung Buu Dien) set a breathtaking and tranquil scene. Amidst this serene atmosphere, thousands of Buddhist devotees from all walks of life gathered with one heart at their spiritual home: Quang Minh Temple (Victoria, Australia). This year’s Ullambana Festival (Mother’s Day in Buddhism) felt exceptionally historic and sacred, beautifully coinciding with the peak of the cherry blossom season.

The Sacred Procession and the Official Welcome of the Government Delegation

At 10:30 AM, Buddhist families dressed in traditional attire gathered in solemn devotion to commence the formal procession, reverently escorting the Venerable Monastics to the Main Hall to initiate the sacred rituals.

By 11:00 AM, a historic diplomatic moment unfolded at the temple’s main gates. The Management Committee, alongside thousands of cheering devotees and community members, extended a spectacular welcome to a high-level Victorian Government delegation led by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Ben Carroll, accompanied by state ministers and members of parliament. The celebration commenced with a traditional firecracker display and a vibrant lion dance. The Premier walked along the path lined with blooming cherry blossoms, warmly shaking hands and exchanging greetings with members of the Vietnamese-Australian community.

On this auspicious occasion, Dr. Nhan Pham formally introduced the members of the Quang Minh Temple Management Committee and presented an overview of the upcoming Multicultural Community Cultural Centre project. Following the introductions, the delegation was escorted to the Main Hall, where the Abbot, Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, extended a warm welcome and guided the official guests into the main auditorium for the formal ceremony.

The festival was deeply honoured by the presence of prominent federal, state, and local dignitaries, including:

·         The Hon. Ben Carroll MP – Premier of Victoria.

·         The Hon. Daniel Mulino MP – Federal Member for Fraser.

·         The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP – State Minister for Veterans, Small Business, Youth, and Victoria's Multicultural Affairs.

·         The Hon. Luba Grigorovich MP – State Member for Kororoit.

·         Ms. Sarah Connolly MP – State Member for Laverton.

·         Cr. Cuc Lam – Councillor for Maribyrnong City Council.

·         Ms. Cam Nguyen, Ms. Thanh-Kham, and various representatives from community associations and local councils.

Solemn Sacred Rituals and Historic Government Pledges

Inside the Grand Main Hall, Venerable Thich Phuoc Thai, together with the Master of Ceremonies, coordinated the official proceedings with seamless grace and profound dignity. The ceremony commenced with a traditional flower offering dance dedicated to the Buddhas—a highly artistic performance that deeply moved the congregation. Following the performance, the entire audience rose to their feet, welcoming the government delegation into the hall with a resounding round of applause.

The Abbot, Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, then delivered the opening address. On behalf of the temple, the Venerable Abbot extended his warmest welcomes to The Hon. Daniel Mulino, The Hon. Natalie Suleyman, The Hon. Luba Grigorovich, Ms. Sarah Connolly, Cr. Cuc Lam, Ms. Cam Nguyen, and Ms. Thanh-Kham. He shared profound spiritual insights regarding the deep significance of the Ullambana Festival—a sacred season dedicated to filial piety, expressions of gratitude towards parents, and the remembrance of ancestral roots.

Following Abbot's speech, Premier Ben Carroll delivered a historic keynote address. The Premier officially highlighted the Labor Government's latest landmark social welfare policy, announced just two days prior: the introduction of universal free dental care for all Victorians, fulfilling a long-awaited aspiration for dental healthcare across Australia. Furthermore, standing before the congregation at Quang Minh Temple, the Premier officially pledged a $4 million AUD government grant to fund the construction of the Multicultural Community Cultural Centre at the temple. This historic announcement prompted a spontaneous standing ovation from over 1,000 attendees inside and outside the hall, expressing their profound gratitude to the state government.

The Rose-Pinning Ceremony and Sangha Offering

The traditional Rose-Pinning Ceremony (Le Cai Hoa Hong) was subsequently held in a deeply moving and solemn atmosphere. Vibrant red roses were reverently pinned onto the lapels of those blessed to still have their parents living, while pure white roses were worn by those whose parents have departed this life. It was a poignant moment of reflection, filled with boundless love and gratitude for mothers and fathers.

Following the collective chanting of the Ullambana Sutra, the Venerable Monastics proceeded to the dining hall for the Sangha Dana offering, marking the successful completion of the three-month rain retreat (Vassa).

Following the conclusion of the formal religious rites, over 5,000 devotees and guests gathered to enjoy a nutritious, peaceful vegetarian luncheon. Attendees were treated to a special musical performance by the popular Tuy Hong Band, fostering a warm, joyful family atmosphere. Outside in the temple courtyard, another live band continued to play cheerful, melodic tunes, filling the spring air with joy.

A Successful Conclusion and Hopes for the Future

The 2026 Ullambana Festival at Quang Minh Temple concluded with a success that far exceeded all expectations. All three expansive halls of the temple complex reached full capacity. Community members and devotees enthusiastically took beautiful commemorative photographs amidst the blooming cherry blossoms. The landmark event recorded the attendance of over 5,000 community members alongside more than 50 Venerable Monastics representing diverse Buddhist traditions across Australia.

In his closing remarks, Venerable Thich Phuoc Thai expressed his profound gratitude to all attending monastics, government dignitaries, community organizations, volunteers, and devotees whose collective efforts ensured the flawless execution of this grand festival.

By 3:00 PM, the celebrations drew to a close. Attendees departed with hearts filled with spiritual fulfillment, carrying cherished memories of parental love, the spectacular spring scenery of Quang Minh Temple, and immense joy regarding the Victorian Government's landmark welfare announcements and cultural funding. The temple community looks forward to reuniting at the upcoming Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival at 5 pm on 26/09/2026.

May you all be blessed with peace, harmony, and the radiant blessings of the Buddha.

Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Nhan Pham

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