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
