Cherry Blossom Season at Quang Minh Temple 2025
Dear All friends,
1/ As usual every year, when the end of winter approaches, the Cherry Blossom Season at Quang Minh Temple begins to bloom.
This year, The Temple will hold it on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on August 17, 2025.
Music program, lion dance, Bonsai, drinking tea and eating cakes.
We invite all of you to attend.
2/ Vu Lan Grand Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Quang Minh Temple.
Art performance, remembering and praying for ancestors, enjoying late blooming cherry blossoms of various colors along the riverbank
We invite you to attend in large numbers.
Best Regards.
Dr. Pham Phuc Nhan
Urgent Appeal for Donations to Aid Myanmar Earthquake Victims
Dear Esteemed Dharma Brothers and Sisters of Australia and New Zealand,
With hearts heavy and spirits deeply moved by the catastrophic earthquake that has devastated Myanmar, the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand extends our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families and all those suffering unimaginable loss.
In the face of the profound sorrow and devastation afflicting the people of Myanmar, the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand convened an emergency meeting at 8:30 PM on April 1, 2025, to urgently appeal to all temples, monasteries, and fellow Buddhists within and beyond our congregation to extend their compassionate hands and provide aid to the suffering people of Myanmar during this time of immense hardship.
Your generous contributions can be made at the following temples within our congregation:
1. Quang Minh Temple, Melbourne
2. Hoa Nghiem Temple, Melbourne
3. Phuoc Hue Temple, Sydney
4. Thien Hoa Nunnery, Sydney
5. Loc Uyen Monastery, Melbourne
6. Bao An Temple, New Zealand
7. Thien Thai Temple, New Zealand
8. … (and other temples within the Congregation)
The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has tragically exceeded 2,500, with heart-wrenching accounts emerging of the final moments of many victims. Two hundred Buddhist monks were crushed beneath a collapsed monastery, and fifty innocent children perished when their kindergarten classroom crumbled.
This catastrophic earthquake threatens to exacerbate the already dire conditions of famine and disease outbreaks in a nation that is already one of the most challenging environments for humanitarian organizations due to ongoing civil conflict, as warned by aid groups and the United Nations.
The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on Friday, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. It severely damaged the city's airport, warped roads, and caused the collapse of hundreds of buildings across a vast swathe of the country's central region.
This earthquake, triggered by a massive fault line stretching from Myanmar to Thailand, has also impacted Thailand, Laos, China, and even caused mild tremors in Vietnam.
The epicenter was located near Mandalay, a city with a population of approximately 1.5 million, and about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the capital city, Nay Pyi Taw.
The initial earthquake struck at approximately 12:50 PM (06:20 GMT), according to the USGS, followed by a second quake 12 minutes later with a magnitude of 6.4, its epicenter located 18 kilometers south of Sagaing.
Relief efforts are being severely hampered by widespread power outages, fuel shortages, and unstable communication networks. The lack of heavy machinery has further slowed search and rescue operations, forcing many to search for survivors by hand in daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Myanmar military government has confirmed that as of May 3rd, the official death toll from the earthquake has reached 3,000, with an additional 4,300 injured and 410 still missing. Hundreds of Buddhist temples across Myanmar have been destroyed in the earthquake.
The casualty count from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar is expected to continue rising as rescue efforts persist.
Throughout central Myanmar, rescue teams are struggling to extract those trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Homes, temples, churches, schools, hotels, and hospitals have all suffered damage or destruction.
Rescue operations are being hindered by a lack of equipment, with some rescue workers resorting to using their bare hands to search for missing persons amidst the rubble.
Power outages, communication disruptions, and damaged roads and bridges are further compounding the difficulties faced by rescue teams.
Hospitals in Myanmar are overwhelmed with the influx of patients following the earthquake.
At Mandalay General Hospital, which has a capacity of 1,000 beds, hundreds of patients have been moved outdoors for treatment.
In Sagaing, buildings have collapsed virtually everywhere following the earthquake. The provincial fire department headquarters is among the destroyed structures, damaging all of the equipment and rescue vehicles inside.
Sagaing Hospital has also sustained damage, forcing patients to receive treatment outdoors in the scorching heat.
Ma Ei, who is involved in humanitarian aid efforts, witnessed approximately 300 patients arriving at Sagaing Hospital immediately after the earthquake. Most suffered from broken limbs and head injuries.
"There may be even more patients. Some patients with chronic illnesses are suffering even more," Ma Ei added.
Patients in Sagaing requiring more complex treatment are being transferred to Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which houses the region's largest hospital. However, roads and bridges have been severely damaged, and even if they are repaired, the city's general hospital is already operating at full capacity.
"I am middle-aged and have experienced many incidents, but I have never been this busy. The situation is extremely serious," a doctor at Mandalay General Hospital stated.
The United Nations has warned of "critical shortages of medical supplies," including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthesia, support equipment, essential medications, and tents for medical personnel in Myanmar.
The United States Geological Survey estimates that the death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar could reach as high as 10,000.
We express our deepest gratitude for your boundless compassion and unwavering support. May the blessings of the Triple Gem shower upon you and your families, granting you peace, well-being, and limitless merit.
With profound sincerity,
Dr Phuc Nhan Pham
Meeting Report: New Footscray Hospital Fundraising for Robotic Surgery - A Milestone in Community Partnership
Meeting Report: New Footscray Hospital Fundraising for Robotic Surgery - A Milestone in Community Partnership
Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Australia – March 24, 2025 – A significant meeting took place at Sunshine Hospital on March 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, marking a crucial step in the fundraising efforts for robotic surgery at the new Footscray Hospital. The meeting convened Professor Russell Harrison, Adjunct Professor Sandy Schutte, and Sharon Read from Western Health, alongside a distinguished delegation from the Vietnamese community, including Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, Dr. Phuc Nhan Pham, Mr. Nguyen Quang Duy, and Mrs. Cuc Lam.
Western Health expressed profound gratitude for the Vietnamese community’s invaluable input and generous contributions towards the acquisition of cutting-edge robotic surgical technology for the new Footscray Hospital.
Professor Russell Harrison remarked, “The extraordinary generosity of the Vietnamese community in bolstering healthcare services in the western suburbs is truly commendable. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of patient care, ensuring a lasting positive impact on our community. We are deeply appreciative of your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.”
In recognition of this remarkable contribution, Western Health will highlight this partnership through a comprehensive media strategy, including local press releases, social media campaigns, and prominent acknowledgment on the hospital’s website.
The campaign aims to introduce state-of-the-art robotic surgery capabilities to the new Footscray Hospital, aligning with global advancements in medical technology, where the United States stands as a leader.
Understanding Robotic Surgery:
1. Robotic surgery employs sophisticated mechanical arms, controlled by a surgeon, equipped with precision surgical instruments and a high-definition camera. This technology enables minimally invasive procedures, reducing the need for large incisions and allowing for enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. Surgeons benefit from a magnified, high-resolution 3D view of the surgical site.
2. This technology is particularly advantageous in complex, high-risk cases, minimizing operational risks and facilitating faster patient recovery. Smaller incisions translate to reduced post-operative pain, decreased reliance on pain medication, fewer side effects, and shorter hospital stays, resulting in significant cost savings.
3. Common robot-assisted surgical procedures include epilepsy surgery, gallbladder removal, gastric bypass, hernia repair, hysterectomy, mitral valve repair, pancreatectomy, spine surgery, urological procedures, and orthopedic surgeries, among others.
Professor Russell Harrison further stated, “We eagerly anticipate the implementation of the robotic surgery program at the new Footscray Hospital, made possible by the $4 million funding from the State Government, including the pivotal $580,000 contribution from the Vietnamese community.”
Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan responded, “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and celebrating the inauguration of the new Footscray Hospital, where the names of our esteemed supporters will be prominently displayed. We also anticipate the opportunity to admire the unique Frog statue within the hospital’s landscaped grounds.”
The meeting concluded with expressions of warm camaraderie and the capturing of commemorative photographs, symbolizing the strong partnership between Western Health and the Vietnamese community.
Kind regards
Doctor Phuc Nhan Pham
Fund raising for The New Footscray Hospital 580,000 dollars
Dear all,
Abbot Thich Phuoc Tan of Quang Minh Pagoda, and Mr Nguyen Quang Duy president of VCA of Vic. on behalf of the Vietnamese Community of Victoria, presented a cheque of 580,000 dollars to the Premier. Jacinta Allan., Dr Daniel Mulino MP Federal Member for Fraser representative for the prime minister is Anthony Albanese.
In her response speech, the Premier praised Quang Minh Pagoda and the Vietnamese community for their great contributions to the Australian government over the past 50 years.
The new Footscray Hospital will be completed at the end this year 2025, at a cost of $1.5 billion with support from the Victorian Government.
This is a modern hospital and the largest health infrastructure investment in the state , the modern, huge and wonderful of building including large rooms for medical wards, Psychiatric rooms, Emergency room and all facilities for all patients in Victoria.
\The Western Health Foundation has been working with the Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan and the Vietnamese community to fundraise for the new Footscray Hospital.
Located on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, the new Footscray Hospital will support the increasing demand from Melbourne’s booming western suburbs,
Building a bigger and better Footscray Hospital will help with total 500 beds and help to treat about 20,000 people for emergency department each year.
Over the fifty years of our community. The Vietnamese community has been successful to contribute charity to Australia such as raising funds for Royal children Hospital half million dollars , Cairnlea Nursing home 800,000 dollars Sunshine Hospital $300,000 for Joan Kirner Hospital $300,000 , Bushes fire half million dollars then prepared masks for Western Victoria $200,000 during the Covid 19 pandemic,
Over the past 5 months Fund raising for the New Foostcray hospital , of the total amount of donations has increased day by day has now reached over half a million dollars, of which Mission Possible has broken the record with $531,206
Thank you all media Thank you Mr. Frank Cheng for giving 2 parties for free ,and thousands Vietnamese with good hearts
There are many good examples and stories to tell, from the youth to elderly persons save money by putting in piggy bank every day then performing donation .
This is a very big campaign, the Board of Directors of Western Health Foundation Hospital announced to the all communities, the Vietnamese community will be honored to be the pioneers in this campaign,
The federal and state Victoria Government have given 16 million dollars to build the first Vietnamese museum in Sunshine in Australia.
This is a good opportunity for Vietnamese people to demonstrate our generosity to the Australian Government and this is a great honour for our Vietnamese community.
Our ancestors said "When eating fruit, we always remember who plant the tree, and when drinking water, we remember the source"
We would like to say thank you from our bottom of our heart All Vietnamese community contributing for this event.
Thank again with your all good hearts to come here to support this full meaning charity , this is our way of repaying the kindness and good treatment from the Australian Citizens and Government over the fifty years for our community, we would like to send our best wishes for happiness, longevity, health ,prosperity and longevity to everyone in lunar new year YEAR OF SNAKE.
Doctor Phuc Nhan Pham