Nan Tien Temple Attends Illawarra Cultural Day in Building a Healthy and Harmonious Community

Francis Wong
October 3, 2025

The 4th Illawarra Women’s Day of Dance and Culture, organized by Health Cities Australia, was held on September 5 at Wollongong Town Hall. Venerable Miao You, Director and Company Secretary of the Nan Tien Institute; Venerable Zhili, Director of Community Education at Nan Tien Temple; and Venerable Zhishan, Director of Media and Communications at Nan Tien Temple were invited to attend.

The theme of this year’s Cultural Day was “Take Me to the Islands”, celebrating the bold spirit and rich traditions of the South Pacific Islands. The organizers hoped to strengthen women’s interaction and connection, foster a sense of belonging, and promote community awareness through regional initiatives and partnerships. They also aimed to enhance cross-sector collaboration among local organizations, helping women access much-needed social welfare and health services so they can thrive and flourish in the Illawarra region.

Kelly Andrews, CEO of Health Cities Australia, noted that Cultural Day is a joyful and inclusive celebration. Through dance, food, and cultural exchange, women from diverse backgrounds could come together, build friendships, share stories, and connect with local service networks. She emphasized that the event contributes to building a socially inclusive Illawarra and promotes women’s health and wellbeing.

Nan Tien Temple, deeply engaged in the Illawarra community for the past 30 years, has become an integral part of the region. At the event, Venerable Miao You and Venerable Zhili recited Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Women, invoking the Buddha’s blessings for all women who suffer—that they may receive the protection of the Buddhas, the warmth of human compassion, the support of faith, and the freedom of spirit. The prayer also expressed the wish that women may be granted an inner pure land, receive refreshing nectar, and be bathed in the joyful breeze of peace. Following this, Venerable Miao You and Venerable Zhili joined in the candle-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the sharing of light, hope, and courage with women, in a united effort to build a harmonious and healthy community.

CEO Kelly Andrews expressed gratitude to Nan Tien Temple for its support of Cultural Day, highlighting that the Temple has long supported the organization’s initiatives and the health and wellbeing of women in the community. She stressed that the core goal of Cultural Day is to create a safe gathering space for women, to break down barriers, make new friends, enjoy food, and learn about different cultures. She sincerely thanked Nan Tien Temple for its participation in making the 4th Cultural Day a success.

Isabelle Kearns was deeply moved upon hearing Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Women, saying the prayer’s words of blessing and compassion for suffering women warmed her heart. She expressed her wish to visit Nan Tien Temple, to experience its serenity, solemnity, and harmony, and to find a sense of spiritual belonging there.

The event also featured a range of stalls focusing on women’s health and safety, with participation from Healthy Cities Illawarra, Wollongong City Council, NSW Police, MCCI, Multicultural Health Services (ISLHD), Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), and the Illawarra Multicultural Services Centre. Through regional initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the event aimed to foster a healthier, happier, and more resilient community.