Leaders of BLIA Southern Sydney Scout Being Honoured in Exemplifying the Spirit of “Three Acts of Goodness” and “Four Givings”

Francis Wong
November 18, 2025

On 8th November, in conjunction with the anniversary of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva’s renunciation, Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah invited Helen Dwyer, the Bambara District Commissioner of Scouts New South Wales, to present medals and certificates to three outstanding leaders of the BLIA Sydney Scout. The ceremony, attended by Venerable You Fa, Supervisor of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah, BLIA Scouts, BLIA members, and nearly a hundred participants, was filled with warmth and joy.

Cub Scout leaders Nielson Peng and Tina Liu received the Special Service Award. Nielson has served with the BLIA Sydney Scouts for nearly five years, while Tina has been leading scouts for over three years. Both have shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm, going beyond their regular duties over the past three years — organizing engaging activities, inspiring young scouts, and setting positive examples to encourage more youths to join the Scout movement and serve their communities.

BLIA Sydney Scout Leaders Jing Fang received the Wood Badge Award for completing advanced leadership training and successfully organizing the “2024 World BLIA Scout Leaders Consensus Conference and BLIA Scout World Jamboree”. Her efforts helped bring BLIA Scouts from around the globe together at Nan Tien Temple for shared learning and unity, embodying the international spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.

During the ceremony, Helen Dwyer personally placed the neckerchief, wooden beads, and badge on Jing. The hall resounded with cheers of “Bravo!” as all the BLIA Scouts celebrated the three leaders’ achievements with heartfelt enthusiasm. Following the award presentation, Scout Christian Goh was formally investitured as a Scout Leader. Both Helen Dwyer and Jing Fang presented him with the BLIA Scout neckerchief, along with BLIA Scout, Scout, and national flag badges, officially welcoming him into the leadership team.

Reflecting on the journey, Jing Fang shared that when the BLIA Scouts in Sydney’s southern district was established in 2017, it began with just two leaders and two scouts. After eight years of steady development, the group has grown to 14 leaders and over 150 BLIA Scouts. She expressed that the great vow of Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to globalize Buddhism has been her constant source of motivation. She hopes that more children and parents will join the BLIA Scout family, learning and growing in a wholesome environment that nurtures good character and a global outlook.

Having served the Scouts in Australia for over 40 years, Helen Dwyer said joining the Scouts was one of the best decisions of her life. She praised Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, which infuse the Scouting program with profound spiritual values. She also commended the parents and leaders for their dedication in nurturing the BLIA Scouts, encouraging everyone to continue their efforts in cultivating outstanding young people for society.

Venerable You Fa emphasized that BLIA Scouts worldwide uphold the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings as their guiding principles, embodying purity in body, speech, and mind. Scout activities, he said, not only foster leadership and teamwork but also serve as a practice ground for merit and compassion. Venerable encouraged everyone to continue shining their light, allowing the BLIA Scouts to become a vital force in promoting Humanistic Buddhism.