Buddha’s Light Members Promoting Environmental Protection and Multiculturalism Recognized by NSW Parliament

By Benjie

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta, BLIA Sydney Chapter, and BLIA Scouts Western Sydney have been officially recognized by the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament for their outstanding service during “Clean Up Australia Day” and the Lunar New Year celebrations at Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta. Parramatta MP Donna Davis formally included the remarkable contributions of Nan Tien Temple, the Sydney Chapter, and BLIA Scouts in a Community Recognition Statement (CRS), publicly commending them in Parliament. This recognition has been permanently recorded in the official parliamentary Hansard, reflecting formal government acknowledgment and lasting historical significance.

The Community Recognition Statement is an important NSW Parliamentary procedure designed to formally acknowledge individuals and groups with exceptional contributions to the community. Being listed in a CRS signifies comprehensive recognition at the governmental level and ensures a lasting historical record of one’s efforts.

To express appreciation and congratulations, Donna Davis MP invited Venerable Chueh Shan, Abbess of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta, President Daniel Wu, and Director Florence Yuen to a community recognition afternoon tea on 24 November at Parramatta PHIVE, sharing the honour with over fifty community representatives.

In her parliamentary statement, Donna Davis MP highlighted the outstanding performance of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta, the BLIA Sydney, and BLIA Scouts in both key events. On “Clean Up Australia Day” in March, Buddha’s Light members and Scouts participated in environmental clean-up activities across Parramatta, demonstrating their long-term commitment to protecting the environment. The MP expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ selfless dedication and noted that the involvement of Buddha’s Light members was crucial to the success of the event.

During the Lunar New Year celebrations, Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and BLIA Sydney showcased harmony and inclusiveness through multicultural performances and community engagement. BLIA Scouts’ lion dance performance became a highlight of the event. Donna Davis shared her joy in personally striking the gong and lighting the lanterns, symbolizing prayers for peace and prosperity in the new year.

Venerable Chueh Shan stated that the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism lies in integrating Buddhist teachings into daily life, bringing peace to the mind, and benefiting society. President Daniel Wu added that recognition from the NSW Parliament is a major encouragement for BLIA Sydney members and Scouts, reaffirming that the association’s “localization” strategy and deep community integration are on the right track and visibly impactful.

At the recognition tea, President Wu also exchanged service experiences with other community representatives, exploring ways to deepen cooperation and build warmer social networks. Andrea Nevill, representative of Youth for Human Rights International, specially invited President Wu to share the BLIA philosophy on a community radio platform, aiming to expand opportunities for promoting Humanistic Buddhism and the power of goodness.

The NSW Parliament recognition serves as a valuable testament to Fo Guang Shan and the BLIA Sydney’s long-term commitment to community engagement and the active practice of Humanistic Buddhism. Looking ahead, Buddha’s Light members will continue to uphold the spirit of “giving others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience” by contributing to a harmonious, inclusive, and positive multicultural community through environmental, cultural, and public welfare initiatives.