key events:
* MITRA Conference on 1-2 May combined with a Buddhism Expo
A Schools Day for HSC students studying Buddhism on 3 May
A Buddhist Film Festival later in the month Community events are also being planned and promoted on the special website visit www.buddhistfestivalmonth.org.au

Here are the keynote speakers from around the world ...
* Ven. Tenzin Palmo, author Cave in the Snow
* Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso, author Opening The Door Of Your Heart
* Ven. Master Heng Sure, writer/performer of Buddhist folk songs
* Ven. Thubten Chodron, author Buddhism for Beginners
* Mr Gregory Kramer, co-inventor of Insight Dialogue
* Ms Sarah Napthali, author Buddhism for Mothers
* Ven. Huifeng, authority on Chinese Buddhism
* Ven. Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, pioneer in Buddhist women’s issues

We are also launching the Metta Portal (which is available to all your members as well for Free) Please see metta.org.au

As there is significant potential for the Buddhist community to grow its image and profile (albeit NSW focused in 2010) it is our vision and aspiration that Buddhist Festival Month becomes a national festival each year (when and if other states are able to join in).

Buddhist Festival Month

The Buddhist Festival Month is intended as a celebration in May for Buddhist ceremonies and festivities and a way of bringing the Buddhist community closer together, recognising that all Buddhist groups and traditions share the same core teachings. At the same time, it is also intended to be an invitation to the general public to come and explore the Buddha’s teachings and how it can be incorporated into one’s lifestyle. The main events during the Buddhist Festival Month would include the traditional Vesak and Buddha’s birthday events, but also, for the first time, a Buddhist Expo, the Mitra Conference and a Buddhist Film Festival.

Participants from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are gathered in Perth for the 2009 Regional Interfaith Dialogue on ‘Future Faith Leaders: Regional Challenges and Cooperation’.


The event was hosted by the Australian government; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During the Closing Reception held on 30 Oct 2009, BCWA President spoke with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Stephen Smith MP about representation of the Buddhist community.

- Dept. of Foreign Affairs & Trade Press Release - 5th RID
- Federal Minister Mr Stephen Smith MP Speech to 5th RID

Make a World of Difference; Hearing each other, Healing the earth

The Parliament of the World's Religions invite you to answer the great challenges of our time. As individuals, as religious and spiritual communities, as citizens of the world, we hold in our hands the ability to create a more just and peaceful world — one in which our respect for each other is matched by our respect for our planet and its resources. The 2009 Parliament will also focus on the struggles and spiritualities of Indigenous peoples around the globe, particularly highlighting the Aboriginal communities of Australia. Thousands of people from around the world will convene to renew their work for the future of the planet.

This December, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings together people from every religious and spiritual background to advance the dialogue that can create the future we all envision.