FABC News
Kathina 2015
Kathina is a Buddhist festival which comes at the end of Vassa, the three-month rainy season retreat for Theravada Buddhists. The season during which a monastery may hold Kathina is one month long, beginning after the full moon of the eleventh month in the Lunar calendar (usually October). It is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Buddhist monks and nuns.Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks. Click here to read article from wikipedia.com
IBC Climate Change Statement for Paris COP21 Meeting
Message to All 
the world leaders who will be negotiating a universal climate agreement at the upcoming UN Convention on Climate Change, which will take place from 30 November to 11 December 2015, in Paris:
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (F.A.B.C.) through it’s membership with five state Buddhist Councils of Australia represent several hundred Buddhist organisations in the country and are the de-facto voice of the Australian Buddhist community.
We support the the Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change which will be presented on 28 Nov 2015 in Paris on behalf of Buddhists around the world by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The FABC is a member of the IBC and thank Dr Barbara Maas, Secretary of the IBC Standing Committee for Environment and Conservation in her role in this important initiative.
This is the Statement that will be presented in Paris on 28 November 2015:
2015-2016 FABC Committee
Following the Annual General Meeting held in Perth on the 10th August 2015, the elected Management Committee are:
Dr. Jake Mitra - President (BCWA)
Ms. Myly Nguyen - Vice President (BCV)
Mr. Kim Hollow - Secretary (BCQ)
Mr Benjamin Webster - Treasurer (BCNSW)
Other Delegated Members on the FABC Committee are:
Ms Anna Markey - (BCSA)
Mr. Brian White - (BCNSW)
Mr. Harvey Tuck - (BCV)Mr. James Ferguson - (BCQ)
Mr. Karl Matacz - (BCWA)
Rev. George Gatenby - (BCSA)
AGM held in Perth
The FABC Annual General Meeting was held in Perth on 10 August 2015. This event followed the "9th Global Conference on Buddhism" held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 8th to the 9th August. Some of the Delegates who had got to know each other via telephone and email, finally had the opportunity to meet face to face. The new management committee elected consists of President: Jake Mitra of WA, Vice-President: Myly Nguyen of VIC, Secretary: Mr Kim Hollow of QLD (past-President) and Treasurer Benjamin Webster of NSW.
Other invited guests attending the AGM (shown at rear Left to Right) were Mr. Kevin Dickson (BCWA), Mr. Dennis Sheppard (BSWA), Venerable Ajahn Brahm (BSWA)
The FABC consists of two delegated Members appointed by the mainland state Buddhist Councils of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Climate Action Kit
The Buddhist Climate Change Action Kit is an up-to-date, comprehensive online resource with creative ideas to empower Buddhists to care for the natural world.
From quotes from the Buddha and great teachers, to dharma practice, to easy-to- understand science, from ideas for nurturing a sense of connection with Creation to tips for improving energy efficiency and advocacy, this kit will empower your Buddhist community to become more ecologically aware and responsive.
The Buddha was born in the forrest, achieved full awakening among the trees and passed away into parinibbana surrounded by trees and nature. He encouraged frugality and the preciousness of all life forms. He also taught impermanence and right action to improve one's own welfare and that of all beings on the planet.
Hence the Buddha taught us about the interconnectedness of all living things, including ourselves. This kit was developed with the assistance of ARRCC (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change).
DOWNLOAD THE KIT HERE
Prime Minister's Vesak Day Message 2015
I am pleased to provide this message on the occasion of Vesak.
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Sakyamuni Buddha, this is an important time for the Buddhist community to come together in fellowship, and for the broader community to deepen their appreciation of Buddhist culture.
The Buddhist community, in all its diversity, has become an integral part of the Australian story.
Buddhism is Australia’s second-most practiced religion. For many, it provides meaning, purpose and inspiration to their daily lives.
The five precepts of Buddhism: don’t kill, don’t steal, avoid dishonourable conduct, don’t lie, and don’t over-indulge, stand as a universal code of conduct that all people – regardless of our religion or culture – should strive towards.
At this time, we celebrate the contribution that the Buddhist community makes to Australia. I acknowledge your commitment to respect, compassion and understanding as taught by Buddha.
I send my best wishes to everyone attending this celebration.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia
26 May 2015
download the message for display at your Buddhist center here