Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Thursday 22 January, the sacred Lord Buddha relics arrived in the Fowler community and were venerated at Phuoc Hue Temple in Wetherill Park in the heart of south-west Sydney. For many in our community, the arrival of the Buddha relics on that day was profoundly symbolic, as it was also the national day of mourning following the tragic Bondi shootings. Standing alongside Venerable Thich An Thien and other venerables from Buddhist temples in western and south-western Sydney, I was reminded that, in moments of grief and shock, communities instinctively turn toward peace, reflection and compassion. In Fowler, one of the most culturally diverse electorates in the country, it's often our shared humanity, not our differences, that brings us together in times of sorrow. The Buddhist message of respect, mindfulness and responsibility resonated deeply within my community that day. I thank the Druk Community Centre of Australia for bringing these sacred relics from France in collaboration with the Buddhist Union of France, under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche. Their presence in Fowler reflected values that define our community: dignity, harmony and care for everyone. At a time when fear can lead to division or calls for rushed responses that risk targeting communities, I will always stand for practical, evidence based solutions that keep people safe while upholding the dignity of all Australians no matter where they come from, what language they speak or what they believe in. Thank you. (Time expired)