Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am so proud to represent the vibrant and multicultural Illawarra, where diverse communities enrich our region with celebration, life and colour. I recently attended the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Australian-Philippine Association's Illawarra chapter. From vibrant music and dance to delicious food and rich traditions, their work proudly showcases Filipino heritage and adds so much to the cultural fabric of the Illawarra. The association does outstanding work organising events and keeping the community connected, both online and in person. Thank you to President Estrella McKinnon, Secretary Erna De Los Reyes and the amazing management committee for everything they do to foster and strengthen the Filipino community's connection to the Illawarra.

Wollongong also has a new Nepali and South Asian grocery store: Namaste Mart, a welcome addition to our multicultural landscape and a great way for locals to discover new flavours or reconnect with familiar ones. I was delighted to attend their grand opening recently. Businesses like this help to share traditions, celebrate diversity and bring people together through food. Congratulations to owners Uzi Bogati, Shan Bagale and Rojan Bhatta, and welcome to the Illawarra small business community.

I was also honoured to recently attend the enshrining of the sacred relics of Venerable Master Hsing Yun at Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley recently. Venerable Master Hsing Yun was a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher and philanthropist who founded the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order. He was a leading proponent of humanistic Buddhism, which seeks to integrate Buddhist teachings into everyday life and promote compassion, wisdom and kindness for all living beings. The Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and was established in 1995 under the guidance of the venerable master, contributing greatly to the wellbeing and spiritual life of our region and beyond. It is now a New South Wales State Heritage listed landmark, recognised for its architectural beauty, cultural significance and role as a hub for mindfulness, wellbeing and intercultural community connections. The venerable master was passionate about education, and under his leadership the Nan Tien Institute's Wollongong campus opened opposite the temple in 2015.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 97, and the enshrinement ceremony was a moving way to honour his life and legacy. Thank you to Venerable Hui-Kai, Venerable Man Ko and Venerable Miao You of Fo Guang Shan for their efforts organising this enshrinement ceremony and for ensuring the master's wisdom and compassion continues to be passed down to future generations.