ecological sustainability, democracy and solidarity

It's been a very busy month and I've met some incredible people who've really left their mark.

I had the very great privilege of being invited to the Sustainable Cities event organised by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, spoke to an intimate group of invited guests about what makes cities sustainable.

Key to his message was a sustainable ecology, for without a healthy environment and a clean water supply, cities cannot ever be sustainable.








In my role as President of the Victorian Local Governance Association, I hosted a reception for His Excellency, the Hon Zacarias da Costa, Foreign Minister for Timor Leste. In talking to the Minister and his staff, it impressed on me the critical importance of democracy to Timor Leste and its people and reinforced to me the significant relationship Australia has with Timor Leste in assisting with their democratic election processes.

























This month also saw the 60th anniversary of the Australian Local Government Women's Association. The Governor General, Quentin Bryce AC, addressed attendees. Her Excellency talked about the importance of women's participation in all spheres of life and recognised the significant efforts of women in local government. She talked about solidarity amongst women and acknowledged that we stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us.

A very inspiring month, meeting very inspiring people.

tecoma treasure vase

I had the very great pleasure of attending the Treasure Vase Ceremony this weekend to consecrate the temple grounds at the Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute in Tecoma.
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"I welcome the temple here in Tecoma, it makes our community spiritually richer to have you here"
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The Treasure Vase Ceremony is designed to create a suitable location for cultivating our minds, generating merit and blessing for the participants, propagate peace & harmony and also to benefit the local and wider community.
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Khentrul Rinpoche consecrates the temple site, with treasure vases in the foreground.

It is a very rare ceremony and I was humbled to be an invited guest, particularly on the auspicious occasion of the birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.
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The vases are presented as part of the colourful procession.
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Khentrul Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Buddhist Rime Institute, said he was proud to be an Australian citizen and live in a country where there is freedom of religion and freedom of speech. He spoke of how we have lost touch with the environment and the ceremony is a way of healing the environment. He went on to say the ceremony gave thanks for the treasures of life - our community, environment and happiness.
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Lots of chanting, chiming and drumming filled the temple gardens.

The community shared food, prayers and blessings and there was much entertainment and socialising as well.

There is much we can learn from the Buddhist teachings and on the day Khentrul Rinpoche spoke of unconditional love and universal compassion. To have the Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute in Tecoma makes our community spiritually richer.
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Khentrul Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Buddhist Rime Institute and me after the ceremony.

They have created a beautiful space in a beautiful setting, I wish them well in the future.