Tibetans residing in the adjacent suburbs of Sydney, predominantly in Campbelltown, joyously commemorated the Tibetan New Year at the esteemed United Church in Campbelltown, attended by esteemed local dignitaries including the Member of State Parliament, representatives of City Council, Police Department, and multicultural Organisations alongside fervent Tibet supporters.
The festivities commenced with solemn traditional prayers and unfolded into a vibrant spectacle featuring captivating traditional performances encompassing spirited dances and melodious songs. Adding to the exuberance, each family contributed to a sumptuous feast adorned with a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich tapestry of Tibetan culinary heritage, fostering a palpable sense of unity and pride among attendees, as they came together to honour their heritage and strengthen bonds within the Tibetan community, serving as a reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of Tibetan culture, even in distant lands far from their homeland.
Greg Warren, the esteemed Member of NSW State Parliament for Campbelltown, extended his heartfelt wishes to the Tibetan community residing in the Sydney suburbs, particularly those in Campbelltown, as they celebrate the Tibetan New Year. In a video message, Warren conveyed his sincere hopes for a joyous and prosperous 2024, acknowledging the significance of the Tibetan calendar marking the year 2151. Despite his absence from the festivities, Warren emphasised his deep appreciation for the multicultural community, especially the Tibetan community, expressing his support and best wishes for their celebration.
The Tibetan community, deeply touched by Warren's thoughtful gesture, responded with gratitude and appreciation for his outreach. They expressed their honor in receiving Warren's warm wishes, highlighting the significance of his message during the New Year celebration. Despite physical distance, the spirit of unity and friendship was cherished, showcasing the strength of community bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.
Sana Al-Ahmar, representing the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Center, shared her heartfelt reflections on the Tibetan community, emphasising their resilience and adaptability to the Australian lifestyle while preserving their rich cultural heritage. She echoed the sentiments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, acknowledging the community's dedication to promoting their culture and country within Australia.
In her statement, Al-Ahmar highlighted the challenges faced by the Tibetan community in Australia, including language barriers. However, she commended their remarkable progress in English proficiency over the years, noting their kindness, genuineness, calm demeanor, generosity, and hardworking nature. Expressing her joy in seeing familiar faces and witnessing their smiles, Al-Ahmar extended her wishes for continued health, prosperity, and peace of mind to the Tibetan community on behalf of herself and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Center. She concluded by expressing her anticipation for continued collaboration and partnership with the community in the future.
His Eminence the 14th Dungyud Tulku Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Sakya Tharpa Ling, graced the event in Campbelltown as a distinguished guest to partake in the joyous celebration of the Tibetan New Year. In his address, Rinpoche provided an insightful explanation of the term "Tashi Delek" in English.
Perhaps a brief explanation of 'Tashi Delek' in English would be beneficial," Rinpoche began. "I would like to shed some light on the meaning of 'Tashi.' We often use the term 'Tashi,' but its significance may not always be clear. I recall hearing His Holiness the Dalai Lama elucidate on the concept of auspiciousness. 'Tashi,' as you can discern, denotes auspiciousness; it embodies the auspiciousness of virtuous actions, benevolent deeds, and a compassionate heart. In essence, it signifies the auspiciousness of creating positive causes that yield favorable outcomes, which is what 'Delek' represents. 'Delek' translates to happiness, signifying that through the cultivation of virtuous causes, we attain the happiness we seek in life."
Rinpoche's elucidation provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the profound significance behind the traditional Tibetan greeting, enriching the cultural exchange and fostering a deeper appreciation for Tibetan customs and values.
Ta'ane Tupola, the MultiCultural Community Liaison Officer from Campbelltown police, introduced himself during the event, expressing his eagerness to bridge the gap between the police force and the Tibetan community. He acknowledged the lack of information about the community but emphasized the importance of reaching out to ensure mutual understanding and collaboration.
Tupola also praised the community for its low crime rate and encouraged continued cooperation to maintain a peaceful and harmonious community. Tupola, the Commander of the Campbelltown Police Area Command, took the time to personally commend the kindness and integrity of the Tibetan community, noting the absence of any records within the Campbelltown Police Station as a testament to the upstanding character of its members. His words of praise filled us with pride and gratitude, and we are incredibly thankful for his recognition of our community's positive contributions.
Additionally, Tupola expressed a genuine desire to see young Tibetan individuals consider joining the police force in the future, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within law enforcement. His vision for more inclusive and representative police forces deeply resonated with us, and we are truly inspired by his commitment to fostering opportunities for our youth. We are also delighted to share that this marks Tupola's second time attending our Tibetan events, underscoring his genuine interest and support for our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Tupola for his unwavering support and for utilizing his platform to promote understanding and inclusivity. His dedication to fostering positive relationships between the police force and our community is truly commendable, and we are honoured to consider him a friend to our community.
Invited as the Chief Guest at the prestigious Campbelltown Tibetan event, Reverend Bill Crews, a confidant of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a revered figure in humanitarian circles, delivered a poignant address resonating with profound insights. Reflecting on his recent sojourn to Ireland, Crews artfully drew parallels between global conflicts and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural preservation. He extolled the Tibetan community's unwavering resilience and paid homage to the Dalai Lama's unequivocal message of peace and liberation, urging attendees not to yield to despair.
Crews's discourse reverberated with personal anecdotes of his interactions with His Holiness, underscoring their shared commitment to social justice and compassion. As he conveyed his New Year wishes, Crews imparted a resounding call to persevere in the pursuit of righteousness and freedom, despite the adversities encountered along the path.
In a riveting narrative, Crews masterfully navigated through the intricate complexities of global strife, drawing inspiration from his encounters with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the shared ethos of their humanitarian endeavors.
With eloquence and poise, he commended the Tibetan community's indomitable spirit and emphasised the collective resolve required to effectuate meaningful change. As he bid farewell, Crews imbued his message with a sense of optimism and fortitude, reminding his audience of the enduring virtues of resilience and benevolence. His discourse, steeped in profundity and wisdom, served as a beacon of hope, igniting a fervent determination to uphold the ideals of freedom and justice in the face of adversity.
On behalf of the event organising committee members, including Jigme Dorjee, Sangay Dorjee and Rigzin Tenga extend thwie heartfelt appreciation to all the esteemed guests who graced our gathering on February 10, 2024, Saturday, to commemorate the Tibetan New Year. Your presence infused the occasion with joy and camaraderie, epitomizing the essence of renewal and unity intrinsic to Tibetan culture," expressed the committee.
They continued, "The vibrant hues, enchanting melodies, and warm smiles exchanged during the festivities crafted unforgettable memories. Your participation truly elevated the event, and I extend my profound gratitude for your invaluable contribution."
"As we reflect on the messages of hope and togetherness heralded by the Tibetan New Year, let us carry the spirit of this gathering within our hearts," the organisers urged. "The newly appointed committee members eagerly anticipate reconnecting with each of you at upcoming Tibetan events, where we can further nurture the bonds forged during this celebration."
In conclusion, the organisers conveyed their gratitude to each attendee, remarking, "Thank you, from the depths of our heart, for gracing us with your presence on this remarkable occasion. Here's to many more shared moments and meaningful connections in the days ahead."
