(Minghui.org) World Falun Dafa Day, May 13, is observed across the globe to celebrate the public introduction of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) in China on May 13, 1992.

Falun Dafa practitioners throughout the world hold events to celebrate this special day and to share the benefits of the practice and raise awareness of the Chinese Communist Party's 19-year persecution of Falun Dafa in China. Covered in this article are Dafa Day events that were held in Melbourne and Queensland, Australia.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Melbourne

Falun Gong practitioners in Melbourne celebrated on Queensbridge Square on May 12, Saturday. Huge lotus flower and eye-catching banners decorated the wide stage, where musical selections and dances were presented. Many passersby paused to watch.

Falun Gong practitioners in Melbourne celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on Queensbridge Square on May 12.

Reading Falun Gong posters

Peter Westmore, Chairman of the Australian National Citizenship Committee, speaking in the rally. He said that he respected the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance that Falun Gong practitioners follow.

Gerard Flood, Federal Financial Secretary of the Australian Democratic Labor Party, speaking in the rally. He expressed his respect for Falun Gong practitioners for upholding the truth.

Praneet Sharma (left), a software engineer, had his photo taken with a Falun Gong practitioner. He said that the world would be better if everyone sincerely followed Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Ashlea Pinto and Nigel Pinto study the posters. They liked the event and were impressed with Falun Gong.

Blake Cunningham (right), a kindergarten teacher, was inspired by the performances and expressed an interest in going to a group practice site to learn Falun Gong.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Queensland

Falun Gong practitioners in Queensland celebrated on Brisbane Square. They set up banners, an information display, and a table to collect signatures. They demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises throughout the day.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day

Singing a petition to protest the persecution in China

Tony and her family support Falun Gong practitioners' efforts to end the persecution. She follows human rights issues and agreed with the value of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Bobby and his family have their photo taken in front of the Falun Gong banner. They all signed the petition to protest the persecution.

Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Queensland

To celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, practitioners hosted a dinner in a Brisbane restaurant on the evening of May 11, 2018, for some special guests, including elected provincial and city officials, a former mayor, doctors, lawyers, an accountant, and a police community liaison officer.

Falun Gong practitioners and their guests celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Besides a dance performance, the practitioners demonstrated the exercises and answered questions at the dinner. They also showed slides and videos about Falun Gong.

A practitioner tells the guests about Falun Gong.

Demonstrating the exercises

The guests started to learn the exercises.

Explaining the background of a song the guests just heard.

Doctor Bui (first from left), a leader in the Vietnamese community, and his wife have their photo taken with a practitioner.

The practitioners also gave their guests a gift: the Chinese characters for “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” in calligraphy.

Federal election candidate Michael Kaff with partner Shelley Garrod. Queensland MP Sam O'Connor (center right) and partner Kathryn Richards (center left) with practitioners.

Related articles in Chinese:Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Queensland, and with guests in Queenland.