Australia: Officials and Community Leaders Commemorate the 26th World Falun Dafa Day (Part 1)

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 was the 26^th annual World Falun Dafa Day and the 33^rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Parades and rallies were held around this date in major cities in Australia to celebrate the occasion. Elected officials and community leaders issued proclamations, remarks, and congratulatory letters to mark the occasion and to commend Falun Dafa for uplifting morality and bringing positive energy to society, benefiting hundreds of millions of people physically and mentally.

Federal Senator: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Essential

Senator Malcolm Roberts and his message

Senator Malcolm Roberts stated in his message, “Falun Dafa’s principles of truth, compassion & forbearance are essential to peace, humanity and to freedom.

“In my experience and studies, freedom is a basic human right and essential to Human Progress.

“Please extend my best wishes to your gathering and please know that I will continue to support your quest for freedom.”

Victoria Legislator: Providing a Safe Harbor for Falun Gong Practitioners

David Limbrick, Libertarian member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region of Victoria, speaks at the rally on May 17, 2025.

David Limbrick, Libertarian member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region of Victoria, spoke at the rally to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day at Palm Plaza in Dandenong on May 17, 2025. “Today we celebrate together a method that has brought comfort and guidance to millions of people around the world,” said Mr. Limbrick. “I am honored to be invited to celebrate Falun Dafa Day in the Dandenong region again.”

Mr. Limbrick said that through his contact with Falun Gong practitioners over the years, “I have learned ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,’ which is what I respect. I have also met some Falun Gong practitioners who practice these values.

“It is these values that we welcome to spread to Australia, and I am very proud to have people like you living in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.”

Mr. Limbrick promised practitioners, “My district of South-Eastern Melbourne is a safe haven for Falun Gong practitioners. I will always fight for your rights so that you can pursue your beliefs and practice without persecution or discrimination.”

He concluded, “I feel extremely honored to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day with so many amazing people.”

Victoria Legislator: Falun Dafa Benefits Millions of People

Ann-Marie Hermans, Libertarian member of the Victorian Legislative Council for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region and Shadow Assistant Minister

Victoria Legislator Ann-Marie Hermans stated in her email to practitioners, “Every year, cities around the world hold celebrations for World Falun Dafa Day. ... Falun Dafa is a method of self-improvement that cultivates the body and mind. So far, it has benefited more than 100 million people in more than 90 countries around the world, helping them regain their health and spiritual sublimation.”

The event was held on the anniversary of the death of Ms. Hermans’ father. In the midst of sadness, she said that the journey of life is full of challenges, and that efforts made to seek inner peace are extremely important.

Queensland Legislator Marks World Falun Dafa Day

Bree James, MP, Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Barron River and her letter

Ms. Bree James, Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Barron River, stated in her letter, “World Falun Dafa Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate a practice that has positively impacted millions of people around the globe. Since its introduction to the public in May 1992, Falun Dafa—also known as Falun Gong—has offered a path of self-cultivation grounded in the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.

“On this special occasion, I extend my best wishes to all participants in the Cairns celebration. May this day be a meaningful and joyful reflection of the values that Falun Dafa upholds and a reminder of the importance of freedom of belief and cultural diversity in our community.”

Politicians Should Remember Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Andrew Braddock, Deputy Speaker of the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Legislative Assembly

Andrew Braddock, Deputy Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly, said, “I am happy to participate in the World Falun Dafa Day celebration. This is a great opportunity to share culture and practice Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. I think the values are vital and politicians should keep them in mind.

“If everyone follows these principles, the community will become much better. Falun Dafa has spread all over the world. Falun Dafa has brought joy, happiness, mindfulness, and spiritual sublimation to so many people, which is absolutely worthy of respect,” he said.

Greater Dandenong City Councilor: The Value of Truth Is Particularly Important Today

Rhonda Garad, a member of the Greater Dandenong City Council

Councilor Rhonda Garad of the Greater Dandenong City Council in Melbourne attended the Falun Dafa rally on May 17, 2025. This was her first time to take part in a Falun Dafa rally. She indicated that she knew that Falun Gong is a practice that improves physical and mental health, and is practiced and based on ancient traditions.

“The rally is very warm, colorful and enjoyable. This event is great!” Dr. Garad said. She remarked that she felt a very uplifting energy from the rally.

Dr. Garad is a researcher at a university. She said that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance upheld by Falun Dafa are excellent and if everyone followed them, the world would become a better place.

She emphasized that the concept of truthfulness is particularly important in today’s society, “...because we are in an era full of misinformation and dishonesty, so this is very important.”

Dr. Garad told Falun Gong practitioners, “It’s great that you can share what you do with the public and spread these ideas.”

Thanks to Falun Gong Practitioners for Their Contribution to Society

Parramatta City Councilor Sreeni Pillamarri speaks at the rally in front of Sydney Town Hall on May 10, 2025.

At a May 10 rally in front of Sydney Town Hall, Parramatta City Councilor Sreeni Pillamarri said, “I am honored to be part of the Falun Dafa celebration. I have been associated with Falun Dafa for nearly 15 years, and this journey has been extremely meaningful.

“I think the philosophy of Falun Dafa is to celebrate, meditate, be compassionate, and be friendly with other communities. I think that’s why Falun Dafa is so meaningful to the community at this moment. So I am very grateful to the entire team [Falun Dafa practitioners] and to all the initiators, including the founder.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Meaningful for Our Lives

Helen Hughes of the Cumberland Council speaks at the rally on May 10, 2025.

Also speaking at the rally on May 10, Helen Hughes of the Cumberland Council said, “The fundamental virtue of this great movement, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, is extraordinary in our lives.

“Especially considering that they continue to practice the basic principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They are committed to self-improvement for their personal well-being, and of course, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual upliftment as well as commitment to their faith, and contribute to the community by sharing the exercises.”

(To be continued)