Australia: World Falun Dafa Day Celebrations Held in Melbourne

(Minghui.org) Practitioners held activities in Box Hill on May 31 to celebrate the 26th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33rd anniversary since the practice was introduced to the public. They also wished Master Li, Falun Dafa’s founder, a happy birthday. Numerous elected officials came to the event and praised Falun Dafa and practitioners’ contributions to society.

An earlier event was held at Palm Plaza in the city of Greater Dandenong on May 17. Located at the southeastern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne, respectively, the celebrations at both Greater Dandenong and Box Hill attracted many passerby who applauded Falun Dafa for the positive impact it has had on communities.

Practitioners gave performances during the Falun Dafa celebration in Greater Dandenong on May 17, 2025.

A World Falun Dafa Day celebration was held in Whitehorse at a Box Hill shopping plaza on May 31, 2025.

After establishing a group practice site in Greater Dandenong in 1998, practitioners introduced Falun Dafa to the surrounding communities. Elected officials came to, or sent messages to both celebrations and thanked practitioners for their efforts to enrich communities. Many people said they were impressed by the peaceful scenes, the positive energy, and the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture.

Positive Guidance

David Limbrick from the Victorian Legislative Council spoke during the event in Greater Dandenong on May 17, 2025.

David Limbrick, a member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region of Victoria, attended the event on May 17 and said he was glad to come to such a celebration again. “Today we celebrate together a method that has brought comfort and guidance to millions of people around the world. I am honored to be invited to celebrate Falun Dafa Day in the Dandenong region again.”

Limbrick said he’s seen how practitioners helped communities. “I have learned ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,’ which is what I respect. I’ve also met some Falun Gong practitioners who practice these values,” he continued. “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.”

Speaking of the ongoing persecution in China, Limbrick emphasized his continued support for 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 added. “I feel extremely honored to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day with so many amazing people.” After the event he published the video of his speech on his social media account.

Great Contributions

Speech by Whitehorse city councilor Blair Barker on May 31, 2025

Whitehorse city councilor Blair Barker first conveyed greetings from Whitehorse Mayor Andrew Davenport during his speech on May 31. Barker said that over the years he’s become familiar with Falun Dafa, and he also visited practitioners at the group practice site in Box Hill Gardens many times. He feels that practicing the exercises helps remove negative energy and allows one to embrace life.

Barker also believes Falun Dafa’s principles—Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance—represent Australia’s values. He said that practitioners set good examples for communities, and their outstanding contributions are impressive.

Despite the suppression in China, Barker said that practitioners enjoy freedom of speech in Australia. This reminds us of the importance of freedom we have, and he sincerely thanked Falun Dafa practitioners because they have become an integral part of the city.

Speech by city councilor Peter Allan

Peter Allan, another Whitehorse city councilor, also commended the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said they not only benefit practitioners personally, but also bring peace to society.

Allan said he also applies the standards of honesty, tolerance, and kindness which he feels are similar to Falun Dafa’s principles. He congratulated the 33rd World Falun Dafa Day celebration and said he hopes everyone enjoys such a wonderful event.

What Our Society Needs

Morgan Jonas from the Freedom Party

Morgan Jonas, Freedom Party leader and federal election candidate, said he was happy to join the gathering on May 31. He said we should be grateful for the freedom in Australia where people can choose what they believe in.

He said that Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are universal values. He respects practitioners for their outstanding moral values which he feels all of us should strive for. That is why he feels honored to be with Falun Dafa practitioners – in the past, right now, and in the future.

Human rights advocate Ruan Jie

Ruan Jie, a human rights advocate in Melbourne, said he supported Falun Dafa not only because of human rights, but also out of a sense of responsibility. The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are much needed in our society, especially in communist China.

A Better Society

From the Tian Guo Marching Band to waist drum, from elegant fan dances to the Vietnamese hat dance, practitioners’ performances were praised by spectators. Many people were interested in learning more about Falun Dafa.

Ms. Chen, 91, from China, immigrated to Australia many years ago. She knew the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was corrupt, but she had some misunderstandings about Falun Dafa due to the CCP’s hate propaganda. In the past several years she talked to practitioners at a shopping center she often visited, and they became friends.

During the event on May 31, Ms. Chen said she was amazed by the performances, especially the Tian Guo Marching Band. She finally realized that the CCP does not represent China, and agreed to quit the CCP organizations she joined many years ago. She is also thankful that practitioners do so much to help people learn the facts.

Joy and Tony

Joy and Tony, who live in Greater Dandenong, said they were excited to watch the practitioners’ performances. Joy said she believed in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and hopes more people will do the same so that society will improve.

Shabeer, from India, moved to Australia 15 years ago and said this was the first time she had seen an event given by Falun Dafa practitioners. She was happy to learn about Falun Dafa and planned to look up more online when she returned home.

Local resident Tyson said he liked the color, music, and energy of these performances. He said he also believes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are important to each of us.