For many reasons, that weekend was very significant for many practitioners in Queensland. One particular highlight stands out. Once again, people from the local government of the Gold Coast gave recognition to Falun Dafa as a good and beneficial system. This was the second time, after the First Anniversary Celebration on July 12, 1999, that local government addressed the practice of Falun Dafa in a public meeting.

The weekend activities began with a media meeting, attended by journalists from the Courier Mail, Gold Coast Bulletin, and Sun newspapers. Ms. Cuiying Zhang, from personal experience, disclosed a small part of the horror behind China's suppression on Falun Dafa.

Later that evening, we held a special function which was generously attended by invited members of the Gold Coast business community, religious community, representatives from Amnesty International, and, most importantly, by Gold Coast City Mayor, The Honorable Mr. Gary Baildon. Ex-mayor and councillor, Mr. Lex Bell also attended. In addition, practitioners from both Queensland and New South Wales were present to extend their support. Once again, Ms. Cuiying Zhang, an Australian citizen who was arrested and imprisoned in China for eight months shared her thought-provoking experiences with us, touching many hearts with her unwavering forbearance at the hands of the cruel, inhumane and brutal members of the Communist Regime.

As well as to Ms. Zhang, we are expressing our special gratitude to gracious Mr. Baildon and Mr. Bell, who both addressed the audience. Mr. Bell directly pointed out the current crisis of Human Rights and the effect of the abuse on people in China. We would like to share with you the following comments taken from his speech:

"Here on the Gold Coast, I can say quite confidently that Falun Dafa is certainly welcomed, and we are delighted to see it expanding and succeeding here in our Gold Coast community... From my observation, I do not detect any political undertones. The practice of Falun Dafa appears to be totally harmless and therefore I am particularly puzzled and perplexed so as to why, in some parts of the world, Falun Dafa is regarded as something to be stamped out... I was absolutely shocked to read of the treatment to which some of those people are subjected, particularly in Mainland China, where they have been arrested for no other reason than that they are practicing this harmless activity of mind and body...I would encourage those who are here tonight to sign the petition letters which are available...The friends of Falun Dafa Association and the practitioners of Falun Dafa throughout the world certainly have my support and I'm certainly very happy to do what I can, to do my little bit along with the rest of the community to work toward justice for all..."

Again we sincerely thank Mr. Bell for his recognition of Falun Dafa and his genuine compassion for our fellow practitioners in China.

At the conclusion of our distinguished guests' speeches, we showed the video "Falun Gong, The Real Story." It included footage of the report on Falun Dafa presented by the Sunday Show in Channel Nine TV. The video had a very powerful impact, and played an important role in letting all spectators know the truth.

On Saturday, we held an informal gathering for the public. Ms. Zhang's experience was shared with the gathering, and a video was also shown. Practitioners took this opportunity to speak with people on an individual basis, inviting them to come to the practice sites, and to learn more about Falun Dafa. The next day, many practitioners gathered in the city of Brisbane for a peaceful parade and exercise demonstration. Although it was very hot and humid, this small tribulation was not much to forbear in comparison with the innumerable and excruciating sufferings of our fellow practitioners in China. Our Chinese Falun Dafa sisters' and brothers' supreme diligence in cultivating in the face of evil and corruption is like a shining beacon to all who are watching throughout the world. For as long as it is necessary, we will continue to reveal the truth, expose the evil, and spread the great truth of Falun Dafa, Master Li's GREAT LAW of the cosmos.

Queensland Falun Dafa Practitioners

December 2000