(Minghui.org) Local officials, community leaders, visitors, and Falun Dafa practitioners gathered to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in Canberra’s Melrose High School auditorium on May 2, 2026.
The Art of Zhen Shan Ren International Exhibition paintings were displayed on one side of the hall. Minghui School students and practitioners gave traditional Chinese cultural performances on the stage. They also demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises and many guests did them.
Guests learned the Falun Dafa exercises during the celebration at Melrose High School on May 2, 2026.
Minghui School students and practitioners performed on the stage. (Minghui.org)
Local Officials Participated in the Event
Fiona Carrick, member of the Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Murrumbidgee District, participated in the celebration. (Minghui.org)
Ms. Fiona Carrick was happy to participate in the event and said she appreciated the opportunity to learn about Falun Dafa. She commended the practitioners for their perseverance in spreading the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“Today’s event was an opportunity to recognize the practice and community, centered on values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, and they carry deep meaning,” she said. “Falun Dafa’s values speak of how to treat oneself, how to treat others, and how to contribute to the community around us. These values teach people to treat each other with respect, honesty, patience, and kindness.
“In a busy, difficult, and uncertain world, this practice that contributes to physical and mental wellbeing is deeply valuable. It encourages calmness, discipline, reflection, and compassion. Many people are looking for that kind of connection and it’s clear that Falun Dafa has provided that sense of strength and peace for many people in Canberra and around the world,” she said.
Taimus Werner Gibbings, member of the Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Brindabella District, thanked practitioners. (Minghui.org)
Mr. Taimus Werner Gibbings said that what inspired him to attend the event was how practitioners supported him in his efforts for the community in Tuggeranong, “I am delighted to attend the event and meet more people in the Falun Dafa community. I feel there are similarities with the values that I believe in, like caring for community, tolerance, supporting community, and looking after people.”
He said it was critical that leaders support Falun Dafa, and he would always be grateful to support a community whose values look after and care for people. He said that if there were other leaders who are aware of Falun Dafa, that would add to the sense togetherness which is very important.
Community Leader Appreciates Falun Dafa’s Values
Chief Emmanuel of the Nigerian community (Minghui.org)
Chief Emmanuel of the Nigerian community attended the celebration, and said, “Truthfulness and Compassion show people kindness and empathy. Tolerance is able to embrace people, bring together everyone so that people do not feel isolated, and work together with each other to tolerate their differences and everyone is able to understand each other.
“When there are issues, they are able to tolerate and meet a point of recognizing others without bringing that person down. It’s a treasure when people think and respect each other despite their differences.”
He said that he also felt energy when he did the exercises. When he learned about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution in China, he said the international community should urge the CCP to stop killing practitioners. He said Falun Dafa should be welcomed.
Former Candidate Praises Falun Dafa
Dr. Pradeep Sornaraj, labor candidate for the 2024 Capital Territory Election (Minghui.org)
Dr. Pradeep Sornaraj said, “This event is great for two reasons. One is the involvement of the Falun Dafa community in coming together to offer this event that showcases the culture and beliefs that Falun Dafa practitioners follow. Another reason is it gives people like me who do not know about this practice an opportunity to know about it. This event gives an opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds to know about the practice. It’s good to know the stories of practitioner friends in Canberra.”
He said, “It’s great that the culture is being transferred to younger generations and to the community. I learned in the event how useful Falun Dafa could be in creating peace and calm, not just physical but also mental. I was able to do some of the exercises during the event. I felt my mind and body relax even though I only did the exercises for a few minutes.
“I also learned about the principles of Falun Dafa: Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. It is very sad to hear about the persecution happening in China. I hope that the Falun Dafa community can continue to work with the local government to see how we can stop the persecution. Everyone has the right to practice their belief.”
Susan Pradeep (Minghui.org)
Social worker Susan Pradeep said, “I think this practice is good for both body and mind, as the aim is virtue and meditation. It’s not very difficult to follow but how we make the body listen to our mind, I think that is the main concept.
“I visited the Zhen Shan Ren painting exhibition. I think it’s beautiful, authentic, and feel the Chinese culture in those paintings. There is so much chaos in the world and we need peace and some compassion. I think Falun Dafa can help people to find it in themselves, and from the short video that I watched about the practice, I could see both emotional and physical health. I would like to try the exercises.”
Hope Chinese People Awaken
Mr. Dai (Minghui.org)
Mr. Dai said, “I’m familiar with Falun Dafa. Falun Dafa is righteous. I agree with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Falun Dafa benefits people and the country. These principles are the basis of a stable society.”
He added, “For many years, I’ve told Chinese people about the CCP’s evil nature via the Internet. I tell them Falun Dafa is good and the persecution is wrong. I hope more Chinese people wake up and choose kindness and justice.”
Copyright © 1999-2026 Minghui.org. All rights reserved.
Category: Dafa Day Recognition
