Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association of Melbourne formed on His Holiness’s birthdaySunday, 5 July 2009, at Bentleigh McKinnon Youth Centre.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday celebration in Australia marks the formal   launch of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association of Melbourne on 5 July 2009

For Tibetans, the morning began auspiciously, with light rain followed by sunshine. Appropriate too because it was a day which marks the confluence of three momentous events – the birthday of one of the most respected figures of this era, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; the launch of the Chinese Tibetan Friendship Association of Melbourne and an expression of gratitude to Australians for supporting and making a viable Tibetan community in Australia.Around three hundred people, including fifteen Chinese and many local Tibetan Sangha (monks and nuns), and important dignitaries. The dignitaries present were Mr T.P. Atisha, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, Ms Jenny Mikakos, and Colleen Hartland, both are the Honourable Upper House members of Parliament, and MP for Tibet, Mr Frank Ruanje, member of the Coalition of the Chinese Democratic Movement in Melbourne and the Chief Editor of Chinese language newspaper Tian An Mien Times and members of Tibetan support groups, most prominently from the Australia Tibet Council.Geshe Konchok Tsering led the monks in the long life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, live for a hundred aeons”Kesang Wangmo, secretary and Sandup Tsering, head of the Tibetan Community of Victoria led the proceedings. Sandup spoke first with a huge welcome to all with an overview of the days events. He spoke about the incredible achievements of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in successfully preserving the Tibetan cultural heritage and the promotion of human values. He expressed deep gratitude to India for providing shelter to the Tibetan people for the last 50 years.The day brimmed over with exciting and colourful performances of traditional songs and dances by the Tibetan community of all ages.

Members of the newly formed Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association of Melbourne  during the ceremony marking its inception on 5 July 2009

Jenny Mikakos MP, gave a warm thank you for being invited and the strong purpose she holds for building bridges and her involvement in the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Group. Her dedication to human rights and in particular the Tibetan situation deeply touched the hearts of the Tibetan people. Ms Mikakos also read a personal message from Victorian Premier John Brumby MP, who expressed his best wishes to the Tibetan Community. “I congratulate your community for hosting this auspicious celebration and for its initiative to strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding in our community,” John Brumby said in his message.Representative T.P. Atisha, on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thanked all for the encouragement and particularly to the many support groups and all political parties in Australia who dedicate their time, money and effort for the Tibetan cause.Then came the landmark launch of the Chinese Tibetan Friendship Association of Melbourne. Representative Atisha presented Khata (a traditional white ceremonial scarf symbolising goodwill and auspiciousness) to members of the both community. (Source: Tibet Information Office, Australia) Related:Tibetans and Chinese in Australia form Harmonious AssociationAfter Australia, “Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association” formed in Japan