Melbourne: On 13 August 2025, the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, in collaboration with The Tibetan Community in Victoria and the Australia Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) hosted a special event in the Victorian Parliament House to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the year of compassion.

The event was graced by the  Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Hon. Maree Edwards as the chief guest and the President of the Legislative Council Hon. Shaun Leane as the special guest. Other distinguished guests included Co-chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet MP Kaite Hall and MP Tim Read, parliamentarians from different political parties, and friends and supporters of Tibet.

The chief guest Hon. Maree Edwards, speaker of the Legislative Assembly, expressed her deep respect and well wishes to His Holiness on his 90th birthday and her privilege in attending this special event. The special guest, Hon. Shaun Leane, President of the Legislative Council, remarked that if there were a source for peace in today’s world, it would surely be through His Holiness’ vision, acknowledging the profound influence His Holiness has had globally.

Representative Karma Singey and Tibetan MP Tenzin Phuntsok Doring also attended the event and addressed the gathering.

In his remarks, Representative Karma Singey highlighted the importance and relevance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of peace and compassion in today’s troubled times. He further added that Tibetans are facing a great challenge in their homeland in Tibet under China’s rule and urged the international community to stand up with the Tibetan people to safeguard Tibet’s distinct culture, religion, language, and identity.

Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, Tibetan Member of Parliament,  highlighted the significance of the recent announcement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his reincarnation issue and the extraordinary contributions and commitments of His Holiness for the betterment of humanity and world peace.

The Co-chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, MP Kaite Hall, and MP Tim Read expressed their pleasure in co-hosting the event and assured their continued support for Tibet and the Tibetan people.

As a token of gratitude, all the guests were presented with the latest book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Voice for the Voiceless” and offered Tibetan traditional delicacies, including Khapsey (Tibetan cookies) and butter tea. The guests also enjoyed the Tibetan traditional dances performed by the Tibetan Ama-la Group of the Victorian Tibetan Community.

–Report filed by Tibet Information Office, Canberra