On Sunday 24 May, the Academy hosted a celebration to commemorate the 2570 birthday of the Great Holy Sakyamuni Buddha. Community leaders, and new and old friends gathered to commemorate and celebrate the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar – Buddha’s Birthday known as the Bathing Buddha Ceremony) at the headquarters of the Academy.

The ceremony commenced with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Linton Burgess. Following the spiritual blessing by Uncle Burgess, traditional rituals followed, as well as speeches by local politicians including representative of the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Louise Bloomfield; Mayor of Glenorchy, Alderman Sue Hickey; Mayor of Clarence City Council, Alderman Brendan Bromeley, and Mayor of Derwent Valley, Councillor Michelle Dracoulis. We were also delighted to have many community leaders, and good friends from all walks of life joined us.

Guests participated in the solemn and traditional rituals; female guests representing Buddha Mother Madame Maya, reenacted the sacred moment of Prince Siddhartha’s arrival into the world. Male guests, representing Buddhas of Multiple Heavens, poured holy water to bathe the body of the newborn Crown Prince. These rituals symbolise an offering of devotion and universal blessing.

As the ceremony concluded, members of the Academy brought various cultural performances as guests enjoyed each other's company as well as birthday cakes!