The above event was held on Saturday the 30th of November 2002.
The aim of the day was to promote peace and harmony in multicultural communities.
Fairfield was chosen because of its multicultural population and because Cabramatta, which is part of Fairfield City, was the first Falun Dafa practice site in Australia.
During the day, many activities were held, including, Falun Dafa exercise demonstrations, singing and dancing displays, calligraphy and information displays.
A signature collection was also started on the day to support the erection of a marble monument bearing the words Truth-Compassion-Tolerance in 27 different languages, at Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta.
The former Mayor of Fairfield city, Robert Watkins gave the opening speech for the day (excerp):
Thank you every body. I am very happy to be able to join this activity today.
In 2001, when I was the Mayor of Fairfield City, I was luckily the first one to support Falun Dafa in this area. I am also proud that Fairfield City had the first Falun Dafa practice site in Australia. As a multicultural city, we have people from about 130 different nationalities living here.
The world we live in is changing rapidly. People are concerned about terrorists; the whole world is re-examining itself. We celebrate that we have a society with splendid multicultural and religious beliefs, and that Falun Dafa is undoubtedly a most peaceful practice among them. The principles of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance’ that they are spreading, are for all of us to learn. It is just what we need when we are confused and anxious. We should really treat all people around us with Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.
In Fairfield city, we have many monuments. Today, we introduce the benefits of Falun Dafa to the people of Fairfield City,and we would also like your support to collect the signatures necessary to erect the monument engraved ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance’ in 27 languages in Cabramatta. I support you (completely). I suggest that you could erect your own monument in the centre of Cabramatta. I wish you complete success. I also wish you success in the signature collection today. I have just said, in such a critical time around the world, our Fairfield city should set an example to Australia, even to the world, to display our kindness and tolerance to different culture and spiritual beliefs.
I hope you keep up your hard work. The present Mayor, Nick Lalich is in hospital today. He asked me to bring his support and greetings to all of you. He is sorry for not being able to present this activity. He hopes that you collect enough signatures, to be able to erect this ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance’ monument.
I know that you are under persecution. I also know that China is using its consulate here to interfere with you. I remembered that in 2001, I received a letter from the Chinese consulate, saying that I got it wrong about Falun Dafa. I do not think so. That letter went to the place where it belongs, — the rubbish bin. I hope you ignore those tricks from the Chinese consulate. I support your beliefs. Because I know that your beliefs will bring a good future to our city and to Australia.
I wish you great success. I am looking forward to participate in the celebrations on erecting the Monument of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance’ in the Freedom Plaza of Cabramatta. Thank you.
Posting date: 8/Dec/2002
Original article date: 7/Dec/2002
Category: Events
