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Tibet News
A p r i l - S e p t e m ber 2009 Vol 15 No 2
The Newsletter of the Tibet Information Office for Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia
ISSN 132 8 - 2 9 6 4
His Holiness the Dalai
Lama to visit Australia
and New Zealand in
December 2009
third year in a row! This is a special global citizens for our own actions, for
opportunity to deepen our connection what is happening in the world in which
with one of the great leaders of our we live and for all the other living
time and engage with His Holiness’ beings that we share our world with.
message of love, compassion, tolerance His Holiness will be appearing at public
His Holiness the Dalai and wisdom. talks in Sydney, Hobart and Melbourne
Lama returns to Australia in His Holiness is an advocate of individual and will give a two-day teaching in
December 2009 with visits to and universal responsibility - this is his Sydney, in addition to his participation
Sydney, Hobart and Melbourne message, the very basis of his teachings in several major conferences and
and those of Buddha. functions. It is an intensive and exciting
Visits by His Holiness are eagerly program that will give tens of thousands
awaited by people all over the world. Over the course of the visit, His
Holiness will present, demonstrate and of Australians the opportunity to hear
Whereever he travels, people from all His Holiness’ important message - that
walks of life, young and old, those discuss the very nature of being and
responsibility for the future of life on
with religious faith and those without, how responsibility for our future lies
earth rests with each of us. Visit www.
greet His Holiness as a truly great with each of us.
dalailamainaustralia.org for further
man of compassion and wisdom. Here The theme of His Holiness’ visit this information.
in Australia we are very blessed. His year is Our Future, Who is Responsible?
Holiness the Dalai Lama is returning It is one of helping us to become aware New Zealand
to Australia in December 2009 for the of and accept our responsibility as His Holiness will give a Public Talk
on A Peaceful Mind on 5 December
HiS HoLiNeSS tHe SAkyA and on 6 December give a teachings
triZiN DAgtri riNpocHe’S on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on
AuStrALiAN tour Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel). The
visit is organized by the Dalai Lama
Apr 24 to 13 July, 2009 Visit Trust New Zealand and further
Tibet Information Office of His Holiness the Dalai information Visit www.dalailamavisit.
Lama in Canberra and Tibetan Communities in org.nz
Australia and New Zealand welcome His Holiness
the Sakya Trizin, H. E. Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche,
H.E. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, H.E. Vajra Rinpoche
In this issue....
and entourage to Australia and New Zealand. Statement of Parliamentarians ..... 2
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin Melbourne Formation of CCTFG .. 3
• His Holiness Sakya Trizin gave the precious Lamdre teachings in Balmain Town
Hall. It was organized by Drogmi Retreat Centre under its Spiritual Teacher Unsung Heroes of Compassion ..... 4
Khenpo Ngawang Damchoe. The Lam Dre is considered the most profound of all Tibtan Communities Conference . 4
teachings in the Sakya tradition.
Thank You Australia Day ................. 5
• Sakya Dagtri Rinpoche also visited all the Sakya Centres in Australia and New
Zealand and gave numerous teachings and initiations.l Protest at Melbourne Consulate... 6
• On 11 July, Sakya Centres, Tibetan Communities in Australia offered Long Life New Australian Representative ..... 7
Puja to Sakya Dagtri Rinpoche and Dagtri Rinpoche gave Long Life Initiation to
the hundreds of Australians and Tibetans. New Presidents of the Tibetan
Communities ................................... 8
Statement by the Australian
Tibet All-party parliamentary group
for tibet on the occasion of the
News
First Australian parliamentary
Delegation to Dharamsala
Tibet News is the newsletter of the
Tibet Information Office, Canberra
Address:
8/13 Napier Close, Deakin
ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: 61-2-6285-4046
Fax: 61-2-6282-4301
E-mail: tiboff@bigpond.com
Web site: www.tibetoffice.com.au
Representative of HH the Dalai
Lama: Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha The All-Party Parliamentary Group
Secretary: Ngodup Gyaltsen Udak We, the representatives of the Australian in the Australian community who are
All-Party Parliamentary Group for unable to join us in person.
Contact the Office for copies of Tibet, offer our sincere thanks to His Australia is home to over six hundred
Tibet News. Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tibetans. This growing community
Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche, has become a cherished part of our
We welcome donations to defray
Speaker Mr. Penpa Tsering, Deputy multi-cultural landscape and we are
production costs. Speaker Mrs. Gyari Dolma, the Kashag very grateful for the contribution that
Please make cheques payable to (Tibetan Cabinet) and the Tibetan Tibetan people and their culture have
‘Tibet Information Office’. Parliament for this opportunity to visit made to Australian society.
Dharamsala and learn first hand about We support, strongly, His Holiness the
Signed articles do not necessarily
the challenges facing the Tibetan people Dalai Lama’s Middle Way proposal for
reflect the views of the Tibet today. a peacefully negotiated settlement of
Information Office. We further thank the people of McLeod the Tibetan situation and regret that the
Artwork: Griff - A Man & His Macs Ganj for their warm hospitality, and Tibet-China dialogue has so far failed
the many Tibetan non-government to bring genuine progress towards a
Editors: Griff and Atisha organizations with whom we have met mutually acceptable resolution.
for providing us with a rich insight into In this, the fiftieth year since the Tibetan
OFFICES OF TIBET Tibetan culture and the situation of
Tibetan refugees in India.
Uprising of 1959 and the Dalai Lama’s
exile, we express our deepest concern
(around the world) May we first acknowledge the and sympathy over the enduring
New Delhi, India extraordinary successes of the Tibetan situation inside Tibet, in particular
New York, USA people here in Dharamsala and in the deteriorating conditions of the last
many settlements throughout India year. Religious repression, “patriotic
Geneva, Switzerland
and overseas in building a vibrant and education” and undemocratic social-
Kathmandu, Nepal flourishing community in exile. We economic reforms, including the forced
Tokyo, Japan congratulate you on the time and effort settlement of nomads, have fanned the
London, UK you have invested in education, health flames of unrest in Tibet and brought
services, community building and the untold suffering to the Tibetan people.
Moscow, Russia
preservation of your unique culture, We express our disappointment at the
Paris, France heritage and religion. Chinese Government’s outright rejection
Pretoria, South Africa Our delegation reflects all major parties last November of the “Memorandum
Taipei, Taiwan of the Australian Parliament and is on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan
Brussels, Belgium testimony to the depth and breadth People” – a detailed proposal for
of support in Australia for a peaceful meeting the needs of the Tibetan
resolution of the Tibetan situation. people within existing provisions in the
We speak also on behalf of many Constitution of the People’s Republic
Parliamentary colleagues and friends of China. We support the memorandum
2 Tibet News April-September 2009
auSTralIa
as a basis for constructive negotiations approach to the Tibetan situation and our visit to India immensely. We will
on Tibet’s future and will continue for his calm determination. be returning to Australia with a greatly
to encourage the Chinese Government We look forward to welcoming His enriched understanding of the Tibetan
to enter into sincere and substantive Holiness back to Australia in December situation and with many new ideas for
discussions with the Dalai Lama or of this year, a visit that will coincide providing constructive support from
his representatives over the eleven with the twentieth anniversary of his Australia.
“subjects of governance” outlined in Nobel Peace Prize. The visit, which has Once again, we offer our thanks and
this important document. been given the theme “Our Future: Who appreciation for this unique opportunity
It has been an honour to meet with His Is Responsible?”, comes at a time when and will be doing our best to help
Holiness the Dalai Lama, Professor Australia and the world at large are secure a better future for Tibet.
Samdhong Rinpoche and several facing some of their greatest challenges Tashi Delek.
members of the Central Tibetan and opportunities. We look forward to ,
Mr. Michael Danby MP The Hon. Peter
Administration here in the heart of the hearing more of His Holiness’s thoughts ,
Slipper MP Senator Nick Xenophon,
Tibetan exile community. We commend on universal responsibility, peace, ,
Ms. Melissa Parke MP Senator Scott Ludlam,
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
His Holiness, with whom we had the justice and the global environment.
privilege of conversing at some length, We have been very well looked after
for his pragmatic and conciliatory here in Dharamsala and are enjoying
The Dalai lama’s Birthday unites with the formation of the
Chinese Tibetan Friendship association of Melbourne
Sunday 5th July 2009, at Bentleigh Sandup spoke first with a huge welcome
McKinnon Youth Centre. to all with an overview of the days
For Tibetans, the morning began events. He reminded us of the incredible
auspiciously, with light rain followed achievements and capacity of the Dalai
by sunshine. Appropriate too because Lama. All of these qualities are but
it was a day combining several a drop in the ocean His Holiness is
momentous events. The Birthday of truly the ocean of Wisdom, how he so
one of the most respected figures of this successfully guided the preservation of
era, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibetan culture outside Tibet, keeping it
alive and of our great fortune to be born
the launch of the Chinese Tibetan
in the same time as he. Also reminding
Friendship Association of Melbourne
us of His Holiness’s words on the
and as a huge thank you to all of the hosting this auspicious celebration and
importance of human values. Finally,
kind Australians for supporting and for its initiative to strengthen the bonds
acknowledging deep gratitude to India
making the Tibetan Community so of friendship and understanding in our
for such vital safe haven in exile.
welcome here.
The day brimmed over with exciting community.
Around three hundred people came, and colourful performances of Mr T.P. Atisha, on behalf of His Holiness
including fifteen Chinese. There were traditional song and dance by the
many local Tibetan Sangha (monks thanked all for the encouragement and
Tibetan community of all ages. The particularly to the many support groups
and nuns), and important dignitaries. costumes were vibrant and stunning.
Mr T.P. Atisha, the Representative of and all political parties in Australia who
Performances some gentle and some
HHDL in Australia, New Zealand and dedicate their time, money and effort It
wild, expressed the heart of the Tibetan
South East Asia, Ms Jenny Mikakos, people by being so natural and joyful makes a big difference for the Tibetan
and Colleen Hartland, both are the overflowing with love, honesty and people.
Honourable Upper House members happiness. A feast for the eyes, ears Then came the landmark launch of the
of Parliament, and MP For Tibet. Mr and heart. Chinese Tibetan Friendship Association
Frank Ruanje, member of the Coalition Jenny Mikakos MP, gave a warm thank of Melbourne. The stage filled with
of the Chinese Democratic Movement you for being invited and the strong the inaugural Chinese and Tibetan
in Melbourne and the Chief Editor of purpose she holds for building bridges members, all proudly receiving khatas
Chinese language newspaper Tian An and her involvement in the Parliamentary from Mr Atisha, holding raised hands in
Mien Times. Plus members of Tibetan Friends of Tibet Group. Her dedication
support groups, most prominently from dedication to the union. The hall filled
to human rights and in particular the
the Australia Tibet Council. with the loudest applause that went
Tibetan situation deeply touched the
To begin, Geshe Konchok Tsering lead hearts of the Tibetan people. on and on as each member accepted
the monks in the Long Life Prayer for Ms Mikakos also read a personal a khata. Faces beamed and hearts
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Kesang message from Victorian Premier John filled at what some may have thought
Wangmo (Secretary) and Sandup Tsering Brumby MP, where he best wishes to impossibility, yet through real respect
(Head) of the Tibetan Community of the Tibetan Community, going on to and true dialogue, the impossible
Victoria lead the proceedings. say I congratulate your community for happened. Read the rest
April-September 2009 Tibet News 3
auSTralIa/NEw zEalaND
tHuteN keSANg Eager to see him well educated,
Thuten’s parents sent him at age of
– uNSuNg HeroeS oF
eleven from his home in Lhasa Tibet, to
coMpASSioN AwArD board at Dr Graham’s Homes, a school
May 12, 2009 in Kalimpong, India. One of India’s
Thuten Kesang of New Zealand finest schools, Dr. Graham’s Homes was
received “Unsung Heroes of established in 1900 to educate, Anglo-
Compassion Award” on 26 April 2009 Indian children, and Thuten was one
in California, USA, the award which of the few Tibetan children enrolled.
has been presented to 49 individuals Four years later, however, he learned
from 13 countries by His Holiness the that his parents had been arrested in
Dalai Lama. the 1959 Chinese occupation of Tibet
and that he had become a refugee. Unsung Heroes of Compassion - Thuten Kesang
Mr. Thuten Kesang is the first Tibetan to
arrive and settled in New Zealand in With no money to pay tuition and
1967. Since then he is passionate about no family to return home to, Thuten’s
“That precise moment,” Thuten says,
helping his fellow Tibetan refugees. For prospect looked dire. Then, one day,
“I decided that I would do my best to
him, in fact, it is a moral imperative. he met Robert Crow, a Scottish board
Equally important, however, is that member of Dr. Graham’s Homes who repay his kindness by helping others in
aiding others is his way of returning a lived in India and offered to pay need when I was in a position to do
stranger’s long-ago kindness. Thuten’s tuition and boarding fees. so.” Read the rest »
SyDNey tiBetAN preSeNteD witH AwArD By DALAi LAMA
May 8, 2009 Unsung Hero Tibetan community and to promote
of Compassion -
on 26 April in california His Dorjee Dadul
Tibetan culture to the wider Australian
Holiness the Dalai Lama presented as representatives community. Dorjee teaches Tibetan
49 individuals from 13 countries with of the tens of language, culture and customs to young
an “unsung Hero of compassion” thousands of people Tibetans as well as running Tibetan
award. Dorjee Dadul, a long-term worldwide who language classes for Australians.
resident of Sydney’s Northern quietly serve the The Unsung Hero of Compassion award
Beaches, was among the recipients. disenfranchised and was also presented to Thuten Kesang,
Dorjee has been recognised twice by work to improve our President of the New Zealand Tibetan
the Australian Government for his communities through their personal community. Thuten recently spent his
contribution to the Sydney’s Tibetan efforts,” said Dick Grace, Chair of
Easter break in Dee Why on Sydney’s
community and to the broader Wisdom in Action, who hosted the
Northern Beaches, at the fourth annual
Australian community: In 2007 he was celebration. “We don’t see them or hear
named Warringah Council’s Citizen of about them in the daily news, but they gathering of Tibetans from Australia
the Year. Also that year he received exemplify a humanism and heroism to and New Zealand.
the Most Commended Volunteer Award which we must each aspire.” The other recipients, 25 women and
from the New South Wales Community Among other things, Dorjee has worked 24 men, ranged in age from 12 to 77
Relations Commission. tirelessly both to preserve Tibetan and came from a variety of ethnicities,
“These individuals have been selected culture within Australia’s exiled cultures and religious backgrounds.
Tibetan Communities in New Zealand and Australia
Conclude 4th Tibetan Conference
Apr 23, 2009 formal letter of condemnation signed was held to secure reversal of sentences
canberra: The Tibetan communities by presidents of the various regional and for well being of those who are still
based in Australia and New Zealand Tibetan communities of Australia and suffering repression in Tibet.
New Zealand was sent to the Chinese The conference witnessed the gathering
held their fourth Tibetan conference at
Embassy in Australia. A press release of around 300 Tibetans residing across
Dee Why, Sydney, from 11 – 13 April,
was also sent out urging in particular the continent of Australia and New
as a part of an event to commemorate
the Government of Australia and New Zealand. As part of the agenda, the
50 years in exile. Zealand to “condemn the Chinese presidents of Tibetan communities read
The conference also called for urgent authorities for the gross human rights out their annual reports and discussed
action towards repealing of death violations” in Tibet and to demand for the agenda.
sentences meted out to four Tibetans a free and fair trail to all those who are On the second day of conference, a
by a Chinese court in Tibet’s capital detained in Tibet. special reception called “THANK YOU
Lhasa, for their alleged involvement A special prayer led by Tibetan monks AUSTRALIA” was held to honour all
in the protests in March 2008. A and members of Tibetan communities Tibet Support Groups including the
4 Tibet News April-September 2009
auSTralIa/NEw zEalaND
Australian chapter of the International white wrist band) as an appreciation for A separate gathering of Tibetan youths
Commission of Jurist, the body that their untiring support towards Tibetans was held with the aim to allow them
raised pioneering legal voice to the and Tibet cause. A group of Tibetan to brainstorm ways to preserve and
plight of the Tibetans in the early days primary schoolchildren dressed in promote Tibetan language and culture.
of exile in 1959 and onwards. The other traditional Tibetan costumes sang both They also discussed about networking
Tibet support groups and dignitaries the Tibetan and Australian national among Tibetan youth worldwide and
present were Tibet Friendship Group, anthem. also with Chinese and Australian youth
Australian Tibetan Society, Australian The Representative of His Holiness the studying at their schools, colleges, and
Tibet Council, Han-Tibetan Association, Dalai Lama in Canberra, Mr. Tenzin P universities to educate them on Tibet’s
Freedom 4 Tibet, Mr. Bread Hazzard, Atisha, in his opening speech thanked issue.
MP and Dr. Christena Kirshch, council the government and people of Australia On a whole, the three days conference
from Warringah and some members and the Tibet support groups including was a great success and an interactive
from the local government. The All Party Parliamentary Group for one. The president of Tibetan
delegates were offered with Khatak- Tibet for their significant contribution community in Australia, New South
(Tibetan traditional scarf) and a book towards Tibetan community in exile Wales, Mr. Tenzin Gaden and his team
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along and for raising Tibet’s issue not only in did an excellent job in arranging this
with Rangtsen Thakpa (knitted black & Australia but also internationally. conference.
His Holiness 74th Birthday celebration thank you Australia in canberra
Tibet Information Office, Canberra Australia. Mr. Sherab Dorjee shared Communities of New South Wales read
and Tibetan Communities in Canberra with everyone his early experiences in out the vote of thanks. Guests were
celebrated the 74th birthday of His Australia. then invited for dinner, which included
Holiness the Dalai Lama on 3rd July As the program unfolds, the Tibetan popular Tibetan momo. After dinner as
2009. A special thank you reception was Communities of Australia, New South the guests started to depart, Tibetans
also held on this occasion to express Wales and Canberra presented the stayed back little longer enjoying
sincere gratitude and appreciation guests with Tibetan Cultural dances Tibetan dances (Gorshey) and other
to Tibet Support Groups and other and songs. Mr. Tenzin Gaden, President dances and songs.
Australian friends for their continuous of Tibetan communities of Australia, A joint effort from Tibetans Communities
support towards Tibetan cause. Around New South Wales along with around of Canberra with support from Tibetan
75 Australian guests from different 30 Tibetans travelled from Sydney Information office and participants
walks of life such as Australian friends especially to perform and participate from Sydney brought together a great
for Tibet, Diplomats, and Sponsors, in this celebration. Furthermore, one celebration of 74th Birthday of His
joined this celebration, which was also of the other show- stealing Cultural Holiness the Dalai Lama. A special
graced by the kind presence of our Chief performances was from Mr. Tenzin thanks to Mrs. Tsering Deki, President
Guest, Honourable Shane Rattenbury, Choegyal, a Tibetan singer and also of Tibetan Communities of Canberra,
Speaker of ACT legislative Assembly. the President of Tibetan Communities Mr. Tenzin Gaden, President of
Mr.Tenzin P Atisha, Representative of in Brisbane, who enchanted the guests Tibetan Communities of NSW and Mr.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, with his melodious musical and songs Tenzin Choegyal, President of Tibetan
in his welcome speech appreciated and performances. Communities of Brisbane for their
thanked all the guests for participating Whilst the guests were enjoying Tibetan support and help.
with Tibetans in celebration of HHDL’s Cultural performances, the local Tibetan The Guest were presented with Tibetan
birthday and for their support. This Communities of Canberra were busy in National Flag button, Rangtsen Thakpa
was followed by speeches from other kitchen getting dinner ready. (knitted black & white wrist band) as an
guests including Mr. Sherab Dorjee, As the program concluded, Mr. appreciation for their untiring support
the first Tibetan to come and settle in Tenzin Gaden, President of Tibetan towards Tibetans and Tibet cause.
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary
of Tibetan People’s Uprising and Thank
You Australia Day
Apr 22, 2009 gratitude for the kindness and support
On 12 April, a large gathering of of the many Australians who have come
Tibetans and Australian supporters met forward to assist in so many ways. The
in Dee Why to commemorate the 50th meeting ended on a happier note with
Anniversary of the Tibetan People’s a much applauded display of Tibetan
Uprising. It was an emotional occasion song and dance performed by local
with the audience remembering the Tibetans. Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha, Representative of
ongoing struggle of Tibet and expressing Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha, Representative His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia
April-September 2009 Tibet News 5
auSTralIa & NEw zEalaND
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in in Tibet through its publications. Later, in promoting Universal Human Values
Australia, made the following Thank the gradual establishment of Tibet and Inter-Religious Harmony.
You speech: Support Groups across Australia since The Tibetan people and His Holiness
On behalf of His Holiness the Dalai 1975 not only helped poor and needy the Dalai Lama will remain ever
Lama and Tibetan Government in-exile, Tibetan refugees in exile in India and
grateful and indebted to the great
I take this opportunity, on the occasion Nepal, but also ensured the Tibet issue
people of Australia. Your presence
of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the received wider international attention
and awareness. here tonight shows your generous and
Tibetan People’s Uprising, to express
my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Tibet Information Office was formally compassionate support.
people and Government of Australia established in Canberra in the early Before I conclude, I once again
and especially to all the supporters of 1990s and in the late 1990s a Special would like to extend my Thank You
Tibet. Humanitarian Program was started by to the Government of Australia, its
I sincerely appreciate the great the Australian Government. I believe people, the All Party Parliamentary
contribution made by Australians these actions represent a Statement of Group for Tibet and all the founding
to the Tibetan Community in exile, Justice, Care and above all Universal members and present members of the
towards promoting and preserving Responsibility by one fellow human International Commission of Jurists,
Tibetan culture and in highlighting and being to another.
Australian branch, and Tibet Support
educating the just cause of Tibet – not In a democratic country, people’s voices Groups: Australian Tibet Council,
only to the Australian public, but also have great impact and your voice will
Tibet Friendship Group, Tibet Support
to the international community through certainly make a big difference. As we
various peaceful campaigns. Group in South Australia, Dalai Lama
speak here, Tibet is under undeclared
During 1959 and 1960, the International Martial Law. Therefore, I urge you to in Australia in Australia Ltd, Australian
Commission of Jurists, Australian continue your concern and support for Women’s Association and Tibetan
section played a prominent and vital role the just and peaceful struggle of the Action Group in Western Australia,
in establishing the status of Tibet and Tibetan people through the Middle Way Tibet Welfare Group and Tibet Action
highlighting human rights violations Policy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Group in Canberra.
Tibetans Protest at the Chinese
Consulate, Melbourne Australia
Mar 28, 2009
There was a strong gathering of
Tibetan and Tibet Supporters outside
the Chinese Consulate today. The
weather was beautiful and hearts were
strong, as united voices came together
in outcry against the appalling behavior
of the Chinese government, who have
made March 28th ‘Serf Emancipation
Day’.Thus forcing Tibetans in Tibet to
celebrate the a day for the loss of their
leader, the loss of their freedom, the
loss of their culture.
Sandup Tsering, president of the
Tibetan community in Victoria lead
the protest with a very meaningful
description of the situation, which has
been a very consistent Tibetan point of
view. “This is provocative and an insult
to the Tibetan people past, present
and future, because this sets a law on Tibetans Protest at the Chinese Consulate on 28th March in Melbourne Australia
Tibetans to do something against our
will and conscience. How could we attempt to rewrite Tibet’s history, the Federal Police. The event was covered by
celebrate the death of our people and reality is the complete opposite.’ SBS and the international organization
our nation? That is why we are here It was a very peaceful but well NTDTV, who are apparently able to
today, to condemn it!’ Sandup went represented protest, overseen by the broadcast uncensored into China.
on to explain ‘this is a blatant lie, an friendly and cooperative Victorian and Prayers lead the occasion and other
6 Tibet News April-September 2009
auSTralIa & NEw zEalaND
speakers included Tenzin Tsethar of the and justice for their people. pain of knowing that there is a long
Tibetan Youth Group. The leafy South At the closure, Sandup thanked and trecherous road a head, perhaps
Yarra suburb where the consulate lies, everyone, including the police for
also rang with the cries ‘We will never their respect and restraint. The Tibetan for generations, until the culture known
give up, China is lying – Tibetans are community of Melbourne then, quietly throughout the world for kindness and
dying, Genuine dialogue – no more and carefully collected all their things
killing’. Plees to the Chinese consulate, love is able to bloosom again in their
and left the usually quiet street as they
just a few metres away for some fairness found it. But with them, they took the land of Tibet.
NEw rEPrESENTaTIVE OF HIS HOlINESS THE DalaI laMa TO
auSTralIa, NEw zEalaND & SOuTH EaST aSIa
Mr. Sonam Norbu Dagpo, Secretary appointed as one of the member of
(international relations) in the the Tibetan Election Commission for
Department of information and the election of the 11th Assembly of
international relations, begins his new Tibetan People’s Deputies. Between
posting as Australian representative 1997 and 1998 he was Secretary of the
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
october 2009. He is replacing Mr. in New Delhi.
tenzin phuntsok Atisha, who has Sonam Dagpo has been a member of
held the post since 2003. the Task Force for Negotiations with
Sonam Dagpo was born in Dagpo region the People’s Republic of China. He
of U-Tsang (Central Tibet) in 1956 and has been a member of His Holiness the
escaped to India in 1962. He attended Dalai Lama’s delegation to China from
the Central Tibetan School in Darjeeling 2002 to 2008.
Sonam Dagpo, our new representative
before completing both a Bachelor and In addition to his many posts within
Masters degree in History at Delhi 1983 to 1986. Sonam Dagpo also taught the Central Tibetan Administration,
University. Sonam Dagpo also holds at the SFF School in Herbertpur from Sonam Dagpo has been a member of
a Bachelor of Education from Jamia 1980 to 1983. the organizing committees of all five
Millia Islamia University in New Delhi Sonam Dagpo’s first role within the International Tibet Support Group
and a Master of Public Administration Central Tibetan Administration was Conferences (Dharamsala, Bonn,
from the John F. Kennedy School of as a research officer in the Research Berlin, Prague and Brussels), and a
Government at Harvard University. and Analysis Section of the Bureau of member of the organizing committees
Prior to joining the Central Tibetan His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New of the International Year of Tibet and
Administration in 1987, Sonam Dagpo Delhi. He has since worked within the the Celebration of His Holiness the
was an active member of the Tibetan Kashag (Cabinet) Secretariat and held a Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Youth Congress (TYC), serving as number of roles within the Department Sonam Dagpo has also attended many
executive member and President of of Information and International international and national conferences
Regional TYC, Delhi from 1975 to Relations, including Head of the India on Tibet and is a founding member of
1978. He was elected as member of the and China Desk, Additional Secretary the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights
Central Executive Committe of TYC and, since 2004, Secretary (International and Democracy and the Tibetan Young
from 1981 to 1983 and President from Relations). In 1991 Sonam Dagpo was Buddhist Association.
New Staff Member at TIO
Mrs. Dadon has joined the Tibet Information Office from Ist October 2009 as China
Desk Staff. She will try provide information on Tibet and Tibetans to the Chinese
speaking communities in Australia and New Zealand. Mrs. Dadon was educated
in Tibet and later at Taiwan. She has worked as news reporter in the Office of Voice
of Tibet Norway, based in Dharamsala, for the last almost 8 years till her migration
to Australia in the year 2008.
We wish her every success in her new assignment..
Mrs Dadon, China Desk Staff
April-September 2009 Tibet News 7
auSTralIa & NEw zEalaND
New tiBetAN coMMuNity ASSociAtioN’S executive MeMBerS iN New
SoutH wALeS, victoriA AND AuStrALiAN cApitAL territory
Sydney
President - Mr. Jigme Dorjee
Secretary - Mr.Mingmar Tsering
Secretary - Mr. Tenpa Dugdak
Cultural Officer - Mr. Dorjee Damdul
Mr. Luesang
Treasurer - Mr. Jamphel Tseten
Mr. Kalsang Tipnak
Public Relations - Mrs. Dadon
Mr. Loden?
Melbourne
President - Mr. Sandup Tsering
Vice President - Mrs. Kelsang Wangmo President of Sydney Branch -Mr. Jigme Dorjee President of Melbourne Branch -Mr. Sandup Tsering
Treasurer - Mr. Phuntsok Gyaltsen
Public Relations & Welfare -
Mrs. Choni
Youth & Culture Co-ordinator
Canberra
President - Mr Tenzin Lhadhar
Vice-president - Miss Lhamo Tenzin
Secretary - Mr Tsewang Thupten
Treasurer - Mr Kunsang Dorjee
Cultural Officer - Mrs Tsering Choden
Brisbane
President - Mr. Tenzin Choegyal
Treasurer - Mrs. Tseten Dolkar
Secretary - Mrs. Kalsang Tsomo President of Canberra Branch -Mr. Tenzin Lhadar President of Brisbane Branch -Mr. Tenzin Choegyal
PR - Mr. Tsering Wangchuk
Tibet News POSTaGE
Newsletter of the Tibet Information Office, Canberra PrINT
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8 Tibet News April-September 2009
