Crisis Meeting in August, significant reductions in our expenditure, new office coordinator, fundraising group, October retreat, Buddha's Bowl, Newsletter changes ...

First, I would like to thank each and every student who came forward in response to the Crisis Meeting in August. The atmosphere was unanimously helpful. There is inspiring momentum at the centre with new volunteers joining forces with existing ones.

Since the community meeting we have made significant reductions in our expenditure and are in the process of planning a fund-raising campaign.

I would like to pay tribute to the people who quietly work behind the scenes; in particular, to our SPC, Lyndy Abram. She has not only had to cope with the loss of Jamyang from the teaching program, but also has to plan and implement the coming term’s teachings.

Thanks also go to Geshe-la’s attendant, Anthony Sweeney, who, with the assistance of student Annette Beltrame, has ensured that Geshe Pema Tsering is about to receive a special benefit from Centrelink. This will be helpful in ensuring that we are able to adequately support Geshe-la for as long as he wishes to remain in Adelaide and teach us Dharma. We cannot sufficiently show our gratitude and devotion to Gesh-la and his loyal attendant.

There has been a reduction in wage expenditure as Helen Manos has offered to volunteer as office coordinator, replacing Nadyne who has left to pursue her artistic career. Thank you Nadyne for all your work. Our existing dedicated office staff of Hilary, Henry, Malgosia, Katrin, Judy and Sue are now working with Helen and two new volunteers, Diwa and Benita, have joined the office. Unfortunately as much as we would love to reward our office people it is not financially possible. So, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all the volunteers who so willingly give up their time for our centre.

The fundraising group is in the process of dynamically drafting an ongoing plan to bring down the debt. Particular thanks go to Kimball, Will, Deb, Gisela, Daniel, Katrin and Martin who have been working on the project. When finalised a fund-raising letter will shortly be sent out to friends of the centre appealing for your support.

Chrys Dombroyannis successfully organized a much needed sweet retreat with Geshe Pema Tsering over the October long weekend, enabling some newer people their first retreat experience in a serene monastic environment.

A hardworking committee headed by Lisa and Jane set up Buddha’s Café to sell chai and cake at the Moon Lantern Festival. The chai was so good that customers drank every last drop. Thanks enormously to the talented chai makers. Plans are already underway for Buddha’s Bowl at the new 4-day event of Womadelaide in March 2010. The menu has been streamlined so we can focus on our renowned vegetable curry dish.

I have applied for 2 volunteer grants, both local and federal, to assist in increasing our volunteer skill base and equipment, and should know the result within several weeks.

A new enthusiastic team has formed to ensure the ongoing success of the quarterly newsletter. Sarah Goh will do the all important layout of the newsletter, to relieve Anthony Hall who came to the rescue (once again) this year. Lyndy, Helen and Becky all have roles in the production. Thank you to Sarah and also a huge thank you to the ever-faithful and brilliant Anthony Hall who is responsible for the website. We encourage relevant articles be sent to Helen Manos by email - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Finally, I must thank each one of you for being part of our team. Supporting each other and dedicating the work done to our Spiritual Director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, we can only go forward in keeping Buddha House open for generations to come.

George Manos
Acting Director