Wollongong Dharma Collective
Tibet & Tibetan Buddhism Archive
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| Ariane Lewis 1980-2007 |
The Wollongong Dharma Collective was formed at the beginning of 2005 by Ariane Lewis (1980-2007). Its aim was to assist with the promotion of issues and cultural events pertaining to Tibet and the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. The Collective initially engaged in a number of activities focused around the 2006 Wollongong Tibetfest, and leading up to the death of Ms. Lewis in 2007. Following this, individual members continued to support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Free Tibet movement. Ariane Lewis was a deeply spiritual individual who devoted much of her short life to promotion of the Dharma and social justice issues, especially in her home town of Wollongong, Australia. The ongoing work of the Wollongong Dharma Collective, and this online archived collection, is dedicated to her memory.
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| His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama |
Wollongong Tibetfest 2006
The 2006 Australian Year of Tibet was celebrated in Wollongong during February with the staging of the two-week long Tibetfest06. It was organised by the Wollongong Dharma Collective and presented a number of events, including the creation of a sand mandala by monks from the Namgyal Monastery, India; an exhibition of artworks by Tibetan-Australian artist Karma Phuntsok at Project Contemporary Art Space, Wollongong; the Seven Paths to Tibet photograph exhibition at The Old Courthouse in Belmore Basin; music and dance performance by Tenzin Choegyal and the Namygal Monks; a public teaching by Professor Samdhong Rinpoche; and meditations. The event was recorded on video by the late Kathy Cox. Her work is presented here:
Tibetfest06 was a great success in raising awareness within the Illawarra region, and beyond, of the various political, cultural and spiritual issues concerning Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. It also highlighted the deep connections formed amongst Australians with Tibetan refugees and various support networks therein.
* Smith's Hill High Rock Eisteddfod - Tibet: Roof of the World 2006-7
One of the most positive outcomes of Tibetfest06 was the inspiration and practical assistance it provided Smith's Hill High School, Wollongong, in their staging of the 'Tibet - the Roof of the World' Rock Eisteddfod performance during July-September 2006. The 8 minute long music and dance performance, involving more that 100 students, was presented at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre before a crowd of some 5,000 people and also at the Sydney Entertainment Centre before an audience of 9,000+.
During October the school was announced as 2nd place winners in the national competition - a wonderful result for this brave and moving performance.
During a visit to Australia the following year, His Holiness the Dalai Lama asked to meet with the students who took part in the performance, and their teachers. They made the trek to Sydney in full dress costume and had a meeting with His Holiness at his Sydney hotel. It was a truly moving experience.
Smith's Hill High School students audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sydney, 2007. Duration: 23.33.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the ongoing campaign to Free Tibet and join the Wollongong Dharma Collective, we are interested in hearing from you. For further information please contact Michael Organ email: hokusai22@outlook.com or mobile 0468 548 709.
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Tibet & Tibetan Buddhism Archive
Page last updated: 23 August 2017
Michael Organ, Australia
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