NOVEMBER 2008

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the November issue of Dalai Lama in Australia's monthly newsletter.

At the time of this newsletter being sent, over 500 Tibetans living in exile around the world have just completed a six day 'special meeting' called by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala India. Back in September of this year, His Holiness asked the speaker and deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament and the Kashag, to convene an emergency general meeting to discuss the fundamental issues of Tibet.

For His Holiness comments and the outcomes of this important meeting on Tibet's future, visit: www.phayul.com/news

2009 Visit office comes to life

Dalai Lama in Australia has moved into new office space in Sydney in readiness for what will be a busy 12 months preparing for His Holiness's December 2009 visit to Australia and New Zealand.

The office space located in Paddington, was made possible by a generous benefactor to the organization and we would like to express our sincere thanks to them for their on going and generous support to Dalai Lama in Australia, His Holiness and his visits to Australia.

2009 Visit staff needed

As we really get underway with the organizing of next years visit, we are looking for some key people to assist us.

In the first instance, we are seeking an experienced Administrator to run our office, oversee a number of key areas relating to the visit and manage office staff and volunteers. You will be the glue that holds the organization together and have experience working in an ever changing environment.

We also need a Receptionist/Admin Assistant who can communicate well and handle the majority of our incoming calls by assisting potential attendees with ticket sales and information.

Working closely with the General Manager, our Event/Logistics Coordinator will play a critical role in managing all events across the three cities His Holiness will visit in Australia. This is a senior position and would suit someone with extensive event management experience.

These positions attract modest salaries and are Sydney based. For details and to make an application, please see our website. If you are keen to be involved and consider yourself a good fit for any of the roles and our organization, please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Volunteering for His Holiness's 2009 Visit

The importance of volunteers for His Holiness's visit to Australia cannot be over estimated. The very success of the visit relies on the enthusiasm, assistance and expertise of volunteers and other key consultants.

His Holiness will be visiting three Australian capital cities in December 2009. Giving a public talk in each city means we will have audiences of up to 10,000 people at each one - a lot of attendees to manage and assist. So our search for those wishing to assist us with this task has already begun.

All our volunteers are given training appropriate to their allocated volunteer role and venue and will receive an official visit T-Shirt as part of their uniform. Training sessions in each capital city will be scheduled for all volunteers prior to the visit.

If you are interested in volunteering for next years visit, please visit our website and complete our online registration form, under 'Support Dalai Lama in Australia'. We thank you in advance.

50 Years in TIBET Festival In late January 2009, Brisbane will come alive with 50 Years in TIBET, a three-day festival which will engage the senses in a celebration of the unique music and sacred arts of Tibet. An exhibition of Tibetan Thangka paintings will transform Brisbane's Powerhouse Museum's Turbine Platform into a sacred space of stunning buddhas, bodhisattvas and deities. Workshops will offer participation in Tibetan Singing, Healing Sounds and the Art of Sand Mandala. A Discussion Panel will allow a stimulating exchange on the current situation in Tibet and Ven Geshe Tashi Tsering will give a public talk on Compassionate Mind: Path to Happiness.

There will also be beautiful concerts featuring Tenzin Choegyal with the Camerata of St Johns, Trikaya and a very special performance of '...in the between', Meditations and Illuminations on the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead'

'...in the between' brings together four of Australia's finest multi-cultural collaborators in a highly original interpretation of 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead'. Using selected readings combined with musical meditations and sound illuminations, this theatrical and musical experience provides an insight into how we can prepare for the mind's release from the body and the experiences of 'the between'.

Visit www.brisbanepowerhouse.org for more information and tickets to this engaging and uplifting festival.

Now Released - A family's heart warming story - "Our Tibet" Although sometimes horrific beyond belief, this is a story of hope which is heartfelt, uplifting and moving to read. Visit www.ourtibet.com.au and get your copy of this very personal and moving story.

2009 Visit Schedule

Don't forget to put these dates in your diary for next year.

Times and venues to be announced early 2009 - stay tuned.

Gyuto Monks On Sydney's Bondi Beach

The Gyuto Monks will be in residence at the Bondi Beach Pavilion daily from Thursday 4th December to Sunday 14th December with a full program offering something for everyone's enjoyment. Visit www.gyuto.va.com.au for a full program of events.

And if your having trouble finding that perfect gift for someone this Christmas, visit www.endlessevent.com and grab a past Dalai Lama in Australia visit memento.

Many blessings until next time.

Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd
Board of Directors and General Manager, Lynn Bain