The Life News Agency
October 23, 2023

The annual NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, hosted by the Centre for Volunteering and now in its seventeenth year, is one of Australia’s premier volunteer celebrations, recognising both excellence and commitment of volunteers in various fields. Between August and October 2023, a number of BLIA Sydney members, including Connie Zhao, Michael Tan, Florence Yuen, Melody Wu and Lisa Teng, were nominated and received their awards at various locations in the state, including Oatlands, Burwood, and Hornsby.

On August 31st, Melody Wu received her certificate from Mrs. Melissa McIntosh, Member of Parliament in St Marys, regional Western Sydney. Melody takes care of the membership affairs in BLIA and utilizes her experience and knowledge in the IT field to contribute to the support of Buddhist activities. She humbly calls herself a beginner on the Buddhist path expresses gratitude for the nomination. She aims to continue to improve herself and to serve others.

Melody Wu fron BLIA Sydney West 2 Subchapter receiving a Volunteers Award certificate from Mrs. Melissa McIntosh, Member of Parliament for Lindsay on August 31, 2023 in St Marys, Western Sydney. photo／The Life News Agency

Connie Zhao, a BLIA Scouts leader and a Dharma class teacher at Nan Tian Chinese School of Sydney, was also awarded. While accompanying her child at scouting activities, she was surprised to learn that all the scout leaders are volunteers. As she became a leader herself, she gradually realized the importance of volunteering with a sincere resolve. She said that she has learnt a lot and gained a lot of happiness from volunteering.

On September 12th, Michael Tan attended the awards ceremony in Burwood, where more than 210 people from over 30 organizations gathered. Lord Mayor John Faker expressed his appreciation to the volunteers and emphasized that volunteering is not a difficult task. He hoped that more people will get involved in these meaningful activities. Michael got to know the BLIA while participating in a short-term monastic retreat at Nan Tien Temple. Encouraged by the Venerable, he readily accepted the role of president of the Sydney West 1 subchapter. He continues to offer his service in a range of roles including IT, dharma services and logistics to build positive affinity with the community.

The awards ceremony for the upper North Shore was held in Hornsby on October 9th. BLIA members Caroline Ong, Tina Swindail, Florence Yuen, and Zhu Mei Li, received their awards on that day. Caroline, Tina and Mei Li have been volunteering for over 20 years, providing long-term service to the BLIA and Nan Tien Temple. They have participated actively in Clean Up Australia Day, Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festivals and the Willoughby City Council's Spring Carnival. For Florence Yuen, her recent focus was on "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" and "United Nations Sustainable Development Goals". She has worked hard in community networking for BLIA Sydney and contributed towards bridging Buddhism with the local multicultural community.

Florence Yuen, Vice President of BLIA Sydney West 1 Subchapter receiving a Volunteers Award certificate from Mr Alister Henskens. photo／The Life News Agency

Many of this year’s nominated BLIA members have full-time jobs and use their spare time to serve the society. They embody the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, who emphasized in "Bodhisattvas and Volunteers" that one can serve others with a sincere heart without waiting for retirement and should aspire to be active Bodhisattvas, creating positive affinities with sentient beings in the world.

All the volunteers sincerely thanked Fo Guang Shan and BLIA for providing a platform to serve the public and to realize the value and meaning of life. They also vow to continue their efforts and encourage more members to join the ranks of volunteers, working together to create a harmonious and inclusive society.

BLIA Sydney members attending the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Ceremony in Hornsby. photo／The Life News Agency