Bendigo (Australia) – A special delegation of three Nepali local government mayors received a grand and warm welcome at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, which is under the protection of the Greater Bendigo City. During an official ceremony, the Great Stupa and Greater Bendigo City Council honored Nepali community leader Dan Ghising with the title of ‘Peace and Goodwill Ambassador’. Likewise, the Chair of the Great Stupa, Ian Green OAM, was awarded the ‘Bridge of Peace’, symbolizing the strong Nepal–Australia friendship.

During the visit and welcome program, the Nepali delegation toured the Great Stupa premises, the Peace Park, and various cultural and religious structures.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Greater Bendigo City, the Deputy Mayor, council members, and a large number of Nepali community members. The event featured cultural exchange, special honors, and formal addresses.

Major Highlights of the Program

  ‘Bridge of Peace’ award presented to Ian Green OAM

 Special honors and gifts presented by Ian Green OAM to all three Nepali mayors

 Formal remarks by the leadership of Greater Bendigo City

 Speeches and exchange of gifts by Mayor Gajendra Maharjan, Mayor Gandaki Thapa Adhikari, and Mayor Raju Thapa

 Preliminary Agreement for Nepal–Australia MoU to Build a Buddha Memorial

 During the visit, the Nepali mayors and the Great Stupa team presented the preliminary draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct a Buddha Memorial.

According to the draft:

Nepal’s Responsibilities

 Provide necessary resources for the construction of the memorial

 Offer design, materials, cultural, and architectural guidance

 Mobilize technical experts

 Responsibilities of the Great Stupa / Greater Bendigo City

 Allocate suitable land for establishing the memorial

 Handle site preparation, permits, infrastructure, and management

 Ensure cultural sensitivity and environmental protection

This project is expected to elevate the cultural, religious, and social relations between Nepal and Australia to a new height.