News
7 July 2025
On 7 July 2025, Minister Stitt was warmly welcomed by Mr Vinh Loi Ly, President of the Bright Moon Buddhist Society and Venerable Abbot Shi Miao Jing. Prior to meeting the community, she was given an outside tour of the Temple including the site where the Temple once stood before the devastating fire on 5 February 2023. Minister Stitt was also guided to the lower ground floor of the Temple where it was recently designed to be set up for worship with newly installed Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. During the visit, Minister Stitt made an important announcement of the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund for the Construction of a traditional Chinese temple wall and gate at the Bright Moon Temple. Minister Stitt announced that the Victorian Government is proud to fund this important project, in partnership with Chinese community organisations, to build and upgrade their community infrastructure. This Victorian Government program, including the rebuilding of the Temple’s fence, helps communities celebrate and share their history and traditions and build diverse connections to foster a more inclusive society. After a comprehensive assessment by the Multicultural Affairs within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, a grant of $333,333 has been awarded to the Bright Moon Buddhist Society from this program. A cultural performance was staged to honour Minister Stitt’s visit, and she has expressed that she and all MPs enjoyed the reception and cultural performances arranged by the Bright Moon Buddhist Society. We are grateful to Minister Stitt for taking her time to visit the Bright Moon Temple to personally make the announcement of the grant. We would also like to extend our thanks to Mr Meng Heang Tak (MP Clarinda), Ms Eden Foster (MP Mulgrave), all MPs and invited guests for their support at this event. Speakers on that day: - Minister Ingrid Stitt - Multicultral Affairs - Mr Vinh Loi Ly - President, Bright Moon Buddhist Society - Mr Meng Heang Tak - MP Clarinda - Mrs MH Ho - Special Adviser, Bright Moon Buddhist Society - Mr Arthur Wu - President, Melbourne Chinese Masonic Society We would like to give special thanks to: - Ms Penny Lam (MC) for organising the performances and facilitating the event; - The Bian Lian artiste who intrigued Minister Stitt and the audience with her face-changing theatrics; - The Australian Jiangmen General Commercial Association Song and Dance troupe who introduced a 12-year old violinist who made a debut for the Minister and two dance troupes who delighted the Minister and guests with their entertaining performances; - And, most of all, to the wonderful volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to make this event a resounding success.
