Divine Shiv Katha by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Enlightens Devotees in Sunnybank

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), under the divine grace of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji (Founder & Head, DJJS), organized Bhagwan Shiv Katha from 21st to 25th February 2026 in Sunnybank, Queensland, Australia. This five-day sacred Katha witnessed the presence of devotees and seekers from across the region, who gathered to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and immerse themselves in the divine knowledge of the holy scriptures.

Melodious devotional bhajans presented by the disciples of Gurudev filled the Katha venue with waves of devotion, creating a spiritual ambience that inspired listeners to absorb the profound teachings of the discourse.

The Katha was eloquently and soulfully narrated by Dr. Sarveshwar Ji (disciple of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji). He beautifully presented the divine stories from the Shiv Mahapuran. Through Sanskrit shlokas, scriptural references, and engaging anecdotes, he unveiled the deeper spiritual meanings embedded in the life and symbols of Lord Shiva. In his discourses, he connected the teachings of ancient scriptures with the realities of modern life, highlighting their timeless relevance.

Presenting profound truths in a simple and graceful manner, Dr. Sarveshwar Ji explained the essence of devotion, self-realization, and inner transformation. He emphasized the importance of inner purification through bhakti and meditation. Explaining the symbolic significance of Lord Shiva’s form, he stated that Mahadev’s meditative posture represents inner stillness, while the third eye signifies awakened spiritual consciousness that destroys ignorance and illusion.

FASCA BNE Promotes Cultural Exchange at Lunar New Year Celebration

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the FASCA BNE Chapter actively participated in the
“Lunar New Year Rooftop Party and Fireworks Show” held on the evening of 28 February 2026 at Sunnybank Plaza in Brisbane’s southside. The event brought together nearly a thousand community members from diverse cultural backgrounds to welcome the Year of the Horse in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Distinguished guests included Director Hsu Chun-Yung(Jone Hsu) of the Queensland Taiwan Centre, advisors Ms. Yang Shu-Chu(Susan Yang) and Mr. Lin Chi-Ping(Edward Lin), along with approximately 50 FASCA members and their families, who joined the celebration alongside the broader community.

The origami workshop under the guidance of advisors, students demonstrated and assisted visitors in creating origami figures representing the twelve zodiac animals. Through engaging, hands-on activities, participants of all ages and cultural backgrounds experienced the beauty of traditional origami art while learning about the symbolic meanings of the zodiac in Taiwanese culture, representing good fortune and blessings.

The booth attracted a steady stream of visitors and lively interaction throughout the evening. In addition to leading the workshop, FASCA members visited other cultural stalls and engaged with diverse community groups, reflecting a spirit of multicultural inclusion and exchange.

During the event, Director Hsu commended the students for confidently promoting culture on the front line and for actively connecting with the community. He encouraged them to continue sharing their enthusiasm and to help more people appreciate the richness and diversity of Taiwanese culture.

The evening featured a wide range of attractions, including Asian food and cultural stalls, traditional lion and dragon dance performances, family-friendly interactive games, and prize giveaways. A highlight of the night was the spectacular rooftop drone and fireworks show, where drones formed traditional zodiac patterns in the sky—perfectly complementing FASCA’s cultural theme and drawing admiration from attendees.

Through this Lunar New Year celebration, FASCA youth not only strengthened their teamwork skills but also deepened their engagement with the local community. Their efforts helped more Australians gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year.

Looking ahead, FASCA BNE will continue its mission to promote Taiwanese culture and foster international cultural exchange, ushering in a new year filled with hope and vitality.

Australia–Taiwan Relations Forum 2026 Highlights Shared Responsibility for Indo-Pacific Security and Stability

The Australia–Taiwan Relations Forum 2026, hosted by the Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation Ltd. (ATCF), was held on 17 April at the Queensland Parliament House. Under the theme “Shared Responsibility: Security, Resilience, and Regional Stability — Perspectives from Australia and Taiwan,” the forum brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to engage in in-depth discussions on the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape and Australia–Taiwan cooperation. The event was met with strong interest and active participation.

The forum took place against the backdrop of the Australian Government’s announcement of a record AUD 425 billion defence investment over the next decade, aimed at responding to an increasingly complex regional security environment and potential threats from neighbouring hostile actors. This development underscored the urgency and relevance of the forum’s discussions, with participants recognising that safeguarding regional stability is a shared responsibility among democratic partners.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Ms Phyllis Lo, President of ATCF, followed by a recorded message from The Hon Jon Krause MP, Deputy Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, expressing strong support for the forum. In his opening address, Director-General William Fan of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane emphasised the shared democratic values between Australia and Taiwan and their joint responsibility for regional stability.

He called for greater international inclusion of Taiwan, urging support for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), and highlighted the critical link between peace in the Taiwan Strait and global supply chain security. He also noted Taiwan’s leading position in the global semiconductor industry and the potential for its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to strengthen economic resilience across the Indo-Pacific.

The keynote address was delivered by Major General (Ret’d) Michael Ryan AM, who provided a strategic assessment of the evolving Indo-Pacific security environment. Drawing on his concept of “Confronting Complacency,” he warned that prolonged periods of relative stability can lead to underestimation of risk and delayed preparedness.

He emphasised the importance of proactive risk recognition, adaptive capability development, and closer cooperation among like-minded partners to enhance regional resilience. The forum’s panel discussion was moderated by Professor Caitlin Byrne AM FAIIA, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) at Griffith University. Panellists included Michael Ryan, The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Mr Warwick Penrose, CEO of EPE Group.

The discussion addressed a range of issues including regional security architecture, supply chain resilience, democratic cooperation, and the future trajectory of Australia–Taiwan relations. The forum attracted strong participation from diplomats and consular representatives, elected officials from federal, state, and local governments, think tank experts, academics, multicultural community representatives, and Taiwanese community leaders from Brisbane and Sydney.

The Q&A session was highly engaged, with participants actively contributing questions and perspectives. Discussions extended to Taiwan’s participation in the WHO and its bid to join the CPTPP. Due to time constraints, the session concluded despite continued interest, reflecting the high level of engagement. The forum was convened and facilitated throughout by Mr Edward Lin, CEO of ATCF.

ATCF will continue to advance high-level dialogue platforms to deepen Australia–Taiwan cooperation across security, economic, and cultural domains, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Harmony Week Celebration Unites Brisbane Community

BRISBANE, 21 March 2026 — A vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and community connection took place in Brisbane as the 2026 WAMCI Harmony Week Celebration and the opening of the “Australia—Taiwan: Art in Harmony”—Exhibition brought together people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Hosted by World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc. (WAMCI) at the Queensland Taiwan Centre, the event highlighted the core values of Harmony Week —respect, inclusion, and belonging — through the universal language of art.

The exhibition features a diverse group of artists, including Australian First Nations artist Aunty Peggy Tidyman and Taiwanese artists Lu Wan-Ching, Chen Ya-Ping, Tsai Shu-Chen and Chen Chiu-Yen, alongside Brisbane-based artists of diverse cultural backgrounds such as Yumiko Kigoshi (Japan), Dr Renata Buziak (Poland), and Andrea Moser (Germany). Their works reflect a rich tapestry of cultural identity, heritage, and shared human experience.
WAMCI President Susan Yang emphasised the role of art in building connections across communities. “Art allows us to connect beyond language and cultural differences. It fosters understanding and brings people together,” she said.

A highlight of the program was the keynote address by Ms Yiu Wen-Mei, Chairperson of the Tainan Art Museum, who shared valuable insights into the global art landscape and the evolving role of art in connecting cultures. The celebration was attended by a broad cross-section of the community, including government representatives, multicultural leaders, and members of various cultural organisations “reflecting Brisbane’s diversity and strong community spirit.

In addition to the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed artist-led tours, artwork presentations, and a live portrait sketch session, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between artists and the public. The organisers also expressed their sincere appreciation to their valued sponsors and supporters, including the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Community Fund, Councillor Steven Huang, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (Taiwan), and Members of Parliament James Martin MP, Leanne Enoch MP, Peter Russo MP and Margie Nightingale MP. Appreciation was also extended to Liming Group, Taiwan Business Bank (Brisbane Branch), and Mega ICBC Bank (Brisbane) for their generous sponsorship support.

The “Australia—Taiwan: Art in Harmony” exhibition is now open to the public, inviting visitors from all backgrounds to experience how art can connect cultures and strengthen community bonds.