Sydney (Australia), January 28: Dorjee Dadul, a Tibetan Sydney resident, was named “Citizen of the Year” by Warringah Council, Sydney, on the occasion of Australia Day on January 26, 2008.
Warringah, a local council area in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, Australia, is home to the majority (over 300) of the Tibetan population living in Australia.
This is a proud day for Dorjee Dadul and his family – and also for every Tibetan living in Australia.
As one of the first Tibetans to settle in Australia over twenty eight years ago, Dorjee Dadul is a pillar of his community. His proudest achievement was establishing the Tibetan Learning Centre in Sydney for children to learn Tibetan language, music, dance and customs, which are in danger of being eradicated in Tibet itself, and which will hopefully be preserved by Tibetans living in exile outside of Tibet.
Tibetan culture is revered and admired worldwide as one which is dedicated to peace and compassion on every level. It is very fortunate to have the ability to nurture and preserve it in Warringah, which is home to so many Tibetans in Australia.
Mr Dadul, a former President of the Tibetan Community of Australia (NSW), has been dedicated to assisting the Tibetan community with resettlement issues and has been instrumental in the success of the Tibetan mentoring program, which is a Northern Beaches Technical and Further Education (TAFE) initiative to encourage interaction between Tibetans and their new community.
“Being named Citizen of the Year is a very humbling experience, because the things I do are a moral responsibility to keep the Tibetan culture and identity alive,” Mr Dadul said.
“Australia is a melting pot for all the nations, and we have the liberty to practice our own language but at the same time we are getting woven into the tapestry of Australia”.
The award ceremony took place after the nationwide “Australia Day” celebrations.
The Tibetan community was very much involved with the Warringah Australia Day festivities, in conjunction with the local Rotary organisation.
On the morning before his award ceremony, Mr Dadul was practicing Tibetan culture himself by being the front end of one of the snow lions which performed at the Australia Day Ceremony at Dee Why beach. This is truly practicing what you teach!
Congratulations Dorjee Dadul on your wonderful dedication and achievements!
(Report filed by Sue Bloom)
For further information, contact Sue Bloom, working with The Tibetan Community: mob- 0414 739 462 / sue.bloom@optusnet.com.au
