The Buddhist Council of New South Wales Incorporated is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation established to support the Buddhist community and affiliated organisations in New South Wales, Australia. Incorporated in March 1991, the Council achieved charitable tax status in 2005 and later obtained Deductible Gift Recipient status in 2007[3].

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of the Buddhist Council of NSW is to assist Buddhist temples, societies, and member organisations within the region. It facilitates community programs and acts as a representative Buddhist voice to government bodies and mainstream society[1][4]. The Council also supports Buddhist communities by providing information and multilingual assistance on relevant issues, including responses to public health guidance and child safety legislation[5].

Membership

The Council's membership comprises a diverse range of entities, including places of worship, retreat centres, educational institutions, and professional organisations from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. This broad membership base reflects the diversity of Buddhist traditions and cultural backgrounds present in the area[2].

Programs and Initiatives

The Buddhist Council of NSW coordinates and promotes a variety of initiatives aimed at community engagement and spiritual wellbeing:

• Organising events such as meditation sessions, retreats, and festivals through its member organisations[2].
• Facilitating Buddhist chaplaincy services, including innovative programs supporting inmate wellbeing within corrective services[2].
• Delivering educational outreach including Buddhism in schools programs[2].
• Advocating on social issues impacting Buddhist communities[2].
• Promoting interfaith dialogue and community harmony, exemplified by events like the 'Blooming Together' Buddhist-Muslim shared iftar dinner during Ramadan[2].
• Supporting professional development in Buddhist counselling and psychotherapy through connections with the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP)[2].

The Council serves as a central hub connecting practitioners, communities, and organisations engaged in the practice and promotion of Buddhist teachings and values, contributing toward a vision where the Dharma influences everyday life and societal wellbeing[2].

Governance and Registration

The Buddhist Council of NSW is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 18550218989RR0001[1]. As a registered charity, it operates within the legal framework governing non-profit organisations in Australia.

This organisation plays a pivotal role in fostering a cohesive and vibrant Buddhist community across New South Wales and the ACT, supporting both religious practice and social advocacy.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/9253205f-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [2] https://buddhistcouncil.org [3] https://buddhistcouncil.org/about-us/ [4] https://bcnet.com.au/who-we-are/ [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/9253205f-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/e645f578-c8d8-eb11-bacb-002248107df9