Extending the hand of friendship will bring global recognition to the region after Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor met with international Buddhist Master Chin Kung at a City Hall reception last week.

The Venerable Master Kung was with a delegation from Taiwan that had come to the city to meet with members of the Pure Land Learning College.

Council’s hospitality and goodwill struck a chord with the Master who said he was eager to promote the Toowoomba region to the UN at a presentation in Europe soon.

His endorsement holds significant sway as his opinion is revered amongst a multitude of followers around the world.

In 2005, Master Kung was awarded an AM for his service to the Buddhist community in Queensland. He was acknowledged for his ongoing work fostering interfaith activities between diverse ethnic groups and for the support of educational and health institutions.

“To have the support of Master Kung is fantastic news,” a beaming Cr Taylor declared.

“He told me Toowoomba was a great place for families and could be a world-leading model city in demonstrating cooperation, harmony and peace between many diverse cultures and religions.”
Cr Taylor encouraged the Master to use Toowoomba as a worldwide example and council would offer any needed support in promoting the city and region around the world.

“It was wonderful meeting Master Kung; and his is a special message we can all learn from - community cooperation leads to better communities.

“I couldn’t agree more and that’s why we are implementing a meeting of different faiths to facilitate open discussion between one another,” Cr Taylor said.

As such, on Thursday October 29, the Mayor will host a combined ministers’ morning tea to bring together the many different denominations from around the region.

More details will follow closer to the event.

CAPTION: Mayor Peter Taylor presents Buddhist Master Chin Kung with a gift of an original Aboriginal artwork by local indigenous artist, Murrupi.