Tzu Chi
Gold Coast Office
Inspiring hope, offering care to the community
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From a Fundraising Booklet to Jing Si Hall: The Development of the Tzu Chi Gold Coast Office
In February 1999, Tzu Chi volunteers began community service on Australia's Gold Coast, with Brother Liao Jin-Cheng serving as the local contact person. At the time, Brother Liao brought Tzu Chi fundraising booklets from Taiwan and encouraged those who wished to contribute to Tzu Chi's volunteer work to introduce Tzu Chi's ideals to their families and friends, and to raise funds. This marked the beginning of Tzu Chi's development on the Gold Coast.
From 2000, volunteers began providing case support and conducting home visits. That same year, they also began donating medical equipment to the local public hospital. From 2001, volunteers rented a venue in Nerang from the Gold Coast City Council and began holding weekly food distributions, gradually bringing Tzu Chi's charitable services into the local community.
From a Temporary Office to Jing Si Hall
From 2003, Brother Wen Ching-Hsuan made his shop in Southport available as a temporary office, providing volunteers with a place to coordinate their activities, connect with the community and hold events.
Over the years, volunteers continued to serve the community and gradually built stronger connections with the local community and government, laying the groundwork for the future construction of Jing Si Hall.
On 24 May 2008, the blessing ceremony marking the commencement of construction of Jing Si Hall was held. Led by Brother Wen Ching-Hsuan, the volunteers gathered to witness this important milestone. More than 200 volunteers and guests from across Australia and Taiwan came together for the occasion.
Construction formally began on 20 July that year. After nearly a year of work, Jing Si Hall was completed on 9 May 2009 and officially opened the following day, 10 May 2009, on Buddha Day and Mother's Day.
9 September 2009: Inauguration Ceremony
On 9 September 2009, the inauguration ceremony for the Tzu Chi Gold Coast Jing Si Hall was held. Tzu Chi volunteers from across Australia gathered for the occasion, joined by guests from the local community and various sectors.
The ceremony consisted of outdoor and indoor proceedings. Sixteen guests joined together to cut the ribbon, marking the establishment of a permanent base for Tzu Chi to continue serving the Gold Coast community.
A Base for the Community
Since beginning community service on the Gold Coast in 1999, the Tzu Chi Gold Coast Office has grown over 27 years. From its early volunteer services to the establishment of a permanent base, Jing Si Hall has become an important place for volunteer training, charitable services, food distribution, recycling and community activities.
The Tzu Chi Gold Coast Office continues to serve the Gold Coast and surrounding communities through Tzu Chi's four missions of charity, medicine, education and humanistic culture.