It was an honour to join the Buddhist community at Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta for the Vesak Day Festival—also known as the Celebration of Buddha's Birthday—organised by the Australian Chinese Buddhist Association and Prajna Monastery, with support from Fairfield City Council. Vesak is one of the most important days in the Buddhist calendar, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. It's a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal. It was a privilege to witness the Bathing of the Buddha ritual, which is a powerful tradition symbolising the cleansing of our hearts and minds from negativity. Events like this matter because they bring people together—no matter their background or religious affiliations—to learn from each other and build mutual respect. Vesak is a chance to reflect on values like compassion and understanding that resonate across cultures. Thank you to everyone who made the day possible. In a diverse community like ours, these shared experiences help us connect in real and lasting ways.