(Clearwisdom.net)

The opening ceremony for Falun Dafa Day in Mareeba was a memorable experience for all of us. Mrs. Lee Long, MP, Member for Tablelands, arrived 20 minutes before our scheduled opening time at 10 a.m. Fortunately, we were early, and everything was already set up when she showed up. A friendly and gracious lady, Mrs. Lee Long declared the opening of Falun Dafa Day in Mareeba by offering to read the proclamation aloud before she signed it. This was the first time an invited guest of honor had made such a request, and we immediately accepted. We could feel the sincerity of her words as the proclamation was being read aloud.

MP signing Proclamation	Proclamation

Mrs. Lee Long was very receptive to everything that we shared with her, and she showed great interest in our "Journey of Falun Dafa" photo exhibit and posters. She watched the exercise demonstrations and talked to us at length. Upon learning the truth about the Jiang regime''s inhumane persecution of innocent practitioners in China, Mrs. Lee Long said that she would like to sign our SOS petition without hesitation. We had special SOS petition sheets for mayors, councilors, MPs and other dignitaries to sign. This was the first time on our trip through North Queensland that an invited VIP volunteered to sign the SOS petition.

There was a continuous flow of people going through the shopping center. Many stopped to collect flyers or to watch the exercise demonstrations. Whenever we had the opportunity, we clarified the truth about the persecution and torture of Falun Dafa practitioners to those who would listen. Nearly everyone who listened agreed to support us by signing the SOS petition. Many interested people asked if we would be setting up a practice site in Mareeba. We gave them information about the practice site in Cairns, an hour''s drive from Mareeba. We also let them know that Friends of Falun Gong had donated Falun Gong, Zhuan Falun and the exercise instruction video to their public library.