(Minghui.org) A Moon Festival celebration was held in Eastwood, Sydney on September 27, 2025. The event brought together community leaders, local councilors, and Falun Gong practitioners for a vibrant cultural spectacle filled with music, dance, and reflection. The event highlighted not only the splendor of traditional celebrations, but also the deeper values of freedom, compassion, and multicultural inclusion.

Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrate the fifth exercise at the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 27, 2025.

Tian Guo Marching Band performs at the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on September 27, 2025.

Championing Freedom and Compassion

Tina Kordrostami, city councilor, speaks at the event.

Councilor Tina Kordrostami of the City of Ryde expressed her admiration for Falun Gong practitioners’ contribution to the community and drew parallels between her own heritage and the struggles faced by Falun Dafa practitioners.

“As both Falun Dafa practitioners and Iranian women resist being reduced to problems, advocacy is at the heartbeat of a community and the safeguard of human rights,” she said. “Our role is to ensure that no one is silenced or left behind. When we advocate together, we build more than policies or programs. We build belonging, resilience and hope.”

Her words highlighted the universal importance of freedom of thought, belief, and expression, reminding attendees that compassion and inclusion are vital for a harmonious society.

At last, she thanked the practitioners, “Thank you so much for contributing to our community in Ryde, for making sure that we keep advocating about human rights, and for projecting compassion for everyone within our society today.”

Celebrating Culture and Togetherness

Councilor Cameron Last of the City of Ryde welcomed everyone to “this wonderful mid-August celebration here in the heart of Eastwood, which is an important holiday for many members of our significant Asian community.”

Councilor Cameron Last of the City of Ryde addressed the event.

He introduced the Moon Festival’s long history, “It originated in the Shang Dynasty of China around 1500 BC, and first focused on the worship of the Chinese moon goddess in the expectation of a bountiful harvest.

“This festival is about happiness, togetherness, and celebrating with friends and family,” he noted, praising the way multicultural communities come together to share traditions in Australia.

Falun Dafa’s Contribution to the Community

John Deller, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association in Australia, reflected on the challenges the group has faced since the CCP’s persecution began in China. He applauded the City of Ryde for supporting multicultural freedom and for allowing Falun Dafa to share its cultural and spiritual heritage.

John Deller, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association in Australia, speaks at the event.

“In Australia, we are able to enjoy the freedom of association and the freedom of celebration, which is part of Australian life,” he said.

He praised the city council, “You represent the best Australian values. Because within Council, there are different cultural backgrounds, different spiritual backgrounds and different political backgrounds. Yet you all work together within that context of the Australian way of local government.

“Falun Gong is one component of that within the Chinese community, and the council’s support reflects the best of Australian values.”

He added, “So I think it’s a very positive thing to reflect on. The performances you see today really reflect values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. These are the foundation of Falun Dafa teaching, as part of the reason it became so popular in China. In over 100 countries around the world now, Falun Dafa is practiced, because of the universal principles and the universality of our human experience.”

He reminded the attendees that Falun Dafa’s teachings — Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance — are universal values that resonate across cultures. These principles have guided millions worldwide and continue to enrich communities by promoting peace, kindness, and resilience.

Support for Human Rights

Lyle Shelton, National Director of the Family First Party

Lyle Shelton, National Director of the Family First Party, sent a message of solidarity. He commended Falun Dafa for preserving traditional Chinese culture and for courageously exposing human rights violations.

“Please be assured that we stand with you in what is a shared fight against the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in our nation. Thank you for what you do to keep traditional Chinese culture alive,” he wrote.

A Festival of Unity and Hope

The Eastwood Moon Festival was more than a cultural gathering; it was a celebration of shared values and human dignity. Through music, dance, and inspiring speeches, the event highlighted the beauty of Falun Dafa and its positive contributions to society.

Falun Dafa practitioners perform dances and music during the Moon Festival celebration.