(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held rallies at the Box Hill shopping center and Dandenong Palm Plaza on May 16 and 23, 2026, respectively, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. A vibrant array of traditional cultural performances drew people of diverse ethnic backgrounds to pause and watch, while officials offered their support and congratulations.
Practitioners held a rally at the Box Hill shopping center on May 16 and 23, 2026, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. (Minghui.org)
A World Falun Dafa Day celebration was held at the Dandenong Palm Plaza on May 23, 2026 (Minghui.org)
City Councilor Expresses Support
“I’m absolutely honored that the Falun Dafa movement has such strong roots here in Box Hill,” Councilor Blair Barker said. “For many of you that aren’t familiar with it, it’s like, I suppose, an Eastern spirituality. It is focused on improving both mental and physical health. You’ll find practitioners in Box Hill Gardens most mornings doing the exercises, and I’ve joined them and found it really enriching.”
He said that the Falun Dafa principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are also “deeply Australian values and I thank you for that.”
Blair Barker, Whitehorse City Councilor, speaks at the rally in Box Hill on May 16, 2026. (Minghui.org)
Mr. Barker also mentioned the history of Falun Dafa, which was established in China and soon had up to 100 million practitioners. “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) didn’t take very kindly to this because they realized that Falun Dafa was more popular than they were. So they came down on them and put the hammer down on them.
“But one of the really important take-outs for me is whether it’s people who have fled persecution in Communist China and come to Australia, or whether it’s people from Iran who call Australia home, these are people who really understand the value of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the liberties that we take for granted in a Western liberal democracy. So thank you, Falun Dafa, thank you to all the practitioners for bringing your kindness, your warmth, and your vibrancy to our great city. I can assure you I will always be in your corner,” he said.
People sign the petition calling for an end to the CCP’s persecution. (Minghui.org)
Passersby Touched By the Celebration
Barry at the celebration on May 23. (Minghui.org)
Barry, a commercial interior designer, was drawn to the celebration and talked with a practitioner for a long time. “It’s beautiful. You’re really attracting a lot of people. Everybody’s dressed in costumes and beautiful colors,” he said. “I do feel a sense of good intention and of goodness in this, which is awesome. We need more of that in the world.”
Brayan likes Falun Dafa. (Minghui.org)
Brayan, a mechanical engineer, watched all the performances and signed the petition calling for an end to the persecution. He said, “The music was good. I saw the dance performance, the bamboo hat dance performance. That was also good. It’s very positive energy and good vibes.” He said he was interested in meditation, and Falun Dafa’s principles inspired him. “So I’ll be going to online and checking it out.”
He said Falun Dafa’s principles are important for people and community, “The current world is full of chaos and a lot of things are going on. So until you are composed yourself, you can’t control the world.”
Nabid and his children. (Minghui.org)
Nabid and his children were drawn by practitioners’ performances. He said, “This is the first time I’ve seen an event like this, and my children and I are delighted. I think this is a part of traditional Chinese culture—it is truly beautiful.”
Milroy at the celebration venue. (Minghui.org)
Milroy, a retired accountant, said after signing the petition, “I believe in freedom. I’ve read a lot about this for a long time, and I think Falun Dafa is wonderful.” “It’s colorful and wonderful. You make people aware of what’s happening, and it’s a good thing. I like the band, and I feel good.
“I cannot understand why the CCP government does not tolerate different opinions. The persecution has lasted 27 years. I hope that Western governments speak out and work together to stop the persecution. For example, foreign governments can have an influence on China by starting to stop trade with China.”
He wished to tell practitioners in China, “Continue your battle because eventually, when you continue working on this, there will be a time when the government will become aware of the value of Falun Dafa.”
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Category: Rallies & Protests
