By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 21: The Maribyrnong City Council in Melbourne, Australia, passed a motion allowing the Tibetan national flag to be raised every March 10 Tibetan National Uprising Day, at the council’s flagpole on August 20.
The motion was initially proposed by Councillor Simon Crawford on April 23 and was supported by two other councillors who shared their views on the situation in Tibet and the denial of basic human rights there for the past 65 years. Council Mayor Cuc Lam and Councillor Anthony Tran opposed the motion among the seven councillors in the city council.
In his notice of motion, Councillor Crawford emphasized the significance of March 10 for Tibetans, describing it as a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope that resonates across generations. He highlighted the impact of the day on the refugee experience of Tibetans and their ongoing struggle for recognition and freedom. The motion expressed that the Uprising Day serves as an inspiration for the Tibetan Freedom movement and stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Tibetan people. Crawford noted that Maribyrnong, as a new home for many in the Tibetan community, offers a sense of belonging and hope to those who have overcome persecution and hardship. Raising the Tibetan flag on this day in Maribyrnong was described as a powerful gesture of solidarity, promoting inclusiveness and support for multiculturalism.
The motion resolved that the Council would acknowledge the request from the Tibetan Community Australia VIC INC and the Australia Tibet Council to support efforts to recognize the ongoing plight of the Tibetan people, recognize the Tibetan community as an important part of Maribyrnong’s multicultural fabric; and commit to flying the Tibetan flag annually on March 10 as a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope.
Australia is home to over 2,500 exiled Tibetans, many of whom are former political prisoners and their families. The largest Tibetan community in Australia resides in Sydney, with over 700 Tibetans, while Melbourne hosts around 400. Tibetan communities across Australia have established associations to preserve their culture and receive support from organizations like the Australia Tibet Council and Freedom4tibet Incorporated. These organizations work to promote freedom for Tibet and its people, organizing rallies and vigils to urge China to end its repression of protests in Tibet.
