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Who We Are
Our Journey
The Gold Coast Buddhist Association Inc., also known as the Gold Coast Buddhist Centre, was formally established on 8 August 2019 under the Association Incorporation Act 1981 and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).Before this time, there was no Theravāda Buddhist centre or resident monk to provide spiritual guidance to the many Buddhist families living on the Gold Coast.
Venerable Kottukachchiye Pagngnasiri Thero became the founding abbot and first Chief Incumbent of the Gold Coast Buddhist Centre. Gold Coast Buddhist Centre is dedicated to fostering the spiritual development of individuals through the teachings of the Buddha and promoting excellence in Buddhist practice. We also serve the wider Gold Coast community by providing opportunities to learn Buddhism, cultivate peace of mind, and contribute to a happier, more harmonious society.
teachings of the Buddha
The teachings of the Buddha remind us that life’s challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones that guide us toward wisdom, patience, and unconditional kindness.
Our Vision
We aim to provide free community services that are grounded in the core Buddhist principles of non-violence, tolerance, and compassion for all living beings.
By nurturing these values in our daily actions and community programs, we strive to help make our city, state, and country a safer, kinder, and more harmonious place for everyone to live.
Our Aims and Objectives
Promote the core principles of the Buddhist teaching of compassion, non violence, and tolerance to make our city a safe place to live.
Help, support, and teach our wider Gold Coast community to live in harmony, peacefully, and supportively by disseminating the teachings of the Buddha so that the city will be the best place to live and visit. Conduct spiritual meditation, developing techniques of mindfulness and religious practices so that people are balanced and healthy. Provide meaningful counseling services to the general public, conduct public lectures and seminars, and engage in any other activities to increase the awareness of Buddhism in the community. To disseminate the teachings of the Buddha, and for this purpose to distribute literature, conduct lectures and seminars, and engage in any other activity to increase the awareness of Buddhism in the Community Accept donations from members, benefactors and well wishers to further the charitable objectives of the Association. Act within and comply with the relevant laws of Australia in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the Association and good governance of the Association. Foster inter religious harmony. Promote and participate in interfaith activities. To promote the study of and research in Buddhism.
Spiritual Leadership
Venerable Anuradhapura Ariyajeewa Thero - Chife Incumbent Gold Coast Buddhist Centre
Venerable Ariyajeewa Thero is a highly qualified and experienced Theravāda Buddhist monk with many years of dedicated practice. As Chief Incumbent of the Gold Coast Buddhist Centre, he provides spiritual leadership to the Gold Coast and wider Queensland Buddhist communities. With a unique background in both Buddhist philosophy and clinical science, he leads pastoral care, religious education, ceremonial duties, and centre administration.
He presides over all major services and ceremonies, including Vesak, Poson, and the Katina Ceremony, and delivers insightful sermons and discourses that help the community integrate Buddhist virtues into daily life. Deeply committed to education and community development, he conducts Dhamma classes, discussion groups, and retreats such as the Residential Meditation Retreat, fostering a welcoming environment for learning and practice. He also nurtures the social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing of children through the Buddha’s teachings, guiding their personal growth and moral development. Venerable Ariyajeewa Thero continues to inspire our members and provide leadership to the wider community in Queensland and Australia. He is multi lingual speaking Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala and English.
