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Wat Buddhalavarn has grown significantly over the past five decades. Starting in Cabramatta as a rented house, the community soon purchased their own property through donations.
In the late 1990s, the temple moved to Wedderburn, acquiring over 50 acres with two houses and a large shed. One house is now for monks, the other for guest monks, and the shed serves as a temporary Patthasima.
Since 2000, major improvements have occurred. The shed transformed into a beautiful temporary hall, now the temple’s central hub. Construction of a new, permanent Patthasima began with a foundation stone laid by then-Governor Gordon Samuels already completed. The temple’s front now boasts a new brick wall, enhancing its appearance.
Ongoing support through donations is crucial for Wat Buddhalavarn’s continued development and its role as a vital spiritual center.

Lao Lumvong – A Symbol of Lao Culture and Unity

Lao Lumvong is a traditional circle dance central to Lao culture, performed during festivals, weddings, and community events. Dancers move gracefully in a circle to traditional music, often accompanied by instruments like the *khene* (bamboo mouth organ). The dance symbolizes unity, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life, reflecting Lao values of community and spirituality.

Rooted in ancient traditions, Lumvong preserves Lao heritage and fosters social cohesion. It is performed by people of all ages during celebrations like Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and the Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai). Inscribed in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Lumvong remains a cherished part of Lao identity, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural legacy and bringing people together in celebration.