The Buddhism in Australia Survey was launched on September 23, 2025.
The hybrid launch brought together 32 participants, including Buddhist leaders, researchers, and community members. Among the guests were Venerable Thubten Chokyi, Chair, and Venerable BonHyon Sunim, committee member of the Australian Sangha Association. Chief Investigators Venerable Dr Juewei, Associate Professors Anna Halafoff and Sue Smith, Professors Cristina Rocha and Andrew Singleton also joined the event.
Venerable Juewei introduced the project’s aims: to explore the belonging, wellbeing, and social engagement of Buddhists in Australia from the 19th century to today. Using fieldwork, surveys, and heritage studies, the research documents Australia’s Buddhist history and diversity. Findings will be shared through academic and digital resources to benefit both scholars and the wider community.
Anna Halafoff emphasised that the project is community-informed, shaped by extensive consultations with Buddhist organisations across the nation. The team has travelled from Thursday Island in the north to Launceston in the south, recording stories for a digital map of Australian Buddhism.
The centrepiece of the initiative is Australia’s first large-scale national survey on Buddhism, available in six languages—English, Cambodian, Mandarin, Sinhalese, Thai, and Vietnamese. Andrew Singleton noted that the survey will offer vital insights into Buddhist beliefs, practices, and wellbeing, helping to inform public understanding and policy.
The event concluded with Venerable Juewei officially launching the survey.
The Buddhism in Australia research project is a collaboration between Nan Tien Institute, Deakin University, Western Sydney University, and Charles Darwin University, funded by Hsing Yun Education Foundation Australia.
