The Buddhist Council of South Australia is one of five state-based Buddhist councils in Australia and part of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC).¹  

The Council was established in 2006, through the efforts of representatives from several Buddhist organisations including Reverend George Gatenby, Wendy Finster and Josephine Murphy. ² 

It is an inclusive, non-sectarian, multicultural association that brought together people and organisations representing the three main Buddhist traditions—Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana—as well as Secular Buddhist groups and individuals. It serves the Buddhists of South Australia by promoting their interests to the wider community and media and build communal relationships between Buddhist and inter-faith groups. ³ 

Following the passing of its last Chair, Rev. George Gatenby, in March 2021, there was unfortunately insufficient quorum to hold an Annual General Meeting and continue the Council’s activities. In recognition of the importance of having active State Buddhist Councils, the FABC sought Boon Tan’s involvement in helping to revive BCSA. It is hoped that connections among Buddhist communities in the state can be rebuilt gradually and the Buddhist Council revived.⁴ 

By: Juewei Shi and Sioh Yang Tan 

References 

¹ Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils, Home, 2011, accessed 20 August 2026, https://www.buddhistcouncil.org.au. 

² Boon Tan, direct email to authors, August 20, 2026; Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils, “FABC President’s Report 2021 – Michael Wells,” President Reports, 2021, accessed August 21, 2026, https://www.buddhistcouncil.org.au/index.php/president-reports/fabc-presidents-report-2021 

³ Buddhist Council of South Australia, Home, August 18, 2025, https://bcsa.au. 

⁴ Boon Tan, direct email to authors, August 20, 2026.