Established in 2005, the Buddhist Council of Western Australia (BCWA) is a member of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils. It includes all three major traditions of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Among its founders were John Waite and Sol Hanna.¹  

The BCWA represents Buddhist organisations across Western Australia, liaising with government departments at all levels, promoting the interests and ideals of Buddhism through interfaith dialogue, and providing a Buddhist voice on matters of public interest and significance. In 2023, the BCWA co-organised the first Vesak celebration at the Parliament of Western Australia with the Office of Multicultural Interests.² 

BCWA promotes peace, harmony and social welfare through various means, including chaplaincy programs and hospital services. It maintains a list of contacts for Buddhist funeral service, celebrants and chaplaincy. It also fosters friendship, goodwill, cooperation and sharing of resources and information among its member organisations.³ 

By: Sioh Yang Tan and Juewei Shi 

References: 

¹”About Us,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia, accessed August 26, 2026, https://buddhistcouncilwa.org.au/about-us/; “Interview with John Waite,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia, February 4, 2023, https://buddhistcouncilwa.org.au/interview-with-john-waite/. 

² “Vesak Day celebration at WA Parliament,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia, May 29, 2023, https://buddhistcouncilwa.org.au/vesak-day-celebration-at-wa-parliament/; “About Us,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia. 

³ “About Us,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia; “Celebrants & chaplains,” Buddhist Council of Western Australia, accessed August 26, 2026, https://buddhistcouncilwa.org.au/chaplaincy/; “Natasha Tang | Buddhism in Australia”, interview, 2025, posted March 22, 2026, by Nan Tien Institute, YouTube, 7 min., 21 sec., https://youtu.be/HGOHYprRJtE.