From June 26 to July 13, 2024, Anna and Juewei conducted the first fieldwork trip of the “Buddhism in Australia” research project in Far North Queensland. They travelled over 2,200 kilometres, starting in Brisbane and passing through locations such as Bribie Island, Cairns, Cooktown, and Thursday Island, gathering data through field investigations, interviews, and filming to explore the cultural and religious life of early migrants in Australia and to trace the earliest signs of Buddhism in the country.
The trip started at White Patch, Bribie Island, home to the renowned Australian artist Ian Fairweather (1891-1974). Fairweather, deeply influenced by Eastern art and culture, translated “The Drunken Buddha” and lived in a self-built hut inscribed with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” in Chinese. This was the team’s first discovery of Buddhist influence.
Joined by the video producer, the trio drove 800 kilometres through sugarcane fields. The sugarcane industry, which began in the mid-19th century, brought many Sri Lankan Buddhists as indentured labourers. Palmer Rivers’ gold rush also attracted about 30,000 foreigners, including 22,000 Chinese, mainly from Guangdong province.
On July 2, the team visited the Atherton Tablelands, meeting archaeologist Dr. Gordon Grimwade who introduced the team to Hou Wang Temple, the last wooden temple structure in Australia.
In Cooktown, the team found Buddhist artefacts, icons and materials, reminiscent of the role faith could have been for the early migrants.
On July 8, the team spent a productive afternoon at the Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc. (CADCAI), meeting with heritage coordinator Mary Low, as well as volunteers Jacky Tam and Jan Ryan.
The team dedicated the merits of the fieldwork to the many ancestors who worked hard for future generations; the curators, volunteers and contributors who kept heritage alive; the benefactors who made this project possible; and the incredible people they met along the way.
The team was also thankful to the many invisible hands for giving them good weather conditions, beautiful memories and moving stories to tell.