Tribune’s note

The Member for Berowra, Mr Leeser, used a parliamentary contribution on 30 March to mark a significant milestone for the Buddhist community in his electorate: the laying of foundation stones for a new stupa at the Mahamevnawa Buddhist monastery at Cattai [TA-260330-house-326949c748de:s191]. He framed the occasion within a broader account of Berowra's religious diversity, noting that 65 per cent of residents practise some form of faith — 47 per cent Christian, 6.5 per cent Hindu, 3.2 per cent Buddhist, with Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Baha'is and Zoroastrians each below 2 per cent.

Mr Leeser acknowledged Reverend Soma Thero as the monastery's spiritual leader and recognised the volunteer architects, engineers, surveyors and construction professionals whose decade of contribution has brought the project to this point. He outlined the stupa's significance in Buddhist practice as a site of veneration, merit-making and reflection on Buddhist teachings, and expressed his expectation that the structure would be completed before the end of 2026.

The contribution is procedural in character — a member's statement honouring a community event — with no policy contest or opposition attack dimension.

Primary records (1)

The official records this note draws on — the raw primary documents themselves, as published.

HansardPRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESSJulian LeeserMonday 30 March 2026