(Clearwisdom.net) On November 6, 2004, Sydney Falun Gong practitioners traveled to the city of Compbelltown to participate in its annual multi-cultural activities. The city is located southwest of the Sydney area and is about 100 km (62 mi.) away from downtown Sydney. Its city government was established 184 years ago. During the first two weeks in September each year, people get together to hold various multi-cultural activities, including a parade, arts and craftwork exhibitions, artistic performances and sports contests, and a commerce and trade fair. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of people attend the activities with their family members.

alun Gong practitioners in parade

Young practitioners doing sitting meditation on the float

Waist drummers and celestial maidens' groups composed of Falun Gong practitioners

The parade was the major event, and this is the third year that Sydney practitioners have participated in this activity. They were commended as being the best group the previous two times. This year, the Falun Gong contingent was comprised of waist drummers, celestial maidens, practitioners in Tang Dynasty costumes, and a float. When the Falun Gong contingent entered the main street, people recognized the Falun Gong practitioners and immediately waved to greet them. Someone shouted gladly, "Falun Gong," "Falun Gong." The host of the program introduced Falun Gong as a traditional cultivation practice from China, following the principles of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." The host also said that our world just needs "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." Local TV and newspaper journalists came to video tape the event and take photos. More than 80 entries participated in the parade, and Falun Gong practitioners were awarded the Best Group Entry.