Buddhist Counselling

01/10/2025

A milestone for Buddhist chaplaincy in NSW

This year’s NSW Corrective Services Prison Chaplains Conference gathered the largest number of Buddhist chaplains ever. Our presence is growing — and so is our positive impact in multi-faith dialogue.

After a big session on mental health and selfcare from a secular lens, we came together as Buddhist chaplains to reflect on our own approach: embodied, integrated, holistic.

It was a rich, heartfelt conversation and a reminder that we must be vigilant. Vigilant in how we offer care, ensuring it always flows from the Dharma. At the heart of this is kalyāṇa-mitrata — spiritual friendship — without which there is no path, and no chaplaincy.

30/09/2025

I want to say a big thank you to the Chaplaincy Coordinator and Corrective Services NSW for awarding me the COVID Service Medal for exemplary service during the 2020–2022 pandemic.

The medal is called ‘Always Forward’ (translated from Latin) and its silver design symbolises resilience, hope, and alertness in the face of adversity. But for me, this isn’t just a medal for showing up during COVID — it reflects the incredible work that Buddhist Chaplaincy was able to achieve, which also supported all other religions in Corrective Services NSW.

Video Chaplaincy Calls – When centres were closed to non-custodial staff, I was able to propose and trial virtual visits with inmates. What started as a Buddhist initiative became a state-wide service, and even today video calls are still helping inmates in regional prisons stay connected with a Chaplain.

Mind Breaks Magazine – Together with Chaplain Anna Carmody at Long Bay, we created a Buddhist magazine for inmates when we couldn’t physically be there. It offered Dharma, inspiration, and emotional support, and I’m thrilled that Mind Breaks is still going strong today.

Wellbeing Booklets – Chaplaincy also contributed to resources created by psychology teams during lockdowns, providing words of comfort and practical support for inmates facing long periods of isolation.

This medal is a reminder of what can be achieved through practicing compassion and working together in times of challenge.

18/09/2025

Easy as that!

18/08/2025

Join me for seated and walking meditation at Koala Connections—a free, family-friendly day with Koala Conservation Australia at Yulo Kopa, Ellenborough (just up the road from Port Macquarie).

Expect koala talks, habitat learning, nature activities, BBQ/sausage sizzle and plenty of time to restore in nature. See you there!

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12/08/2025

Buddhist Counselling warmly congratulates our team at Yulo Kopa, our accommodation and events venue, for being honoured with the Outstanding Business Award in the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces where people can pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect — whether through restful stays, meaningful gatherings, or community events.

To celebrate, we’re offering our community 20% off your stay in Yulo Kopa’s peaceful, self-contained cottages surrounded by nature’s beauty.

20% off your stay!