-
1851
the first large group of Chinese to come to Australia came as part of the gold rush. -
1856
a temple was established in South Melbourne by the non-religious Sze Yap group. This temple was also used for Taoism, Confucianism, various cultural gods and even astrological activities. However, no priest/religious leader from China ever came to Australia, and the temple eventually declined and disappeared by the end of the 20th century -
1858
First clear example of Buddhist settlement in Australia -
1867
The first Buddhist group to arrive in Australia were a troupe of acrobats and jugglers from japan. -
1870
the first Sinhalese Buddhists from sri lanka arrived to work in sugarcane plantations -
1876
A community was believed to exist on Thursday island -
1882
A group of 500 Buddhists left Colombo for Queensland -
1890
Now the oldest remaining structure showing the establishment of Buddhism in Australia, two Bodhi trees were planted on Thursday island -
1891
The American Buddhist Henry Steel Olcott, came to Australia and participated in a lecture series, which led to a greater awareness of Buddhism in small circles of mainly upper class society. -
1910
The first instance of a monk arriving in Australia, Sasana Dhaja Stevenson arrived from Burma -
1938
the first specific Buddhist group, the Buddhist Study Group Melbourne, was formed in Melbourne by Len Bullen, but it collapsed during Second World war -
1953
The Buddhist society of Victoria was formed -
1956
the Buddhist society of new south wales was formed -
1950-1970
the Buddhist societies were organizations which self-discussed Buddhism -
late 1970
Buddhism became more widespread -
1980
Lama Yeshe established religious institutions with resident monks and Sogyal Rinpoche (founder of Rigpa organisation) -
2009
four woman received bhikkhuni ordination as Theravada nuns, the first time such ordination had occurred in Australia. It was performed In Perth at Bodhinyana Monastry
