In October 2017 Baha’is around the world, together with their families, friends, neighbours and colleagues, celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah.

Local Celebrations Public Tributes

In Australia, from Tasmania to Thursday Island, from Sydney to Broome, the occasion was marked on the weekend of 21-22 October 2017. Glimpses of these celebrations can be seen on this page.

Festivities commemorated Baha’u’llah’s extraordinary life, His teachings and vision for a materially and spiritually prosperous world based on the principle of the oneness of humanity.

Australians from all walks of life gathered together and explored the spiritual dimension of community life, as well as how Baha’u’llah’s teachings promoting unity and justice can be applied to bring about a harmonious and cohesive global society.

Baha’is believe that any serious attempt to consider the future of our society cannot ignore the role of religion. These festivities present a potent example of how religion can bring together people from a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs in a spirit of friendliness and goodwill.

Visit bicentenary.bahai.org to view stories and media from celebrations that took place worldwide.

In October 2019, we celebrated the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab, the Herald of the Baha’i Faith. All are welcome to join in the celebrations.

Local Celebrations

ACT
Uplifting program in honour of the Birth of the Bab
Oct-20, 7:15 pm
ACT Baha'i Centre, 18 Hickey Court, Weston
The program will include a selection of Baha'i Writings and artistic performances, followed by light refreshments.
act@act.bahai.org.au
ACT
Free family festival celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
ACT Baha'i Centre, 18 Hickey Court, Weston
All-day festival with devotions, outdoor performances, children's activities and fi.lm screening.
Book for film screening on eventbrite.
act@act.bahai.org.au
Ballina
200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 7:00 pm
5 Regatta Avenue, Ballina
Songs, prayers, presentation and refreshments.
No RSVP required.
ballina@nsw.bahai.org.au
Byron Shire
Soul Food
Oct-15, 10:30 am
Bangalow Heritage House, Cnr Ashton and Deacon Streets
Devotional and Refreshment - Free Entry.
This month, the program is dedicated to the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah. The purpose of Soul Food is to inspire us to transform our lives, our neighbourhoods and communities, with actions that promote the unity and betterment of society.
Facebook @ByronBahaiSoulFood
Byron Shire
Illumine Art Festival
Oct-28, Saturday from 1:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
Bangalow RSL Hall, Station Street
Weekend of Visual Art, Theatre on Saturday at 7pm and Music on Sunday at 6pm.
Tom Gore 0432 393 443 or Helene Safajou 04 13 4848 33
Kiama
Celebration of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 2:00-5:00 PM
Gerringong Town Hall
Presentation and Afternoon Tea.
RSVP to kiama@nsw.bahai.org.au
Kathryn Humpa/ies (02) 42332299
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-20, 6:00 pm
Dixon Park Surf Club House, Dixon Park, Newcastle
Presentation about Baha'u'llah, reading of messages, dinner, multicultural entertainment.
di.james@internode.on.net
Queanbeyan
200 years of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 7:00 pm
Address on request
Gathering including prayers and presentation on the life of Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i Faith, followed by refreshments.
queanbeyan-palerang@nsw.bahai.org.au
Shellharbour
Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 7:00 pm
108A Tongarra Rd, Albion Park
Presentation, dance, song and finger food.
shellharbour@nsw.bahai.org.au
Cairns
Gathering at The Tanks
Oct-22, 5:00 pm
The Tanks
Presentations, story on the life of Baha'u'llah and stories from different community groups who have been engaging in the community.
Not required.
cairns@qld.bahai.org.au
Inala, Brisbane
Celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 6:00-8:00 PM
New Inala Community Hall, Corsair St, Inala
Dinner, devotions and presentations.
All welcome.
robinmihrshahi@gmail.com
Inala, Brisbane
Exhibition honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-16, 16-20 October from 5:30-8:00 PM
Inala Art Gallery, Corsair St, Inala
Dinner, exhibition, devotions, presentations and film screening.
All welcome.
robinmihrshahi@gmail.com
Inala, Brisbane
Service project honouring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
DJ Sherrington Park, Crn Inala Ave and Blunder Rd, Inala
Public service/cleanup project followed by community BBQ provided by Brisbane City Council.
All welcome.
robinmihrshahi@gmail.com
Southern Downs Region
Celebration dinner and evening program
Oct-21, 6:00 pm
QCWA Hall, 76 Grafton Street, Warwick
RSVP 13 October.
gpeldridge21@gmail.com
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Light of Unity Festival, Montville
Nov-02, 2:45 PM for 3:00 PM
Montville Village Hall, Main Street, Montville
Community festival featuring local choirs, traditional owners, local children, and musi.cians. Light refreshments.
All welcome, please RSVP for catering purposes.
Karen Barnett barnetts4@gmail.com
Townsville
Townsville Celebrates the Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 2:00 pm
Townsville Baha'i Community Centre, 65 Morey St, South Townsville
There will be a formal program followed by cultural performances, the official opening of our Community Garden and followed by refreshments, a sausage sizzle and activities.
RSVP is not mandatory but will help with catering purposes.
bicentennial@bahaicommunitytsv.org
Adelaide Hills
Community Celebration for the Bicentennial of Baha'u'llah's Birth
Oct-22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Stirling Library Lawns, 63 Mount Barker Road, Stirling
Community celebration in the park. Activities include musical performances, children's activities (e.g. seed planting, face painting, bubble blowing, colouring in, balloons) as well as displays and information about the Baha'i Community's activities.
adelaidehills@sa.bahai.org.au
Alexandrina
Welcoming the dawn of a new day, a new age of peace and unity
Oct-22, 7:00-8:00 AM
Amphitheatre, Ratalang (Bashams Beach) Regional Reserve, Port Elliot
A morning of song, prayers, qigong, meditation, light refreshments.
alexandrina@sa.bahai.org.au
Alexandrina
Happy Birthday- free gift
Oct-22, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
13 Port Elliot Road, Goolwa
Gift giving.
Bags of oranges will be given out free as part of the celebration.
alexandrina@sa.bahai.org.au
Unley
The Light of Unity' Art Exhibition
Oct-07, Saturday 7 October 9am-5pm, Sunday 8 October 9am-5pm
Unley Town Hall - Oxford Terrace, Unley
Art exhibition displaying artwork created by our diverse community exploring the theme 'The Light of Unity'.
unley@sa.bahai.org.au
Victor Harbor
200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah and unveiling of the Peace Pole
Oct-22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Warland Reserve Victor Harbor
Presentation and refreshments. The event also includes the unveiling of a Peace Pole by the City Mayor. This pole has the faces of the various races of mankind and the symbols of the major religions and the local Aboriginal culture carved onto the 2.7 mtr wooden pole.
RSVP by 14th October would be appreciated.
victorharbor@sa.bahai.org.au
Central Coast
Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'ullah Celebration
Oct-22, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenanna, near Devonport
Presentation with readings and live music.
Phone call or email appreciated for catering purposes.
karelfontaine@gmail.com
George Town
Rose Garden Reopening
Oct-23, 10:00 am
6 Sorrel St George Town
Opening by Mayor Archer.
RSVP requested.
georgetownbahai@gmail.com
Hobart
Bicentennial Celebration
Oct-22, 3:00 pm
Baha'i Centre of Learning, 1 Tasman Highway, Hobart
A presentation and music followed by afternoon tea.
hobart@tas.bahai.org.au
Launceston
Celebration of the Birth of Baha`u`llah
Oct-14, 1:00-4:00 PM
128-132 George Town Road Newnham
Formal program and refreshments.
RSVP please.
westtamar@tas.bahai.org.au
West Tamar
200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 6:30-9:30 PM
Windsor Community Precinct, 1 Windsor Dr, Riverside
Dinner, devotions (incl music), audiovisual presentation, refreshments.
Please RSVP for catering purposes.
westtamar@tas.bahai.org.au
Albury Wodonga
200th Aniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 7:00 pm
118 Hovell Street, Wodonga
A presentation, refreshments and music.
RSVP.
0434485944 or 0427562121
Ballarat
The Light of Unity
Oct-22, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt Street, Wendouree
One-hour stage production featuring Ballarat's most-loved musicians and performers, taking the audience on a journey through the life and unifying vision of Baha'u'llah.
ballarat@vic.bahai.org.au
Ballarat
Children's Festival
Oct-21, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Doug Dean Stadium, 16 Nandiriog Drive, Delacombe
Children's festival featuring craft, storytelling, music, BBQ and mural decorating, based on the life of Baha'u'llah and the theme of unity.
www.bahaiballarat.org.au
Darebin
Flowers of One Garden
Oct-22, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Fairfield Park Boathouse, Fairfield Park Drive, Fairfield
Multicultural High Tea with devotions and dramatic performances.
darebin@vic.bahai.org.au
Golden Plains Shire
Bicentenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh
Oct-21, 6:30 pm
225 Jollys Hill Rd Ross Creek
Dinner and presentation
RSVP required.
Goldenplains@vic.bahai.org.au
Melbourne
Bicentenary celebration
Oct-21, 7:30 pm
Envato HQ, 121 King Street, Melbourne
An evening of stories on the Baha'i Faith.
melbourne@vic.bahai.org.au
Melbourne
Bicentenary celebration
Oct-22, 2:00 pm
Envato HQ, 121 King Street, Melbourne
An interactive afternoon exploring the history and teachings of the Baha'i Faith.
melbourne@vic.bahai.org.au
Moreland
Multi Sensory Exhibition - Bicentennial
Oct-22, 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Brunswick Town Hall
Multi sensory exhibition of life of Baha'ullah
Open to all.
morelandlsa@gmail.com
Stonnington
Bicentenary celebration
Oct-21, 19:30
Malvern Banquet Hall, 1251 High St, Malvern
Devotions and presentations.
stonnington@vic.bahai.org.au
Yarra
Festival of Oneness - Celebrating 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 2:30 - 5:00 PM
200 Wellington St, Collingwood
Devotionals, stories, slides and live music, plus afternoon tea with a barista making coffees and serving sweet and savoury pastries.
RSVP required.
yarra@vic.bahai.org.au
East Fremantle and Fremantle
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh Bicentenary Celebration
Oct-22, 2:00 pm
Victoria Hall, 179 High Street, Fremantle (Fly by Night Club)
Community Celebration, open to all, with music
Please RSVP as soon as possible.
fremantle@wa.bahai.org.au
Joondalup
Celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-21, 6:30 pm
Currambine Community Centre, 64 Delamere Ave, Currambine
Devotions, presentation on Faith and life of Baha'u'lah, followed by lively presentations and light refreshments (celebratory).
If possible, kindly RSVP by 14 October 2017. Members of state and federal parliament will be joining the celebration.
joondalup@wa.bahai.org.au
Rockingham
Celebration picnic
Oct-22, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fantasy Park, Rand Avenue Reserve, Waikiki
Picnic with refreshments included
RSVP if possible by 17 October to 0417919400.
di9costello@gmail.com
Serpentine-Jarrahdale
200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah
Oct-22, 3:00-6:30 PM
Eric Senior Pavilion, 1409 Karnup Rd, Serpentine
An afternoon of devotion and celebration.
serpentine@wa.bahai.org.au
South Perth
Supper and Film
Oct-20, 6:30 pm
South Perth Baha'i Centre, 27 Lawler St, South Perth
Light twilight supper. "Light to the World" - a film about how the life and teaching of Baha'u'llah are transforming individuals and communities across the world.
southperth@wa.bahai.org.au
South Perth
Celebration in the Park
Oct-23, 3:00-4:30 PM
The Scented Gardens, South Perth Esplanade
Games for all ages, Kids4Peace activities, sausage sizzle, afternoon tea, banner painting, roses for all!
No RSVP required - come and join in the festivities.
southperth@wa.bahai.org.au
Victoria Park
200 YEARS
Oct-20, 7:00 pm
Connect: 5 Mackie St, Victoria Park
A presentation and refreshments
Please RSVP.
victoriapark@wa.bahai.org.au
Victoria Park
The Ancient Beauty
Oct-21, 12:00-3:00 PM
Carlisle
The life of Baha'u'llah through stories, BBQ lunch. BYO meat
Full address will be given upon request.
victoriapark@wa.bahai.org.au
Victoria Park
An Inspiring Garden
Oct-21, 6:00 pm
East Victoria Park
An exhibition of teachings and current service initiatives, dinner provided
Full address will be provided upon request/RSVP.
victoriapark@wa.bahai.org.au
Victoria Park
Unfolding Chapters
Oct-22, 12:00-3:00 PM
Victoria Park
Humanity's spiritual journey through the ages, BBQ lunch
Full address will be provided upon request/RSVP, BYO meat.
victoriapark@wa.bahai.org.au
Vincent
Songs of Oneness
Oct-15, 3:00-4:30 PM
Vincent St & William St, Perth
Outdoor concert (live music). Original soul music, presented by Perth neo-soul songstress Shameem, in honour of the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah.
www.shameemmusic.com/songsofoneness
shameem@shameemmusic.com

Details of local Bicentennial celebrations in the Northern Territories will be posted here shortly.

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Public Tributes

Government Leaders and Officials

Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP
Governor General of Australia
The Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove
Federal Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Bill Shorten MP
New South Wales Premier
The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP
New South Wales Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Luke Foley MP
Premier of Tasmania
The Hon Will Hodgman
Victoria Premier
The Hon Daniel Andrews MP
Victoria Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Matthew Guy MP
Queensland Premier
The Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Queensland Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Tim Nicholls MP
ACT Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Alistair Coe MLA
Chief Minister of The Northern Territory
The Hon Michael Gunner
Western Australia Premier
The Hon Mark McGowan MLA
Western Australia Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Mike Nahan MLA
South Australia Premier
The Hon Jay Weatherill MP
South Australia Leader of the Opposition
The Hon Steven Marshall MP
ACT Acting Chief Minister
The Hon Yvette Berry MLA