Australia Bhutan Friendship Association

As Bhutan starts its second century of enlightened Monarchy, scoring mentions everywhere, including in the big Weekend Australian editorial on December 22, 2007 (about the womens cricket team), Tim Fischer extended Season Greetings and wished everyone all the best for the Coronation year 2008.

New Bhutan Desk Officer

Benjamin Nichols has recently taken over as the desk officer responsible for Bhutan at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

ABFA Forum

A new Australia Bhutan Friendship Association (ABFA) Forum has been created and launched.

Bhutan 100 Years of Hereditary Monarchy

Read the note below from Tim Fischer, AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, and co-chair of ABFA.

Greetings All,

May I offer a salute to the Royal family of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the crowning and enthronement of Ugyen Wangchuk as the first King of Bhutan on the 17th December 1907 at Punakha.

Bhutan Trip Report 2007 by Tim Fischer

As you prepare to gather in Thimphu, can I report on a five day busy trip to Bhutan at the start of September and salute the measured progress taking place, as the country implements its new constitution. I am grateful to the work of Tshering Tashi and his team for assisting in my schedule and in so many ways. Key observations of special interest:

Visit to Bhutan by Tim Fischer

Tim Fischer, is now back in Australia after a successful and fruitful 5 day visit to Bhutan. During his stay in Bhutan he received audiences with both the Kings, the Chief Justice, Election Comssioner and Secretaries of various Government ogranisations.

Slice of the Big Apple - The Bhutanese in New York

The United States (US) Economy is considered one of the most powerful in the world. In 2006, the US had the worlds largest GDP $13.21 trillion. As a result, the country has attracted immigrants from all over the world. Today, it estimated that US is the home for 12 million illegal immigrants.

Obituary for Lyonpo Dawa Tshering

"Over one quarter of a century serving as Foreign Minister of any country, let alone a small but dynamic country in a strategic location between the giants of China and India, represents a huge commitment and effort." says Tim Fischer, ABFA co-chair.

ABFA Co-chair Lyonpo Dawa Tshering passes away

The former foreign minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Dawa Tshering, passed away at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu on 8 May 2007 at 7:15 pm. He was 72.

Bhutan tries to keep mystique

In the inner sanctum of the ancient white-walled fortress, dozens of red-robed monks prayed by the light of butter lamps, as the incense swirled. A handful of Western tourists self-consciously shuffled in.

Democratic doubts for Bhutan

The Himalayan kingdom will soon experiment with democracy, despite skepticism by its citizens.

It often comes as a bewildering surprise to Americans that not all people think democracy is the best system of government, even when they value its ideals. Often, a fear of insecurity or a preference for well-being over free-for-all politics is at the heart of this.

ANZAC Day 2007 in the Himalayas

On an unseasonally cool and misty morning in what should be sunny Thimhpu at this time of the year, lone souls - Tshering Tashi and Megan Ritchie - met on April 25 2007 at Changangkha to once again mark the occasion of ANZAC Day, Bhutanese style. Whilst few in number this year, the moment was no less poignant.

Dinner speech by the Deputy High Commissioner during his first visit to Bhutan

Kuzuzang po,

Two things Bhutanese are notoriously known for are firstly unpredictability and secondly the BST which is Bhutan Stretchable Time. I spent the whole morning confirming the dinner tonight. The list says 30 and the attendance says otherwise.

The Psychology of Happiness conference

This special conference was designed to introduce and stimulate cross-cultural conversation on the human quest for happiness, covering topics on science, philosophy, religion and applied practice, particularly in the mental health areas. For the two afternoon plenary sessions we are honoured to have a faculty of esteemed and well-recognised people in their own fields from Bhutan, United Kingdom and Australia (see Invited Faculty below). A feature of the plenary sessions is that they will be open to invited local health workers from Bhutan (who are offered complimentary, free-of-charge places to the conference and dinner) as well as participants from the visiting workshop/study tour, hopefully, creating a unique opportunity to mix and dialogue with international colleagues.

SA News

Wonderful weather and excellent food, particularly the 'Ema datshi' in the surrounds of the Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens on Easter Saturday made up a great day with the Bhutanese students and their partners who are living in South Australia.

Beckoning Bold Bhutan

Attached is an excerpt from the book, "Beckoning Bold Bhutan" scheduled to be released in 2008 - for your reading pleasure.

Happy Losar for Female Fire Hog Year 2007

"Seasons Greetings for a great Losar and a prosperous year of the Female Fire Hog." so says Tashi Wangchuk studying at ANU.

Australia Day 2007

Following is a recount by Michelle Hogan, from Western Australia, of the Australia Day celebrations held there - with a good number of Bhutanese and Australians in attendance.

Veteran journalist honoured

"Could I also congratulate Dasho Kinley Dorji for receiving the honour. As a former journalist I'm full of admiration for the sensible and thoughtful development of Bhutan's professional media. Well done mate!" writes Ray Marcelo, co-ordinator of the ABFA e-mail list.

New King on the way and new Knight of the Realm

"Change no longer creeps up on countries large and small, but in the 21st Century arrives with big bangs too often and in bucketfuls, metaphorically speaking." says ABFA Co-chairman Tim Fischer.

ABFA Melbourne Chapter members celebrate National Bhutan Day 2006

ABFA Melbourne Chapter members once again enjoyed a delightful Celebration for National Bhutan Day in the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens on 17th of December 2006. Everyone brought food to share, so we all enjoyed a beautiful banquet of Australian and Bhutanese food.

Queen Mothers abound but King Fathers?

BHUTAN CREATES FIRST 21st Century KING FATHER,

AUSTRALIA BRITAIN TO FOLLOW?

Given the longer life span of the female over the male, most Monarchies have had plenty of Queen Mothers over the centuries, but a serious thing happened in Bhutan two weeks ago, the first King Father was created.

His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck becomes the fifth Druk Gyalpo

Bhutan has a new King!

The fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has handed over his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes the full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo.

ABFA Director and founding member confered red scarf

His Majesty, the King, conferred the red scarf to ABFA Director, Dasho Kinley Dorji, who is also the managing director of Kuensel; the Education Secretary, Dasho Pema Thinley; and the director of the Centre for Bhutan Studies, Dasho Karma Ura, on December 9 2006. His Majesty also promoted Lt. Colonel Kipchu Namgyel of the Royal Bhutan Police to the post of Colonel.

Postgraduate course at Australian National University

Following are some details about a postgraduate course that may interest Bhutanese students that can be taken at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Griffith University offers 10 postgraduate Scholarships

The Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, has agreed to provide 10 postgraduate scholarships to Bhutanese students for half the tuition-fee.

Bhutan ABFA dinner speech

Read the Bhutan ABFA dinner speech given by Tshering Tashi on September 27, 2006.

Endeavour Postgraduate Awards

The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards provide full financial support for international students for up to 3.5 years to undertake a postgraduate qualification at a masters level or higher either by coursework or research in any field of study in Australia, which includes a semester of English language training (if required).

Great Ocean Road Trip

Let me volunteer, writes Sonam Tashi, on behalf of the Bhutanese here in Melbourne, to acknowledge the trouble Simon Walliss took to drive us for an overnight trip to the famous Great Ocean Road.

Order of Australia for Cathy Harris

Good news announced over the weekend that Cathy Harris has been awarded the Order of Australia in the June 2006 Queens Honours List.

The Surprising King of Bhutan

Read about the article "Leaders and Revolutionaries, Jigme Singye Wangchuk - The Surprising King of Bhutan, by Pico Iyer which was posted in Time Magazines "100: The people who shape our world" on April 24, 2006.

Launch of the ABFA Armidale Chapter

The ABFA Armidale Chapter was launched on 5th April 2006 at a lunch in Boolominbah. The Bhutanese Education Minister, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho responded to welcomes from the University of New England Vice Chancellor and also the Armidale Mayor. A message from Dr Tim Fischer, AC, was also read out.

Taiko drumming, Tibetan chanting and didgeridoo at Sydney Opera House

Members of the ABFA in Sydney (or those wanting to travel to Sydney) might be interested in attending the performance at Sydney Opera House of Taiko drumming, Tibetan chanting and didgeridoo - where East meets Australian indigenous in a nominated Western World Heritage site!

ANZAC Day 2006 in Thimphu

ANZAC day in Thimphu is traditionaly observed by lighting 101 butter lamps at an 8am 'dawn' service in Changangkha monastery in Thimphu.

Barb Green in Bhutan

The convenor of the ABFA chapter of Victoria, Barbara Green from La Trobe University, left Bhutan today for Australia.

Tours to Bhutan in 2006/07

Penny Richards and John Weiss are leading another tour to Bhutan in 2006 from Monday 6th November to Monday 20th November 2006.

The tour, titled "The Exploratory Tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan" is a cultural tour with a natural history and birdwatching focus.

Visit of Education Minister

On the invitation of the Australian Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Bhutanese Education Minister will attend the inaugural Asia-Pacific Minister's meeting in Brisbane.

Planned return of Jon Domagala

Jon Domagala is an Australian Citizen who visited Bhutan in February of this year, and worked as an advisor at BBS (Bhutan Broadcasting Service). The BBS has a few trained journalists and is working on revitalizing it's radio programming.

Hello From South Australia

Currently there are 11 Bhutanese students in South Australia (specifically Adelaide). Of these, Thukten Choeda, a masters degree student at the University of South Australia, Adelaide is the only Adelaide-based Bhutanese student member of ABFA.

Symphony under the Stars in Adelaide

I am Dr. Chencho Dorji and I worked and lived in Adelaide in 1998-1999, thanks to Andrew and Jenny Biven's efforts. I remember our families get-together, the picnic and enjoying the Symphony under the Stars then.

Studying Law in Australia

Two Judges from Bhutan would like to do their masters in Law from Australia in 2006, and have been offered the following suggestions from various ABFA members.

Phillip Island Trip

The trip to Phillip Island to visit the famous 'Penguin parade' was well organized, and hence, as we all Bhutanese students agreed, BEAUTIFUL.

"Denchebs" - blankets from Bhutan at the Damien Minton Gallery Redfern

Denchebs - blankets from Bhutan

A selection of visually stunning blankets woven by Yanchen Llamo from Bhutan

February 8 to 18, 2006 - two weeks only

This exhibition is presented in association with Alathea Vavasour.

For those interested in the goal of happiness...

ABC Radio National has been experimenting with 'pod-casting' - radio segments are uploaded onto the Australian Radio National website and can be downloaded and listened to through a podcasting application and/or with an ipod.

Karma - My Journey to Bhutan

Bhutan had always been a seed in my mind of things to do after a trip to Nepal in 1990. The mystique, mountains and the unknown appealed to the adventure part of our type of holiday preference. The karma part of the story started with a present for the birthday of my wife Jenny. I bought a book called "A Baby in a Backpack to Bhutan" written by Bunty Avieson. After we both read the book the seed began to grow into something larger.

Australian PM, John Howard, meets Tshering Tashi at the SCG cricket Test

At the SCG last Wednesday, January 4, Tshering Tashi was introduced to the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. John Howard. The launch of cricket in Bhutan and also the subject of tourism liasion was discussed in the informal meeting, held in the setting of the SCG Trust Box.

Andrew Rogers to visit Bhutan

Andrew Rogers is a most distinguished Australian contemporary sculptor with an international reputation. He exhibits internationally and his sculptures are in numerous private and prominent public collections in Australia, South East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States of America. His largest works - stone Geoglyphs - are commanding attention around the world (ranging in size up to 100 square metres) which are situated in the Arava Desert, Israel, the Atacama Desert, Chile, and the Bolivian Altiplano.

Dharma work in Bhutan

Michelle Hogan is preparing to go to Bhutan at the end of February to do a four month volunteer project on HIV/AIDS Behaviour Change Communications for the Ministry for Health in Thimpu.

A King with Uncommon Sense

"The pride of my life is my son," said late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a few months before he passed away in 1972.
More than three decades later, on 17 December 2003, the Crown Prince of Bhutan, Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, proclaimed that "King like [my father] Jigme Singye Wangchuck was never been born and will never be born again."

Comments on Abdication statement

"It is to some extent a surprise but also a reflection of the purposeful wisdom of His Majesty, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, that the news has just came through from eastern Bhutan advising of the announcement by the King, that he will abdicate in favour of the Crown Prince, the Chhoeste Penlop, in the auspicous year of 2008." said the Hon. Dr Tim Fischer, AC.

King Sets Date For Election

The King of Bhutan set an example for absolute rulers across Asia on December 17 by declaring he would hold the first national democratic elections for the tiny country in 2008 and hand over a constitutional monarchy to his son, the crown prince.

Happiness Index is a vital statistic

"STATISTICS are used to measure almost every aspect of our lives, says the Hon. Dr Tim Fischer, AC - except the one that really counts".

Doctor Tim Fischer

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Australia chairman Tim Fischer has been given an honorary degree from the Australian National University.

ABFA Melbourne Chapter Picnic

On Monday night, December 12, the ABFA Melbourne Chapter had a picnic and early celebration for Bhutan National Day - 17th Dec) in Melbourne at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

United colours of Bhutan

The tiny kingdom in the Himalayas is an extraordinary refuge in a crazy world, writes Keith Austin.

Concert in Bhutan by the Woodcocks

Ronald Woodcock, internationally-known Australian concert violinist, recently gave the first ever concert of Western classical music in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, to an enthusiastic audience of high school students, local Bhutanese teachers and musicians, expatriates and a visiting group of Australians. The performance was donated by Ronald Woodcock, who was accompanied by his wife Louise Woodcock on the keyboard, to support the Australia Bhutan Friendship Association which was established in March 2003 and is chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mr Tim Fischer, in Australia and includes on the board the Honorary Consul to Bhutan in Australia, Ms Catherine Harris.

HM birthday celebrations in Sydney

More than 70 people came together last Saturday to celebrate the 50th birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at the harbourside home of the honorary consul for Bhutan, Cathy Harris.

Visit by Australian Ambassador

The Australian Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. John McCarthy, visited Bhutan from 30th October to 06 November.

Musical show

Mr Ronald Woodcock from Australia, a well known international concert violinist accompanied by his wife Mrs. Louise Woodcock, who is a violinist and piano accompanist, gave a short violin and piano show at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts Hall on the 17th October.

Update on visit by Nicole Pluss

Nicole Pluss, the Australian childrens writer continues her Asialink Residency in Bhutan. Nicole does intend to write a detailed report at the end of her residency but until then here are some highlights of her time to date.

RCSC and ANU to collaborate study programs

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) and the Australian National University (ANU) has agreed to collaborate for further study programs for Bhutanese in Australia. The programs will be carried out on a cost-sharing basis at the Asia Pacific School of Economics and the royal government at the University.

"School Among Glaciers" wins Audience award in Seoul, Korea

School Among Glaciers, a documentary film produced by the Bhutan Broadcasting Service and directed by one of its senior producers, ABFA member Dorji Wangchuk, has won the EIDF 2005 Audience Award at the Korean International Documentary Award held in Seoul, South Korea.

Seeking accommodation in Melbourne

The Board of Control for Cricket in Bhutan is hoping to take up an invitation from the Melbourne Unversity Cricket Club to host Mr Ugyen, curator, for 2 months in Melbourne to learn about pitch preparation.

Visit by Nicole Pluss

Australian childrens author Nicole Pluss arrived in Bhutan on Sept 2, 2005.

Search for a simple life

What can Australians learn from a tiny Himalayan kingdom? Plenty, according to a happy former deputy prime minister.

Paper making

Interested to learn about the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory?

Ambassador of Bhutan to Australia

The Bhutan Goverment has received the agreement of the Government of Australia to the appointment of Dasho Singye Dorjee as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Australia with residence in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tour to Bhutan - October 2005

Penny Richards and John Weiss are leading a tour to Bhutan from 22 October to 4 November 2005. The tour, titled 'An Exploration of the Kingdom of Bhutan' is a cultural tour visiting the major centres of Paro and Thimphu (the capital) and travelling to central Bhutan to visit the culturally important sites of Punakha, Trongsa and Bumthang. The tour will visit important sites such as the historic Dzongs or fortresses as well as many of the culturally important temples and sites in the beautiful Bumthang valley. During the 10 day tour there will be opportunities for ½ day and full day hikes. The tour will also visit the picturesque Gantey valley home of the migratory endangered Black necked cranes. The tour will also visit national parks and opportunities for viewing wildlife and plant life.

GNH: moving from concept to reality?

From the 25th June 2005, an international gathering of more than 400 economists, environmentalists, educators, philosophers, farmers, religious and social leaders, government officials, the academia, and youth leaders from 30 countries attending a five-day seminar in Nova Scotia, Canada, enthusiastically endorsed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness as a viable alternative to current development thinking.

New bridge to be named in honour of Tim Fischer

Congratulations to Tim Fischer who has accepted a proposal to have one of the two new bridges across the Murray River in the town of Corowa, NSW, named after him. It will be officially named on 30 July 2005.

"Words of my Perfect Teacher" showing in Melbourne June 20th

There will be a screening of the Bhutanese film "Words of my Perfect Teacher", in Melbourne on June 20th, 2005.

Bhutan Forestry officials in Oz

The 5 Forestry officials currently in NSW are doing fine. They are all well and, while busy, finding time to enjoy themselves.

Barbecue set for ABFA

During the recent visit from May 10 to May 19, 2005, of The Honorary Consul for Bhutan in Australia, Catherine Harris, donated a barbecue set to ABFA.

Crawford Fund update

Tim Fischer advises that recently the Crawford Fund hosted a great dinner at Melbourne University to farewell Dr Panchung, a Crawford Fellow.

Engagement announcement

This is to announce the engagement of ABFA Australian Secretary/Treasurer Simon Walliss to Tess Kirby, also of Melboune, but frequently to be found in the Himalayas. All the very best to them and may they honeymoon in Trongsa or Paro or Ha! Maybe all three if time permits, and also Gasa of course.

"Travellers and Magicians" in Canberra?

Those of us living in Canberra are getting somewhat envious and restless hearing the wonderful reviews around the country about Travellers and Magicians, writes Golnaz Assadi.

Travellers and Magicians in Adelaide

On Friday, May 06, 2005, my family and I attended the Adelaide, South Australia, screening of "Travellers and Magicians", said Nicole Pluss.

Travellers and Magicians showing in Melbourne May 5th

There will be a Question and Answer screening with Bhutanese actor Lhakpa Dorje and Australian co-producer Mal Watson, after a screening of their film Travellers and Magicians, in Melbourne on May 5th, 2005.

An account of the visit by Doug Anthony & Peter Nixon in April 2005

From April 01 to April April 12 2005, Doug Anthony, former Deputy Prime Minster of Australia, visited Bhutan with H.E Peter Nixon.

Anzac Day 2005 in Thimphu

On Monday 25th April, at 8:00am, ABFA members in Thimphu lit butter lamps in Changangkha monastery and then had breakfast at the Swiss Bakery.

Welcome Speech for visit of Australian Ambassador

Read the welcome speech by Achyut Bhandari, Treasurer of ABFA, and currently the MD of Bhutan Post on the occasion of the visit by the Australian Ambassador to Bhutan, John McCarthy on 7 April 2005 at the Bhutan Kitchen, Thimphu.

Murray Gunn writing in Bhutan

So far this year, Murray has had the triple good fortune to marry a French girl, take a year of semi-paid leave and move to Bhutan.

English teacher at Druk School

Carolyn Hamer-Smith has recently arrived in Bhutan from Australia to take up a position as an English teacher at Druk School, Thimphu.

Bhutan Kitchen

Thank you to all ABFA members for a very successful dinner hosted by the Australian Ambassador at the Bhutan Kitchen on April 7, 2005.

Australian Ambassador

His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Australian Ambassador on Wednesday, 6th April 2005.

Bhutanese Forestry Officials to visit Australia

There are 5 senior Bhutanese Forestry officials coming to Australia from the 21st May, 2005 for a period of 4 weeks.

Doug Anthony and Peter Nixon to visit Bhutan

Through the persuasion of Tim Fischer, The Right Hon. Doug Anthony and H.E Peter Nixon will visit Bhutan from 1 April 2005 to 12 April 2005.

Best wishes for Bhutan Democracy

Bhutan's king has unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution. This is an admirable and noble development. Few rulers so willingly relinquish power.

Bhutan - Dragon Kingdom

ABC Foreign Correspondent, broadcast a story on Bhutan on Tuesday March 15th at 9.20 pm.

New Bhutanese student at University of Melbourne

Mr. Sonam Tashi from the Ministry of Agriculture has joined the University of Melbourne where he will pursue a masters degree.

Friendship between Judges from Australia and Bhutan

Justice Ron Merkel, of the Federal Court of Australia, recently completed a visit to Bhutan on the invitation of His Excellency Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, Chief Justice of Bhutan.

Bhutanese Cricket

The Bhutan national cricket team lost to the Maldives national cricket team by nine wickets on the first day of the inaugural Emerging Nations Cricket Tournament in Thailand which started on February 2, 2005.

Fischer gets Aust Day honour

Boree Creek is celebrating after their most famous resident received the highest award among Australians who have been named in the 2005 Australia Day honours list.

Happy and we know it

Indigo Council launched an Australian-first at the Beechworth Bakery yesterday, Friday January 21 2005 - the Gross National Happiness Index.

Magic of First Bhutan Film

In Sydney on Saturday January 15 2005 there was a special showing of the Film "Travellers and Musicians" at the NSW Art Gallery ( helped along and introduced by the Consul General to Bhutan, Cathy Harris, and thanks to many, including Edmund Capon Gallery Director).

Australian writer to visit Bhutan

The Asialink Committee has approved the request of the Australian children's author, Nicole Pluss, to visit Bhutan.

Building friendship through cricket

Already, moves are afoot to build on the bonds of friendship forged during the recent visit of the Guild CC to Bhutan. The tour was largely organised through the good offices of ABFA Thimphu Chapter and the BCCB.

Guild CC, Australia wrests Chhoetse Penlop Trophy from never-say-die Bhutan XI

In the first ever home one day cricket international in Bhutan, the visiting Guild CC from Australia held off a fast-finishing Bhutan to take the Chhoetse Penlop Trophy by 26 runs.

South Australia Chapter of ABFA

Wendy Miller has been appointed as the ABFA convener for South Australia.

International Cricket comes to Bhutan

Bhutan is to play its first ever home international cricket match on November 1, 2004.

Canberra Chapter of ABFA

Mr. Arthur Lincoln (Lin) Richardson was appointed as the convenor of the Canberra Chapter of ABFA by Tim Fischer, AC, on 18th Ocotber 2004.

Guild Cricket Club vs Bhutan

Thimphu is gripped with cricket fever as the national team prepares for its first ever home international cricket match, versus the Guild Cricket Club from Australia.

Trekking, bird watching and botanical tour of Bhutan

Want to know about a Trekking and Bird Watching Tour and a Botanical Tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the last Shangri-La, led by ex-Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Tim Fischer, AC?

New Australian Ambassador to Bhutan

The new Australian Ambassador to Bhutan will be John McCarthy (ex Washington/Tokyo/East Timor).

Farewell visit by Australian Ambassador Wensley to Bhutan

The first Australian Ambassador to Bhutan, Ms Penelope Wensley, AO, will be completing her three year tour of duty in India and will be leaving India in late November.

Ambassador Penelope made her formal farewell visit to Bhutan from 3-8 October 2004.

ABC visit to Bhutan

A request by Ian Altschwager, Producer, Foreign Correspondent ABC Television, Sydney, to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan to prepare a television documentary has been approved by the Government of Bhutan.

A Note of Appreciation

On behalf of the Honourable President, the Honourable Chairman, the Members and the Management of the Board of Control for Cricket in Bhutan (BCCB), and on my own behalf, we sincerely extend our heartfelt gratitude to Your Excellency for the wonderful and fruitful time spent over an evening tea session at Dechenphodrang Monastery on 22nd August 2004.

TRONGSA PENLOP

In October 2004, the Kingdom of Bhutan turns a historic chapter in its glorious history.

Tim Fischer, AC, presents the Madgwick Lecture at UNE

Read about the Madgwick Lecture presented by Tim Fischer, AC, at the University of New England, Armidale on August 26 2004.

Cricket equipment for BCCB

Mrs. Catherine Harris and her son Lachlan handed over some cricket equipment to officials of the BCCB at a tea in Dechenphodrang, Thimphu yesterday, August 22 2004.

Honorary Consul comments "It is going to be a very exciting role"

Education, tourism and trade were some areas were Australia could assist Bhutan, according to the Honorary Consul of Bhutan in Sydney, Australia, Mrs. Catherine Harris, who is on her first visit to the country from August 18 -24 2004.

Visit by first Honorary Consul of Bhutan to Australia

The first Honorary Consul of Bhutan to Australia Mrs. Catherine Harris arrived in the Kingdom of Bhutan on August 18 2004, on her first official visit.

School building project

Australian Don McArthur is helping build schools in Thimphu and training Bhutanese students to carry on this work.

Joy for Bhutan archers

ATHENS, 17 August 2004 - Australia suffered a double-blow and there was joy for Bhutan as the wind swirled on the opening day of mens knockout archery action in the 2004 Olympic Games at the Panathinaiko Stadium.

AusAid

The Secretary, RCSC, hosted a dinner on 10th August 2004, in honor of Mr. Andrew Adzic, Head, AusAID Programme, and TR Vishwanthan, Finance and Program Officer, Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

Report by Baba Sourjah on Bhutanese Cricket

I have today, 30 July 2004, returned to Brisbane from Bhutan after completing 3 months coaching the Bhutanese national cricket team. There is plenty of talent but the lads need exposure and obviously the correct resources.

Invitation to Guild Cricket Club

An Invitation has been sent to Mr Duncan, Guild Cricket Club, Windsor, Australia from the President of BCCB to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan in October 2004 after their trip to India.

Mobile Literary Lunch on the Puffing Billy

On Friday 6th August, 2004 there was a Mobile Literary Lunch on the Puffing Billy, departing Belgrave.

ABFA Melbourne Healsville Sanctuary & Winery Tour

On Sunday 4 July 2004, 20 members of ABFA Melbourne departed the city on a sunny winters day for a day trip to the Yarra Valley.

Bhutanese multigraders arrive at UNE

Twelve Bhutanese teachers arrived in Armidale on Sunday 25th July 2004 and eight more arrived 28th July, 2004.

Congratulations Tim

ABFA would like to congratulate our co-chairman Tim Fischer, AC, for being appointed as the Chairman of the new Tourism Australia.

Part-time film-maker on top of the world

Unlike most film-makers, Khyentse Norbu thinks carefully about his words, speaks in the calmest of tones and exudes a rare sense of peace.

Indeed, everything about Norbu is unlike most film-makers. Born in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, he is a Buddhist teacher and officially recognised as the reincarnation of a 19th-century Tibetan saint.

Bhutan keep alive hopes of making the quarter-finals

PETALING JAYA, June 14, 2004: Bhutan kept alive their hopes of making the quarter-finals from Group D in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy tournament when they defeated Iran by 86 runs at Kelab Aman, Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Tourism gain without pain

Boosting the Kingdom of Bhutans tourism industry will consume La Trobe University tourism and hospitality deputy head Ms Megan Ritchies every thought for the next 18 months.

Australian budget allocates money for Bhutan

The Australian budget for the year 2004-05 has allocated an estimated AUD 86.4 million for South Asian countries as Official Development Assistance (ODA).

ABFA Melbourne raise more funds for another nature club in Bhutan

ABFA Melbourne chapter have raised funds to sponsor the RSPN affiliated Nature club at Nangkhor High School in Pemagatshel.

Bhutan to participate in Asia Cricket Council Trophy competition

Bhutan is to participate for the first time in the Asia Cricket Council Trophy competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 12th to 22nd June, 2004.

ABFA raises funds to sponsor a nature club in Bhutan

ABFA - Melbourne Chapter has raised enough funds to sponsor a nature club through RSPN in a school in Bhutan.

ABFA/Bhutan Cricket Match

An ABFA/Bhutan cricket match is planned for October in Thimphu.

Anzac Day in Thimphu

On 25 April, 2004 to commemorate ANZAC day, the ABFA members in Thimphu offered Butter Lamps at the Chang gangkha monastery.

Pema Thinley, receives an Honorary Doctorate of Education

Pema Thinley, Secretary, Ministry of Education RGoB received an Honorary Doctorate of Education at UNE, Armidale Australia.

Australia Day Celebrated in Thimphu

To celebrate Australia day, the ABFA members joined the Australians living in Thimphu in a BBQ and dinner.

International Award for BBS

A program proposal titled "A School Among Glaciers" by Dorji Wangchuk of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service was awarded the Hoso Bunka Foundation Prize at the Japan Prize International Educational Program Contest that concluded in Tokyo on 5th November.

Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Austin and Isabel, two Thimphu-based DANIDA representatives, recently undertook an Autumn Snowman trek in September/October 2003.

Mountainbiking in Bhutan

Want to turn heads in Bhutan?

Try whizzing past locals on a state of the art mountain bike..

And find out about the upcoming 2004 Mountain Bike tour and race in Bhutan.

David Jobson motorbiking in Bhutan

David Jobson, a keen motorcyclist, kick started his Royal Enfield motorcycle in September 2003 and snaked down to Phuntsholing to exit his journey from the Himalayas. David and his wife are keen motorcyclists and do a lot of riding in Australia.

International Expertise Helps Government to Decentralize in Bhutan

People take the lead after years of waiting for something to happen.

Gasa, Bhutan. When Dasho Chencho Tshering started the steep two-day walk up an often leech-infested mule track to his new office last April, he knew he was in for a challenge.

Congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Bhutan

Congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Bhutan, following his formal elevation and appointment. It is a delight to know the new Prime Minister comes to the office with wide experience in international affairs and with a deep commitment to carefully modernising Bhutan.

100th Bhutanese student at University of New England (UNE) Armidale

A group of 12 Bhutanese from the Education Department arrived in Armidale on the 26th July 2003 for a six-week attachment in Multigrade. This group was special since it comprised the 100th Bhutanese student to the University of New England at Armidale.

Lyonpo Jigme Thinley's Visit

Goodwill flowed thickly after a spectacular welcome in Sydney, including a harbour cruise with Tim Fischer, AC, and a wharf welcome from 12 Bhutanese students. Minister Thinley then moved on to Canberra for key meetings.

Foreign minister in Australia

Foreign Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley is currently on an official bilateral visit to Australia at the invitation of the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer.

Trip from India by Royal Enfield motorcycles

We are doing the aforementioned trip from India by Royal Enfield motorcycles. My wife and I are keen motorcyclists and do a lot of riding in Australia.

Picture Of The Week

Note : The Australia Bhutan Friendship Association aims to promote more interaction between the people of the two countries, by fostering social, cultural and economic ties between Australians and Bhutanese.

Disclaimer