Islam’s buddha for Catholics

AFGHANI men carving a Buddha statue at a Keysborough Catholic Church seems an unlikely occurrence.
But a predominantly Islamic group of Hazara men from Afghanistan have done just that.
They last Wednesday unveiled a replica of the famous Buddha of Bamyan – called Salsal – created at the Keysborough Men’s Shed over five months.
“To us, it is not about religion, it is about honouring our cultural heritage, and showing people that we have something to offer this community,” one participant said.
The original Buddha was carved into the cliffs in Afghanistan between the second and sixth centuries, but has since been destroyed.
Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) ran the project in partnership with Ermha, with support from the Association of Hazaras in Victoria and the Keysborough Learning Centre.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship funded the project under its Refugee Action Program.
It was developed to address isolation and hopelessness for asylum seekers in the community, and to provide an opportunity to improve their health and well-being.
SMRC settlement services manager Despina Haralambopoulos said the result was stunning.
“The men have recreated their history here, bringing a piece of Afghani culture into Dandenong,” she said.
The Salsal will be on display at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, for the rest of the year thanks to City of Greater Dandenong.
Call Ashleigh Newnham at SMRC on 9767 1900 for more information about the project.