Buddhist Vihara of Queensland Inc – Goodna Temple

The Buddhist Vihara of Queensland Inc. (Goodna Temple) was established in 1998 as an incorporated, non-profit, organization dedicated to cater for those interested in learning Theravada Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka. The temple welcomes individuals from all ethnic and religious backgrounds and serves Brisbane and surrounding regions, including Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

The initiative began when a small group of Buddhists in Brisbane recognized the need for a temple to share the teachings of the Buddha. Under the guidance of the late Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thero and the leadership of Ven. Sitinamaluwe Sugathasara Thero, the temple was inaugurated in a rented house on Pannard Street, Darra. On 28 May 1998, it was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit association, managed by a committee led by the incumbent monk as President.

To disseminate the teachings of the Buddha, weekly religious observances, Dhamma talks, and a Saturday Dhamma School for children were introduced. Annual events such as Kathina Pinkama, Vesak and Poson celebrations, meditation programs, and counselling services further strengthened community engagement. To sustain operations, membership fees and fundraising activities were introduced, including food stalls.

In 2001, the temple acquired a property in Wacol known as “Dhamma Dinna House,” featuring a Bodhi tree originating from Bodh Gaya, India. By 2005, the property was fully owned. As the congregation grew, a larger site was purchased in Goodna in 2006, providing a serene 2.5-acre setting for the temple’s permanent home. The Bodhi tree was transplanted to the new location.

Significant developments followed, including the construction of a podium for the Bodhi tree in 2013 and the ceremonial unveiling of a Stupa later that year. In 2015 and 2023 the adjoining properties 110 Eric Street and112 Eric Street were acquired to support future expansions. After fulfilling council requirements, the temple was officially registered as a “Place of Worship” in January 2020. Today, the Vihara serves over 2,000 families across Queensland.

Key Milestones

  • 1998: Temple established in Darra; incorporated as a non-profit association.
  • 2001: Acquisition of Wacol property (“Dhamma Dinna House”).
  • 2006: Purchase of 2.5-acre property in Goodna; Bodhi tree transplanted.
  • 2013: Construction of Bodhi tree podium and Stupa.
  • 2015: Acquisition of adjoining property for expansion.
  • 2020: Official registration as a “Place of Worship.”
  • 2023: Acquisition of adjoining property for expansion.
  • Present: Serving over 2,000 families across Brisbane and regional Queensland.
  • Future: Development approval has been received for the Budhu Madura, Dharmasalawa and Seema Malakaya. Design development is in progress.