Constitutional Amendment — Supporting the Growth of the Dhamma Beyond Western Australia
Resolved at the Annual General Meeting, 23 May 2026
At the Buddhist Society of Western Australia’s Annual General Meeting held on 23 May 2026, members passed a special resolution amending the BSWA Constitution to add a new object to the Association.
The new section 4(h) reads:
“To give financial support for the establishment or expansion of Buddhist monasteries or Buddhist centres, including retreat centres, located outside Western Australia, whether interstate or overseas, where such establishments are associated with the BSWA through ordination lineage and consistent with the overarching objectives of the Association.”
What this means
For the purposes of the Constitution, “associated with the BSWA through ordination lineage” is defined as meaning that at least one of the instigators or leaders of the relevant Buddhist institution or community seeking support from BSWA, has been ordained with Ajahn Brahm or Ajahn Hasapanna as their preceptor.
This amendment formally recognises what has long been part of the BSWA’s spirit — that the Dhamma does not stop at the Western Australian borders. Over the decades, monasteries, retreat centres and Buddhist communities inspired by Ajahn Chah’s forest tradition and nurtured through the guidance of Ajahn Brahm have taken root across Australia and around the world. This constitutional change gives the BSWA the clear formal authority to support those communities financially where appropriate and requested, in the same way we would support our own facilities here in Western Australia.
Any such support will always be directed in a manner consistent with the BSWA’s overarching objectives and its obligations as a registered charity.
Why a special resolution?
Changes to the objects of an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA) require a special resolution — a resolution passed by at least 75% of members present and voting at a general meeting. We are pleased to report that the resolution was carried at the AGM with the requisite majority.
The amended Constitution is effective from 23 May 2026. A copy of the full Constitution as amended is available on the BSWA website.
We are grateful to all members who attended the AGM and participated in this important moment in the BSWA’s history. May the merit of this resolution support the flourishing of the Dhamma wherever it takes root.
Sādhu, Sādhu, Sādhu.
The updated Constitution can be accessed via the BSWA’s Policies Page
With metta
John Cooke
Hon Secretary, Buddhist Society Of WA