On October 3rd 2021, Amma Australia held a special broadcast with important news about our new Vision 2023 project. The event, held for the whole Australian Amma community, featured announcements from Swamini Krishnamrita Prana, Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri and Swami Atmananda Puri. It was a unique occasion to hear firsthand about opportunities to expand Amma Australia.
Amid the turbulence of Covid-19, this was a positive and uplifting means of focusing our energy as a community on a common goal. Since its inception much has happened and Stage One of the project in nearing completion.
Vision 2023 and Beyond
- Amma expressed that if planned extensions to the Melbourne Ashram are completed when she next returns to Australia, the Melbourne public programs and retreat can be held on site.
- These extensions include expanding the existing program hall, building a kitchen and dining area, landscaping and developing access roads and car parking facilities. Building work began in December 2022 and is nearing completion.
- Amma has also given permission for a temple to be built on the Ashram grounds and we hope that when she next visits she will lay a foundation stone as an auspicious start to the temple building project.
This is a very exciting project for Amma Australia! In addition to hopefully serving as a site for Amma’s Melbourne programs, we hope the expansion will be of direct benefit to local communities and a hub for spiritual activities and volunteering opportunities for people from all over Australia.
The project is being undertaken in two stages:
Stage One
- Extend the existing program hall;
- Build a commercial kitchen and dining hall;
- Develop access roads, car parking and landscaping;
- Provide connection to external water and sewer;
- Provide the infrastructure to be able to host large events on the
premises.
An experienced volunteer project team has been managing the redevelopment. Stage One construction works commenced in December 2022.
Now, a year and a half since work began, completion of Stage One is expected by September 2024. Due to a worldwide escalation in the cost of building materials, unexpected consultant fees and approval costs and the need to use higher grade materials than initially expected in some areas to ensure longevity the budget has escalated.
The total budget for Stage One building works is now estimated at $5.1M.
Stage Two (now known as Vision 2025)
Upon completion of Stage One we will begin temple construction, estimated at $3.7M.
Our dream is that devotees and friends across the country will continue to journey with us as we expand the reach of Amma Australia. We will ensure everyone stays abreast of our progress through local events, social media and regular newsletters.
“Children, love can accomplish anything and everything.” Amma
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT OUR ASHRAM DEVELOPMENT PAGE
How you can help
There are a number of ways by which you can support the completion of Vision 2023:
Pledge a monthly recurring donation to vision 2023
- Online: Select Vision 2023 and Monthly from the dropdown menus Donate Here
- Direct Debit: Please send an email to [email protected] requesting banking details and requirements.
Make a single one-off donation to Vision 2023
- Online: Select Vision 2023 from the dropdown menu Donate Here
- Direct Debit or Cheque: Please send an email to [email protected] requesting details and requirements.
MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO AMRITA ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SPIRITUALITY
- Online: Select either AAAS Building Fund or Library from the dropdown menu Donate Here
- Direct Debit or Cheque: Please send an email to [email protected] requesting banking details and requirements.
Become involved in Fundraising Activities
If you have fundraising ideas, would like to champion an event or volunteer your services to fundraise, please contact your local coordinator.
Adelaide: [email protected]
Brisbane: [email protected]
Byron Bay: [email protected]
Canberra: [email protected]
Hobart: [email protected]
Melbourne: [email protected]
Sunshine Coast: [email protected]
Sydney: [email protected]
Perth: [email protected]
For general enquiries: [email protected]