17/04/2026
𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
At the initiative of several leaders of the Bhutanese community, particularly in Perth, and in close coordination with Bhutanese Associations across other Australian cities, a group of 161 Bhutanese volunteers travelled from various parts of Australia to join 8,100 of their compatriots at the 6th Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Volunteer Programme, held from 10–14 April 2026.
Their participation reflects the deep commitment of the Bhutanese living in Australia to the vision of His Majesty The King for the GMC. It also speaks to their enduring patriotism and strong bonds with Bhutan, despite residing overseas. Since His Majesty’s visit to Australia in 2024, during which He shared His vision for the GMC, Bhutanese across Australia have been both inspired and steadfast in their support. There is a shared sense of enthusiasm and purpose among them to contribute meaningfully to this extraordinary Royal vision.
Ambassador Sonam Tobgay and Ambassador-designate Pema Tshomo were likewise honoured to join the Bhutanese volunteers from Australia in this voluntary effort.
During their time at the GMC, His Majesty The King graciously granted the volunteers a Royal Audience. His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen also hosted them for a Tokha dinner. On several occasions, His Majesty expressed His appreciation for the dedication shown by the volunteers in travelling all the way from Australia to take part in the programme.
Lyonchhen also met with the volunteers, conveying his gratitude for their commitment and for their journey from Australia to support the vision of the GMC.
The volunteers were taken on a tour of key project sites, including the construction of the new International Airport, Gyenyen Lhakhang, the Tareythang Gyalsung Academy, Choego, and Gelephu Town. Officials from the Governor’s Office delivered presentations to the volunteers on the Master Plan of the GMC; the work of the Gelephu Corporate Registry Office (GCRO), including procedures for company registration within the GMC; and the operations of the Audit and Corruption Investigation Bureau (ACIB). This was followed by an engaging interactive session with Dasho (Dr.) Lotey Tshering, Governor of the GMC.
All the Bhutanese volunteers return from the GMC deeply honoured and even more inspired by His Majesty’s vision for the GMC and for Bhutan. They are confident that, just as they have done, many more Bhutanese in Australia, as well as those living in other countries, will join future volunteer programmes and contribute to this noble national endeavour to secure a prosperous future for Bhutan.