King’s artisan works on new entry to Khmer temple
M
arsden’s iconic Khmer Buddhist Temple has a beautiful new entry 10 years after it first opened its doors in the City of Logan.
The grand entry standing well over eight metres features intricate carvings and serves as a fitting introduction to the beautifully crafted place of worship. Councillor Graham Able said the local temple was hand-built by many volunteers and had become a favourite landmark in Marsden. “It is a really lovely place to come and the new entry way is a beautiful addition,” Cr Able said. “All of the work is carried out on site with unique concrete moulds and hand painting used to create these intricate patterns. “One of the artisans who worked on the entry has even worked on the King’s Palace in Phnom Penh.” The temple came about after a group of Buddhist monks and members of the local Cambodian community set out to create a spiritual home for themselves in Logan in 1990. They formed the Khmer Buddhist Society of Queensland and head monk Preah Udamanheana Honourable Rajakana Vanna Choum travelled around Australia to raise the money to build the temple (Preah Vihea) at Third Ave Marsden. The temple has now become part of Logan’s multicultural fabric since it opened in 2005. With monks living at the site, residents are welcome to visit to learn more about Buddhism. The temple also opens its doors to the community for special celebrations.
The new entry to the temple was a centerpiece in recent Cambodian New Year celebrations.
To learn more about the temple, find out about upcoming community days or to arrange a visit by appointment contact Sovannary Uk on 0403 080 777 or search for Watt Khemarakratanaram on facebook.
Marsden Park plans for transformation Councillor Graham Able said the local community has been calling out for an upgrade to this centre for many years and this proposal will transform the centre of Marden. Image: An artist impression of the planned redevelopment of Marsden “It is wonderful Park Shopping Centre. that plans are progressing for the redevelopment that could see the existing centre double in size including a full refurbishment of the current building,” he said.
The development application is currently being assessed against the planning scheme.
CR GRAHAM ABLE
p: 3412 3412 e: grahamable@logan.qld.gov.au Division 5: Berrinba (part of), Browns Plains (part of), Crestmead (part of), Kingston (part of), Loganlea, Marsden and Waterford West (part of). Refer to map on page two for divisional boundaries.
DIVISION 5 NEWS
A major upgrade is earmarked for the Marsden Park Shopping Centre with a development application for a $60 million transformation lodged with Council.
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