2026 Tibet Solidarity Study tour

From Australia to Dharamsala: Building a New Front for Tibet Solidarity

The struggle for Tibetan freedom has always been fueled by international witness and shared humanity. Recently, that bond grew even stronger. The Australia Tibet Council (ATC) is proud to share the success of our inaugural Tibet Solidarity Study Tour to Dharamsala - a landmark initiative designed to transform existing support into informed, high-level advocacy.

This wasn't just a visit, it was an immersive dive into the heart of the Tibetan experience in exile.

A Delegation of Diverse Voices

This self-funded delegation brought together a unique cross-section of Australian society, proving that the cause of Tibet resonates across local government, academia, and First Nations leadership.

The group was hosted by ATC’s Executive Officer Dr. Zoë Bedford, and Co-Chair and former Senator Janet Rice, and included:

Cr Sarah Redshaw (Blue Mountains Council)

Cr Siobhan Isherwood (Newcastle Council)

Emma Davidson & Michael Osborne (ANU and Newcastle University)

Brittney Henderson (Wiradjuri Bunurong person and Young First Nations representative)

Inside the Tibetan Democracy in Exile

A primary goal of the tour was to provide delegates with first-hand insight into the sophisticated democratic structures the Tibetan people have built while in exile.

The delegation held high-level meetings with:

Sikyong Penpa Tsering (President of the Central Tibetan Administration)

Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

These discussions offered a rare glimpse into the challenges of governing a diaspora and the unwavering determination to maintain a democratic path forward despite the ongoing occupation of their homeland.

A Deeper Commitment

Newcastle Councillor Siobhan Isherwood shared her reflections on the journey and the impact of meeting the Tibetan community with ABC Radio.

Connecting with the Grassroots

Beyond the halls of government, the delegation spent time on the ground with those keeping the flame of resistance alive. They engaged with vibrant youth leaders from the Tibetan Youth Congress and Students for a Free Tibet India, as well as activists from the International Tibet Network and the Tibetan Women’s Association.

The group also visited community organizations dedicated to the most vulnerable—the children and the elderly. In these spaces, the delegates witnessed the "quiet determination" that defines the Tibetan struggle: a refusal to let their culture, language, or pride be erased.

Why This Matters for Australia

This tour marks a strategic shift in how we build support for Tibet in Australia. By bringing together leaders from state and local government and academia, we are creating a network of informed advocates who can speak with authority and passion.

These participants have returned to Australia not just as observers, but as allies with a firsthand understanding of the enduring nature of the Tibetan struggle.

The journey continues. Thank you for standing with us as we build this movement, one connection at a time.