Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara

A new temple under the association called, Buddhist Vihara Victoria, was established in 1993 at Noble Park in Victoria. The new temple was established with the view of spreading the Dhamma to not only the Sri Lankan community, but also other nationalities. 

Venerable Soma Thera established the first Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple, called the Melbourne Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara was established in Regent Street, Springvale in 1989. In 1993, Buddhist Vihara Victoria was incorporated and a new Vihara was established at 21 Rich Street, Noble Park. 

Due to space constraints at these temple premises to accommodate a large number of people, Soma Thera purchased a 5-acre property in Berwick with the help of the community to construct a larger temple. 

As mentioned before, due to space constraints that prevented catering to large numbers, Buddhist Vihara Victoria moved to Berwick. This temple was named Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara. Soma Thera intended this establishment to become an International Centre for Buddhist Education and Research, so that scholars as well as others interested in learning more about the teachings of the Buddha could study and practice the Dhamma. 

While the architectural plans were being drawn, about 800 trees were planted as an initial activity.