Community
9 October, 2026
Path to inner peace
PORT Fairy’s Sanghamati lives a harmonious, peaceful life following the traditions of Buddhism.
Ordained nearly 20 years ago, this former Melbourne businessman has found peace and solice as a member of the Port Fairy Buddhist Community.
“Our group started here in 2009 but by 2016 our centre of gravity shifted towards Warrnambool,” Sanghamati said.
“We developed a great relationship with West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House and began collaboration with them, offering meditation courses from around 2018.
“When the new building was officially opened there in March last year, we made the house our base.”
With well over 20 members (who pay a monthly subscription) the group was able to donate 52 per cent of its revenue from the past financial year to worthy causes; some in the immediate community.
“In recent years I have come into contact with men who are realising that the traditional strategy of trying harder in tough times is not the answer to a sense of wellbeing,” Sanghamati said.
“They seem more open to discussing their current life experience with other men which is why we recently launched the ‘Curious Blokes’ initiative.
“It gives men the opportunity to come together and to do just that; talk, communicate, share and listen.”
According to Sanghamati, ‘Curious Blokes’ enables participants to find balance in a noisy world.
It’s aimed at men who have wondered if there’s a different way – but never really knew where to start.
“This is an opportunity for people to explore meditation, mindfulness, Buddhism and the deeper side of life,” he said.
“We provide simple tools and insights for stress, pressure and finding more clarity. Our sessions provide a chance to listen, ask questions and connect with other curious blokes.”
Sanghamati said the Port Fairy Buddhist Community is not a religion, nor is it the base of a recruitment drive.
“We explore the principles behind Buddhism and meditation, and how this can fit into a busy, everyday life,” he said.
“The ultimate aim of a practicing Buddhist is the attainment of enlightenment.
“Buddhist practices, such as meditation, are the means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness and wisdom.”
Along with regular meditation sessions, the Port Fairy group also enjoys annual weekend retreats and is looking to develop a men’s group.
“We certainly welcome new members into our community; we’re all about helping make the world a better place, looking at ways to deal with life as inevitable problems arise, and caring for others which can all have a tremendous flow-on effect.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Port Fairy Buddhist Community can contact Sanghamati at admin@portfairybuddhistcommunity.com
