After more than two decades of quietly helping people navigate life through Buddhist teachings, Frank Carter, a long-time Upwey local, has been honoured with the Dharmachakra Award by the Buddhist Council of Victoria.
The award, which recognises significant contributions to Buddhist education, was presented at Melbourne Town Hall as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, a special day that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
For Mr Carter, it’s not just an award. It’s an acknowledgment of years of dedication to making Buddhist wisdom accessible and relevant, especially in a modern, often overwhelming world.
“It’s not really about me,” Mr Carter said.
“It’s about the work we’ve done as a team, me, my wife Anita, and so many others, to make the Dhamma available to anyone who’s curious, struggling, or just looking for a better way to live.”
Mr Carter first walked into the Centre back in 1983, seeking something deeper. He found it under the guidance of his teacher, the late John Hughes. Since then, what began as a personal journey has become a lifelong commitment to education and community.
From weekly classes and meditation retreats to international forums and online radio, Mr Carter’s work has spanned audiences of all ages and backgrounds. But perhaps the most well-known offering is The Buddhist Hour, a community radio program that’s been airing since 1998.
Broadcast every Sunday at 4pm on 3MDR 97.1FM, the show blends traditional chanting with weekly reflections and teachings. Mr Carter has worn many hats over the years – presenter, writer, and until recently, president of the organisation behind the program.
“The show’s about helping people make sense of things,” he said.
“Whether it’s dealing with stress, relationships, or just the general pace of modern life, we try to offer something steady, something useful.”
Mr Carter and his wife, Anita have also been at the forefront of taking Buddhism into the digital world. Their podcasts have been downloaded over 16,000 times, their teachings streamed on platforms like Insight Timer, and World Buddhist Radio – launched in 2006 – now plays chants and teachings online 24/7.
Yet, it’s often the quiet moments, the personal stories, that mean the most.
“We’ve had people say things like, ‘If I’d learned this stuff earlier in life, it would’ve saved me so much trouble,’” Mr Carter said.
“That’s powerful. That’s what keeps us going.”
In 2025, Mr Carter and the team are preparing a new initiative, public wellbeing sessions to be delivered through local libraries or possibly schools, as part of the Victorian Government’s Libraries for Health and Wellbeing program.
“Buddhism has so much to say about wellbeing,” he said.
“Not just in a spiritual sense, but in practical ways, how to deal with anxiety, worry, frustration. It gives you tools to understand yourself, to navigate life with more awareness and less suffering.”
At its core, Mr Carter said Buddhism is about self-knowledge – something he believes everyone can benefit from, regardless of religious background.
“It’s not about converting anyone,” he said.
“It’s about helping people learn how to live with more clarity, kindness, and peace.”
From building a teaching hall by hand, to co-authoring the Centre’s book Bringing Wisdom to Life, to running free workshops for the community, Mr Carter’s story is one of quiet perseverance, service, and compassion.
And now, with the Dharmachakra Award in hand, the Buddhist Council of Victoria has given voice to what many already knew: that right here in Upwey, something truly meaningful has been growing, steady and strong – for over 40 years.
“Honestly, we’re just trying to offer what helped us. If someone finds a bit of peace or clarity because of something they heard on the radio, or read online, or learned in one of our classes – that’s what matters most,” Mr Carter said.
