Arabic version: توحيد مجتمع بيمبرتون ضد تدفق طائفة راجنيش

In 1985, the Rajneesh movement, led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, attempted to establish a presence in Pemberton, Western Australia, by securing a sublease for the Karri Valley Resort. However, the community’s strong ties and resolve surprised the newcomers. According to ABC News, the arrival of the Rajneesh members marked a significant moment in the town’s history, as locals rallied to protect their way of life.

Rosalind Piper, who managed the Gloucester Motel at the time, recalled a concerned father arriving in search of his daughter, who had joined the sect. This incident heightened awareness among residents about the bright orange and red-clad newcomers. The Rajneesh group had not anticipated the community’s swift and united response against their presence.

Bev Lawrence, who worked at the resort, noted how the Rajneesh members initially ran the facility but soon closed it to the public as more followers arrived. The situation escalated when a development application was submitted to create a school for the children who had come to live at the resort. Lawrence described seeing the children, often dressed in pastel colors, playing in the area, which she found unsettling.

The local community organized meetings to discuss their concerns, with attendance swelling as residents expressed their opposition to the sect’s activities. The fear of a similar fate as that faced by the Rajneesh community in Oregon, where chaos and legal troubles had emerged, fueled the locals’ determination to safeguard Pemberton. The Rajneesh’s influence prompted a collective stand that underscored the town’s commitment to preserving its identity and values.