As the Dalai Lama approaches his 91st birthday, the question of his succession becomes increasingly pressing. Tibetan Australians, gathering on Newcastle's Horseshoe Beach to celebrate Losar, the Tibetan New Year, emphasize the intertwining of culture and politics in their community. Yangkyi Sangpo, a leader in the dance practice, highlights the importance of maintaining cultural ties amid the political struggle against Chinese rule, which has sought to undermine Tibetan identity since the 1959 uprising. The Dalai Lama has long asserted that he alone has the authority to determine his reincarnation, a stance that contradicts China's claims to control the process. Activists like Shenphen Ringpapontsang express disbelief at the notion that an atheist communist party could appoint a spiritual leader. Language schools in Australia are vital for preserving Tibetan culture, providing a space for children to learn their heritage. However, Chinese state-run institutions are accused of erasing Tibetan identity, with up to 1 million Tibetan children reportedly in such schools. As Tibetans in Australia advocate for recognition of the Dalai Lama's authority in choosing his successor, they face the looming threat of a state-sanctioned Dalai Lama, which would undermine their spiritual and cultural identity.