Tzu Chi Foundation was founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen to help the people in need. From a humble beginning of 30 members, the foundation has since provided relief to people over 130 countries and regions. In 2010, Tzu Chi's golbal aid effort was recognised by the United Nations and was awarded 'Special Consultative Status'. Tzu Chi has four principal missions: Charity, Medicine, Education and Humanistic Culture. The Australian branch was established in 1992 in Sydney followed by offices in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.