The Whyalla Buddhist Meditation Centre was commenced in 1996 by local Buddhists with the help of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, the Resident Teacher of Sakya Tharpa Ling, Sydney.  Khenpo Ngawang formally established the Centre during the Beyond Festival Program in Whyalla.

The Tibetan name for the Centre is Sakya Yigah Choeling, which was given by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche.  It means Sakya Dharma Place of Happiness, where Sakya is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.  The Abbott of the Centre, His Eminence Dungyud Tulku Rinpoche from Bir Monastery in India, with the blessings and approval of His Holiness Sakya Trizin, appointed a Resident Teacher for the Centre, Loppon Tsering Samdup who arrived in early 2000.  (Refer to biography of Loppon Tsering).

The Centre is supported by a small but active and enthusiastic Buddhist group that has integrated well with the local community.  The arrival of Loppon Tsering has had a significant impact on the Centre, as a result of his teachings and careful guidance of individuals with their meditational practices.  Within the City he is well accepted and his flowing maroon robes have become a symbol of multiculturalism and religious tolerance. 

Many international Buddhist leaders have been hosted by the Centre, including His Holiness Sakya Trizin, His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chime Luding, the late Khenpo Migmar, His Eminence Dungyud Tulku Rinpoche and the Gyuto Monks.  These visits have all been an outstanding success, with visitors coming from all over Australia and overseas.  On several occasions the City Council has hosted Mayoral Receptions to welcome the visiting teachers.

Regular activities for the Centre include meditation classes and practices, traditional ceremonies, teachings, retreats and community events.  The local Buddhist community is in the process of building a Temple Complex on the Whyalla Core Site using the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development.  (Refer to Vision and Mission).  The first stage is nearly completed, which is a general purpose building constructed from straw-bale in-fill building technology.  This is a long term project that will progress as resources become available.  In addition, the Centre has an alternative venue in a Housing Trust building, where Loppon Tsering resides and undertakes a teaching program on a smaller scale.