We, members of the Chinese-Australian community, are writing to express our deepest concern and condemnation of the recent rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia. The disturbing increase in hate crimes, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions is unacceptable and has no place in our society.
The recent arson attack on a synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, and the discovery of explosives in a caravan in Dural, Sydney, targeting a synagogue, are shocking examples of the hate and violence that we must all stand against.
As members of the broader Australian community, we understand the importance of standing together against all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate. We stand in solidarity with you and condemn any antisemitism, as well as Islamophobia and all other forms of bigotry. We recognise that an attack on one community is an attack on all communities.
We also recognise that international conflicts can sometimes strain relationships between communities in Australia. However, we firmly believe that these conflicts must not be allowed to disrupt the harmony and cohesion that our nationwide communities have worked hard to build. We must not let conflicts elsewhere fuel hatred and division here. Instead, we must promote mutual respect, understanding, and inclusion.
In the face of hatred and intolerance, we must stay united and resolute in our commitment to fighting against all forms of hate and discrimination. We must continue to stand together, supporting one another and work together towards a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Please know that you are not alone, and we are committed to supporting you in the face of this unacceptable hatred.
Signed: (If you or your organisation would like to co-sign this letter, please send an email to cccav.committee@gmail.com with your full name or the name of your organisation)
Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
Australia Day: A Time for Listening, Reflection and Reconciliation
26 January 2025
On Australia Day, we share in the pride that many Australians feel, celebrating our national identity, pride, community, and values like respect, rule of law, equality, fairness. We proudly call Australia home and celebrate its beauty, diversity, and opportunities.
However, we also recognise that this day is a painful reminder of historical injustices and ongoing disparities for First Nations people. As members of the Chinese-Australian community, we understand the complex history of our nation and the need for reconciliation, healing, and self-determination for First Nations people.
Australia Day presents an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared humanity, appreciate the resilience and contributions of First Nations people, and consider how we can work together towards reconciliation, healing and prosperity. This requires genuine respect, active listening, and a willingness to learn from and understand each other.
By embracing our shared identity as Australians while also understanding the complexities of Australia’s history, we can foster greater understanding, respect, and reconciliation. Together, we can work towards a future of greater unity, celebration, and shared progress. A future where we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of all Australians, including our First Nations people.
(Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter)
Macquarie University Researchers Seeking Assistance from Chinese-speaking Caregivers of People with Dementia
The SOLACE (Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Cultural Experiences) Project
Researchers at Macquarie University are currently exploring the cultural and psychological factors that may cause and maintain social isolation and loneliness among Chinese-speaking caregivers of people with dementia in Australia. We would like to invite Mandarin- or Cantonese-speaking caregivers aged 18 years and over, live with the person with dementia, have provided care for at least six months, with feeling of socially isolated and/or lonely to participate in a one-on-one interview and sharing their experiences of social isolation, loneliness and being a caregiver. Your research participation benefits the community by helping us to understand social isolation and loneliness in Chinese-speaking caregivers of people with dementia and inform the development of support and/or treatments for this group.
Join us in learning how Australian democracy works, how to participate in Australia’s democratic process and how to identify misinformation and disinformation.
Co-organised by CCCAV (The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter) and CPCA (Chinese Professionals Club of Australia).
This workshop is a Chinese Australian Forum CAF initiative, supported by the Australian Government’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.
Presented by Dr Eric Fu (Senior Research Fellow – Civics and Citizenship Education, Youth Social and Political Participation) from the University of Melbourne.
Workshop will be filmed. You have the option to indicate should you not wish to be filmed within the booking form.
Venue: Clayton Community Centre – Theatre. 9-15 Cooke Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168.
Theme: As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and beyond, this milestone provides a poignant opportunity to reflect on the devastating experiences of the war—widespread destruction, immense loss of life, and profound human suffering—and the lessons we should learn to prevent future conflicts, promote peace, and strengthen understanding and social cohesion in today’s multicultural societies.
Keynote speakers:
Professor Yuki Tanaka (田中利幸教授)
Yuki Tanaka was a research professor at the Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University, until his retirement in 2015. He was a visiting professor at Birkbeck College, University of London, UK, and the Sir Ninian Stephen Visiting Scholar at the Law School, University of Melbourne, Australia. His publications include 《Entwined Atrocities: New Insights into the U.S.- Japan Alliance (2023)》; 《Hidden Horrors: Japanese War Crimes in World War II (second edition 2018)》; 《Japan’s Comfort Women: Sexual Slavery and Prostitution During World War II and the US Occupation (2002)》; and the co-edited collection 《Beyond Victor’s Justice? The Tokyo War Crimes Trial Revisited (2011)》. He has also published many books in Japanese. He lives in Melbourne and works as a freelance historian.
Dr Jun (Eric) Fu (付俊博士)
Dr Jun (Eric) Fu is a Senior Research Fellow at the Youth Research Centre, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. He has been doing citizenship education and research for more than ten years. His research interests include digital media, citizenship practices of young people, and media and digital literacy education. He has published in journals and edited book collections in the field of youth studies and citizenship education.
Taewoo Kim
“I’m Taewoo Kim, the president of Friends of Comfort Women in Melbourne (FCWM). Since taking on this role, I’ve worked with our group to build stronger connections with other non-governmental organizations. We’ve set up stalls at events like the Korean Festival in Melbourne, where we raise awareness about the peace statue and highlight the war crimes committed against women. My goal is to continue the legacy of the “Halmeonies” by collaborating with groups like CAPA to keep pushing for justice and remembrance.”
Christine Kim
Christine Kim is the secretary of Friends of “Comfort Women” in Melbourne (FCWM) and has been actively participating in the justice movement since 2017. Outside of her volunteering, Christine works for Monash University as an in-house lawyer.
The survey welcomes anyone who identifies as having Chinese ancestry and are staying or living in Australia. Your participation will help develop more effective communication strategies with Chinese-Australian communities in crisis situations, and help the communities to be safer.
You will be asked about your (1) demographic information, (2) crisis experience, (3) crisis communication habits and (4) crisis actions. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, with audio support.
Please find more information of the research in the introduction page of the survey. Feel free to contact at Shuangming.Huang@monash.edu if you have any questions.
Thank you for your time and support!
Survey link: English version https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3kK4vDiIUo3hyCi