Chinese-Australian Community Unequivocally Condemns the Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack
14 December 2025
Tonight, we mourn and stand with the families of the victims of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. This senseless act claimed at least 11 innocent lives and injured many during what should have been a time of joy and celebration. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and the Jewish community in Sydney and across Australia.
The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and the undersigned organisations unequivocally condemns this horrific act of violence, extremism, and hatred. As a multicultural society, we must stand together against violence, extremism, and hatred in all its forms. We expresse our unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community in this difficult time and calls on all communities to respond with calm, unity, and compassion.
We commend the bravery of first responders and the kindness of those who assisted in the aftermath. Their actions remind us of the strength that comes from caring for one another.
In this time of grief, let us reaffirm our shared values of peace, respect, and inclusion. We urge everyone to support those who are vulnerable, reject divisive rhetoric, and work together to ensure that such acts of terror never define who we are and never happen again.
Let us honour the memory of the victims by building bridges, not walls—by fostering understanding and harmony among all Australians.
Co-signed by:
Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
CCCAV Condemns the Attack on First Nations Site Camp Sovereignty
2 September 2025
The Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter) is deeply disturbed and outraged by the violent and unprovoked attack on Camp Sovereignty at Kings Domain in Melbourne, a sacred and peaceful First Nations site, by a group of far-right demonstrators on Sunday 31 August 2025 following the “March for Australia” rally.
This appalling act of aggression left four people injured, including two women who were hospitalised with head injuries, according to a joint statement from Camp Sovereignty and the Black Peoples Union. Witnesses reported that the attackers, some carrying sticks and flagpoles, stormed the camp, assaulted women, and desecrated cultural symbols, including burning the Aboriginal flag.
We unequivocally condemn this targeted violence, which is not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the cultural heritage, dignity, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Such actions are unacceptable and have no place in a modern Australia where diversity is celebrated, cultural heritage is respected, and every person has the right to live in safety and dignity.
Everyone in this country should feel safe, respected, and free from fear—regardless of their cultural background or identity. The protection of all cultural and sacred sites, and the safety of people who care for them, must remain a commitment by the authorities. Hate and extremism must never be allowed to divide our communities.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the First Nations community and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, respect, and justice. We call on authorities to take immediate and decisive action to hold those perpetrators accountable and to ensure the protection of all cultural and sacred sites and the safety of those who safeguard them.
We will not be silent in the face of intimidation and violence. Our shared future depends on unity, not division; on respect, not hate. Together, we must work towards a future built on mutual respect, understanding, and unity.
CCCAV Condemns Islamophobia and All Forms of Racism
12 June 2025
We are deeply disturbed by the Islamophobic attack on two Muslim women at Epping Plaza earlier this year, as well as the recent racist demonstration at Northland Shopping Centre. These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a troubling rise in public displays of hate and intolerance. Such acts are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance and collective action against all forms of racism and bigotry.
We unequivocally condemn both the violence and the hateful rhetoric, standing in solidarity with the Muslim community, the African community, and all communities affected by racism and hate. We express our unwavering commitment to combating Islamophobia and any form of racism, and to building a society based on respect, inclusion, and human dignity.
We are also gravely concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has led to immense human suffering, displacement, and tragic loss of life. We join others in calling for a lasting peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity, safety, and human rights of all people in the region.
We remain committed to working with diverse communities to foster unity, strengthen social cohesion, and build a more inclusive and equitable Australia.
Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
Open Letter Requesting an Apology from Senator Jane Hume for Unfair Remarks Targeting Chinese-Australian Volunteers in the 2025 Federal Election
6 May 2025
The Chinese-Australian community is deeply concerned by the unsubstantiated remarks made by Senator Jane Hume referring Chinese-Australians volunteering for a federal candidate as alleged “Chinese spies”. Her remarks, made on Channel 7’s Sunrise program last week, cast unwarranted suspicion on Chinese-Australian volunteers involved in the 2025 federal election campaign.
Senator Hume’s public comments, made without evidence, have fostered negative and unfair perceptions that undermine the legitimacy of Chinese-Australian civic engagement. Many individuals in our community, who were exercising their democratic rights as Australian citizens, have found these implications to be both offensive and unjust.
Suggesting or implying that Chinese-Australians engaging in lawful campaign activity are somehow untrustworthy is not only discriminatory but also detrimental to the principle of equality that is fundamental to the Australian society. Such irresponsible remarks promote racial profiling, undermine the equal status of Chinese-Australians in public life, and discourage civic involvement by fostering an atmosphere of suspicion based solely on cultural background.
These concerns have been widely echoed by thousands across the Chinese-Australian community, reflecting the profound impact of Senator Hume’s comments.
The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and co-signatories request Senator Hume to withdraw her remarks and issue a public apology to the Chinese-Australian community. We believe that it is essential for all political leaders to engage responsibly in public discourse and to uphold the principle that every Australian citizen, irrespective of their background, has the right to participate freely and equally in our nation’s democratic process without fear or prejudice.
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 Community Council of Australia – NSW
Chinese Australians for Peace Association (CAPA)
Women Support Inc. (WSI)
June Anderson
Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
Meijuan Hua
Hongyong Zhu
Kim Wen
Jane Wei
Victor Kuan
Chinese Australian Network Inc. (CAN)
The Chinese Australian Studies Forum at RMIT
Fair GO South Australia Inc.
Chinese Senior’s Education & Skill Development Association Inc.
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)
CCCAV Condemns the Arson Attack on a Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne
6 December 2024
We, at the Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter), are deeply shocked and saddened by the recent arson attack on the synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne. We strongly condemn this abhorrent act of antisemitism and violence.
We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, acknowledging the trauma, fear, and distress that this attack has caused. We recognise that an attack on one community is an attack on all communities.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community during this difficult time. We offer our heartfelt support as you heal and recover from this traumatic incident..
We are committed to working together with all communities to reject hate and promote understanding, inclusivity, and kindness, and to build a safer and more harmonious society for all.
Chinese-Australian Community Reflects on Advocacy for First Nations Voice to Parliament
17 October 2024
Yue Hu, a member of the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV), took the stage at the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) Conference 2024, delivering a compelling presentation titled “Chinese-Australian community support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament”. The conference, themed “Our Experiences. Our Future”, was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 16-17, bringing together community leaders, organizations, service providers, researchers, policymakers, and public servants to share ideas and experiences on multiculturalism. Additionally, Yue Hu was interviewed by SBS during the conference, further highlighting the importance of community engagement and multicultural dialogue.
Yue Hu’s talk underscored the important role that multicultural communities play in supporting the First Nations Voice to Parliament. By sharing insights and examples from within the Chinese-Australian community, Hu reflected on the journey of Chinese-Australian community in advocating for the First Nations Voice.
The Voice Referendum has illuminated a significant gap in knowledge and understanding about First Nations communities among multicultural communities in Australia. This gap has hindered support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament and created challenges for broader Reconciliation efforts.
Drawing on the ethnographic experiences of volunteer advocates, this presentation focuses on the Chinese-Australian community’s efforts to bridge the information gap. Challenges such as community engagement, language barriers, and the spread of misinformation were identified as key factors that hindered the understanding of First Nations’ experiences. Education and clear communication became essential to overcoming misinformation and language barriers.
A campaign led by the Chinese Community Council of Australia – Victoria Chapter, the RMIT Chinese-Australian Studies Forum, and the Chinese Australians for Social Causes Network was instrumental in raising awareness. This campaign employed a variety of outreach methods, including:
Media releases
Online surveys
Webinars
Social media posts
Short video productions
Face-to-face events
Collaborations with community organisations
Engagement at voting stations
This diverse approach allowed the campaign to reach different segments of the Chinese-Australian community, providing clear and accurate information about the Voice to Parliament and encouraging informed voting.
The efforts of Chinese-Australian volunteers culminated in a shift in support for the Yes campaign, particularly in electorates with a large Chinese-Australian population, such as Reid and Chisholm. Both regions voted in favour of the Voice campaign, above the national average, demonstrating the effectiveness of focused education and engagement.
“This result shows the power of community-led advocacy,” said Jimmy Li of the CCCAV. “When communities are well-informed and engaged, they can become strong allies in supporting First Nations representation and reconciliation.”
The presentation concludes with key recommendations for continuing advocacy in multicultural communities:
Increase Educational Efforts: Promoting education about Indigenous history and culture within multicultural communities is essential to foster understanding and solidarity.
Strengthen Community Engagement: Regular events and discussions should be held to provide insights and encourage support for First Nations’ initiatives.
Sustain Advocacy: Ongoing dialogue about Indigenous reconciliation and social justice must be maintained to ensure that the momentum of support continues.
Affiliations of the authors of the presentation:
Jimmy Li – Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
Jing Qi – RMIT Chinese-Australian Studies Forum
Yue Hu – Northern Health, Melbourne
Eric Fu – Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne
First Civics Education Workshop for Chinese Australians in Victoria Successfully Held
维州华人社区首次公民教育大型讲座成功举行
The inaugural Civics Education Workshop held at Kew Golf Club on 29 September 2024 was a huge success, attracting around 130 participants. This groundbreaking initiative, co-organized by the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and the Australian Asian Business Women’s Association (AABWA), aimed to empower Chinese Australians to participate actively in the democratic process.
Participants showed tremendous interest in the workshop, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Australian democracy’s inner workings. They learned effective ways to engage with the democratic process, fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Notably, one of the workshop’s key focuses – identifying misinformation and disinformation – resonated strongly with attendees, equipping them with essential tools to navigate the complex digital landscape in their civics and citizenship activities.
Dr. Eric Fu, a Senior Research Fellow from the University of Melbourne, led the workshop, sharing his expertise in Civics and Citizenship Education. The event was supported by the Chinese Australian Forum (CAF) and the Australian Government’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, demonstrating a collaborative effort to promote civic engagement among Chinese Australians.
This workshop marks a significant step towards fostering a more informed and active Chinese Australian community in Victoria. By raising awareness and empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, we can build a more vibrant and inclusive democracy.
CCCAV Statement on the Vandalism Incident at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo
14 May 2024
We strongly condemn the recent act of vandalism in Bendigo, which targeted the Golden Dragon Museum and the nearby Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, resulting in damage to the historic Chinese dragon Loong and other significant cultural artifacts.
Loong, over 120 years old and believed to be the world’s oldest complete parade dragon, holds immense cultural and historical value not only to the Chinese community in Bendigo but also to the wider Australian community. The vandalism of such a cherished symbol deeply saddens us and undermines the cultural harmony and social cohesion that our community strives to uphold.
It is deeply concerning that this act may have been racially motivated. We call for a thorough investigation to uncover the motives behind this senseless act of vandalism and bring the culprits to justice. We stand in solidarity with the Golden Dragon Museum, the Bendigo Chinese Association, and all those affected by this incident.
We extend our gratitude to Premier Jacinta Allan, the local member for Bendigo East, for speaking out against this senseless act of vandalism, and appreciation to the wider community for their expressions of support. We are also thankful for the efforts of law enforcement agencies in investigating this vandalism incident.
We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation. As a community, we remain committed to promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation of all cultures and heritages, including Chinese culture and heritage.
