Category: Media Release

Media Releases from CCCAV

  • Chinese-Australian Community Reflects on Advocacy for First Nations Voice to Parliament (澳华社区回顾对原住民之声的支持)

    Chinese-Australian Community Reflects on Advocacy for First Nations Voice to Parliament (澳华社区回顾对原住民之声的支持)

    MEDIA RELEASE

    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

    Ref:

  • 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)

    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)

    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.

    Ref:

  • CCCAV Statement on the Vandalism Incident at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo

    MEDIA RELEASE

    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.

    Ref:

  • Chinese Community Hosts Forum to Promote Understanding and Support for the Indigenous Voice (华人社区举办论坛,促进对原住民之声的理解和支持)

    Chinese Community Hosts Forum to Promote Understanding and Support for the Indigenous Voice (华人社区举办论坛,促进对原住民之声的理解和支持)

    23 September 2023

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Chinese Community Hosts Forum to Promote Understanding and Support for the Indigenous Voice

    Shortly after the announcement of the referendum date as 14th October, on the Saturday afternoon of 9th September 2023, about seventy community members gathered at Box Hill Town Hall to participate in a community Q&A forum on the Indigenous Voice Referendum. This event was organised by the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV).

    Paul Hamer MP, the local member for Box Hill, opened the community forum by expressing his support for the Indigenous Voice and emphasising the need to understand its significance over the next five weeks leading to the referendum.

    The forum proceeded to feature three speakers who passionately voiced their support for the Indigenous Voice. These speakers included Marcus Stewart, a member of the First Nations Referendum Working Group, Wesa Chau, a member of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian Australians, and Jimmy Li, President of CCCAV.

    After the main speakers and some questions and answers, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addressed the forum, emphasizing that voting Yes is not only the smart thing to do but also the right thing to do.

    We believe that the referendum question regarding the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia through a Voice is a modest, simple, clear, well-defined, safe and beneficial proposal.

    We urge voters from the Chinese community to vote “Yes” in this referendum. This is to show respect and recognition for the Indigenous people who have lived on this land for over 65,000 years. It is an opportunity to genuinely improve the lives of Indigenous communities through listening, to heal historical wounds and promote reconciliation, and to strengthen the multicultural environment.

    To promote a fairer and more harmonious multicultural society aligns with the long-term interest and well-being of the Chinese community. The Chinese community, which demonstrates a strong sense of justice and compassion, will undoubtedly gain greater respect in Australian society. Let us look to the future together with all communities and work together for a brighter tomorrow.

    华人社区举办论坛,促进对原住民之声的理解和支持

    在宣布公投日期为10月14日后不久,在2023年9月9日的星期六下午,大约七十名社区成员聚集在博士山市政厅,参加了由维州澳华社区委员会(CCCAV)组织的有关“原住民之声公投”的社区问答论坛。

    博士山选区州议员保罗·海默(Paul Hamer)先生,在社区论坛上发表了开幕词,表达了他对原住民之声的支持,并强调了有必要在接下来的公投日之前的五周中充分了解其重要性。

    随后三位发言人充满激情地表达了他们对原住民之声的支持。这些发言人包括马库斯·斯图尔特(Marcus Stewart)先生,联邦原住民公投工作组成员;邹慧心女士,40位40岁以下最有影响力的亚裔澳大利亚人之一;以及维州澳华社区委员会主席李健民博士。

    在主要发言人演讲和一些问答环节之后,维多利亚州州长丹尼尔·安德鲁斯发表了演讲,强调投票支持原住民之声是明智之举,也是正确之举。

    我们相信,这个通过建立一个咨询机构以承认原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民为澳大利亚的原住民族的公投问题是一个谦逊、简单、清晰、明确定义、安全且有益的建议。

    我们呼吁华人选民在这次有关原住民之声的修宪公投中投Yes。这是为了尊重和承认在这片土地上生活了超过6万5千年的原住民,为了通过聆听来实际改善原住民的生活,为了治愈历史伤痛和民族和解,以及为了巩固多元文化的环境。

    促进一个更加公正和和谐的多元文化社会与华人社区的长远福祉是一致的。充分展现正义感和同情心的华人社区也必将在澳洲社会中赢得更多的尊重。让我们与各个民族一起面向未来,共同创造更美好的明天。

    维州澳华社区委员会(CCCAV)

  • Members of Chinese and Multicultural Communities Gathered to Show Support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament (澳洲华人和多元文化社区“原住民之声”论坛成功举行)

    Members of Chinese and Multicultural Communities Gathered to Show Support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament (澳洲华人和多元文化社区“原住民之声”论坛成功举行)

    25 July 2023

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Members of Chinese and Multicultural Communities Gathered to Show Support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament

    On the sunny Saturday afternoon of 22 July 2023, about seventy members from the Chinese and multicultural communities gathered at the iconic Chinese Museum in Melbourne to learn about and show their support for the First Nations Voice to Parliament. This forum was organised by the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and supported by the Chinese Museum.

    The event featured a series of inspiring speeches delivered by distinguished speakers, including Cr Philip Liu from the City of Melbourne, Leila Gurruwiwi, an Indigenous representative, Mohamed Mohideen OAM JP, the Vice President of the Islamic Council of Victoria, Dr Judy Tang, the Founding Director of the Australian Institute for Diversity in Mental Health, Gavin Choong from the Radical Centre Reform Lab, and Mark Wang, CEO of the Chinese Museum. The speeches were eloquently translated by this country’s preeminent English/Chinese translator, Professor Charles Qin OAM.

    The overwhelming support shown at the forum by the Chinese and multicultural communities for the First Nations Voice to Parliament was heartwarming.

    We believe that this year’s Voice referendum is really about responding to the sincere invitation put forth in the “Uluru Statement from the Heart” by our First Nations people to all Australians to walk hand in hand together towards a healed, united, and better country. It is a humble and modest ask, and a gift to the nation.

    There is so much to gain by achieving a successful outcome for this year’s referendum. The referendum, if successful, will lead to the long-overdue recognition of our First Nations people in the Constitution. It will result in better outcomes for improving the lives of First Nations people through genuine listening and understanding. Ultimately, it will lead to a healed and united country.

    A country cannot truly heal and be complete until its heart is healed. Let us embrace this historic opportunity to take a positive step forward together towards a better future for everyone.

    澳洲华人和多元文化社区“原住民之声”论坛成功举行

    2023年7月22日,一个阳光明媚的周六下午,约有七十位来自华人和多元文化社区的成员聚集在地处墨尔本唐人街的澳华博物馆,了解并表达他们对“原住民之声”的支持。此次论坛由维州澳华社区委员会(CCCAV)组织并得到了澳华博物馆的支持。

    论坛上,一系列杰出人士发表了鼓舞人心的演讲,包括墨尔本市议员Philip Liu刘乐,原住民代表Leila Gurruwiwi,维多利亚伊斯兰理事会副主席Mohamed Mohideen OAM JP,澳大利亚多元精神健康研究所创会会长Dr Judy Tang,激进中心改革实验室的Gavin Choong,以及澳华博物馆馆长Mark Wang 王兴乡。澳洲杰出的英/中文翻译家Charles Qin OAM秦潞山教授当场翻译演讲主要内容。

    华人和多元文化社区在论坛上对“原住民之声”所表现出的强烈支持令人感动。

    我们认为,今年的“原住民之声”公投实际上是关于回应我们的原住民在“发自肺腑的乌鲁鲁声明”中向所有澳大利亚人提出的诚挚邀请,邀请我们共同携手走向一个愈合、团结、更加美好的国家。这是一个谦和且适度的要求,也是一份赠给全澳人民的礼物。

    若今年“原住民之声”公投取得成功,我们将有太多的收获。这将让我们国家的原住民族在宪法中得到迟来的承认。“原住民之声”还将通过真正的倾听和理解,改善原住民的生活水平,最终让国家走向愈合和团结。

    一个国家直到其心灵得到治愈,才能真正实现愈合和完整。让我们拥抱这个历史性的机遇,共同迈出积极的一步,为每个人共创更美好的未来。

    Media reports:

  • Survey Shows Majority of Chinese Australians Support the First Nations Voice (问卷调查显示:多数澳洲华人支持原住民之声)

    Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) &

    Chinese Community Council of Western Australia (CCCWA)

    MEDIA RELEASE

    4 May 2023

    Survey Shows Majority of Chinese Australians Support the First Nations Voice

    A recent survey conducted in April 2023 by the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and the Chinese Community Council of Western Australia (CCCWA) has revealed that 58.8% of respondents in the Chinese Australian community support a “Yes” vote on the upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (the Voice) referendum, while 30.1% would vote “No” and 11.1% remain unsure.

    The survey was promoted through multiple channels, including websites, Chinese media outlets, social media platforms, and community groups for over two weeks, and 216 responses were received.

    Further analysis also revealed the following:

    • Female respondents are 7% more likely to support the Voice than male respondents: 63% vs 56%.
    • Younger respondents (18-49 years old) are 27% more likely to support the Voice than older respondents (50+ years old): 73% vs 46%.

    CCCAV and CCCWA urge members of the Chinese Australian community to learn about the First Nations Voice and its significance for our nation’s healing and reconciliation. The Councils will be taking necessary steps to kick off an education process for the Chinese Australian community, particularly the 11.1% undecided voters, to understand what the referendum is about and why their votes matter. They encourage everyone to make an informed decision when casting their votes in the upcoming referendum later this year.

    (Contact: cccav.committee@gmail.com; cccwa.secretary@gmail.com)

    Chinese version:

    维州澳华社区委员会    西澳华人社区委员会

    新闻通稿

    2023年5月4日

    问卷调查显示:多数澳洲华人支持原住民之声

    近日由维州澳华社区委员会(CCCAV)和西澳华人社区委员会(CCCWA)于2023年4月联合发起的一项问卷调查显示,针对是否支持即将举行的原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民之声(简称“原住民之声”)公投,58.8%的华裔澳大利亚人选择“是”(支持票),30.1%选择“否”(反对票),11.1%的回复者尚未确定怎么选择。

    这项问卷调查通过多种渠道进行推广,其中包括网站、华语媒体、社交媒体平台和社区组织,为期两周,共收到216份回复。

    进一步的分析还显示:

    • 女性回复者比男性回复者更有可能支持原住民之声:63%比56%。
    • 年轻回复者(18-49岁)比年长回复者(50岁及以上)更有可能支持原住民之声:73%比46%。

    CCCAV和CCCWA敦促澳大利亚华人多了解原住民之声及其对我们国家的治愈和和解的重要性。他们将采取必要的步骤,在澳大利亚华人社区开展有关原住民之声公投的教育宣传活动,特别是针对11.1%不确定怎么选择的选民,让他们了解公投的意义及其投票的重要性,并在今年即将举行的公投中做出明智的选择。

    (联系:cccav.committee@gmail.com; cccwa.secretary@gmail.com  )

  • CCCAV Condemns Nazi Salutes Outside Victorian Parliament House (维州澳华社区委员会谴责在维多利亚议会大厦外的纳粹手势)

    MEDIA RELEASE

    CCCAV Condemns Nazi Salutes Outside Victorian Parliament House

    21 March 2023

    The news reports of a group of neo-Nazi individuals displaying Nazi salutes outside Victorian Parliament House on Saturday 18 March 2023 deeply disturbed and appalled us. We strongly condemn this behaviour, which aimed to degrade, instill fear in and incite hatred towards our LGBTIQA+ and Jewish communities.

    We support the call for the Victorian government to ban these disgusting Nazi salutes. Every member of our society deserves to feel safe and respected, and we reject all forms of racism, antisemitism, and prejudice.

    We stand in solidarity with the Jewish and LGBTIQA+ communities and are committed to working together with all communities to put an end to racism and prejudice, and to build a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

  • Open Letter to Daily Mail Australia Demanding Apology for and Removal of the Racially-Based Accusatory Article

    Open Letter to Daily Mail Australia Demanding Apology for and Removal of the Racially-Based Accusatory Article

    7 March 2023

    We are writing to express our deep concern about the article titled “Why authorities are alarmed by these pictures showing three Chinese men taking photos at an Australian military show” published on the Daily Mail Australia news website on 6th March 2023 (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11824139/Chinese-taking-photos-Australias-defence-aircraft-Avalon-arouse-suspicions.html). The reported suspicion against the three men solely based on their appearance/race without any factual evidence is grossly unfair, racist, and deeply offensive to all Australians with Chinese heritage.

    This type of racially-based suspicion not only affects the victims but also causes profound discomfort and anxiety to Australians of Chinese and other Asian heritage. It is unfair, unreasonable and unacceptable to suspect anyone with a camera in a public event who looks Chinese/Asian as a spy. This kind of racist suspicion makes us feel so unsafe and uneasy.

    It is outrageous that such racism still exists in a multicultural modern Australia that we have called home for generations. This kind of racist suspicion goes against universal human rights (https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day) and is an insult to all Australians who share the common Australian values of respect and equality.

    We urge Daily Mail Australia to apologise to the Chinese-Australian community, to withdraw this offensive article or update it with factual evidence to support the suspicion raised against the three men, and to prevent from publishing this kind of unfounded and racist accusation in future. It is essential for responsible media outlets to promote a fair and unbiased representation of all people and communities in Australia, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

    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)
    • Harry Patrick Harding, Journalist
    • Dr Ting Chen, Member of Ministerial Multicultural Council WA
    • Guowang Xu
    • Australian Asian Business Women’s Association
    • Jane Juan Wei
    • Wanning Sun, Professor, UTS
    • Chinese Australian Multicultural Association
    • Mobo Gao, Professor, University of Adelaide
    • Xiaodong Yu
    • Asian Multicultural Organisation
    • Reid Business Community Incorporated 
    • Women Support Incorporated
    • June Anderson
    • Han’s Like-minded Club (online community)
    • William Dong
    • Guitang Lu
    • ​Ricky Char, President of Australian ​​Chinese Restaurateur Association
    • Australasian Photographic Association
    • Chinese Mums Association
    • Hubei Association of WA
    • Cockburn Chinese Community Association
    • Australian Chinese Women’s Federation Inc
    • Australian Mulan Culture and Arts Association
    • Australia China Youth Business Association
    • Australian Asian Children Education and Development Association
    • Australia Hunan Cultural & Commerce Association Incorporated
    • WA Chinese Restaurant Association
    • Beijing People’s Association of WA Inc.
    • Chinese Community Centre of WA
    • Stephen Hsu, President of Chinese Youth Association of WA
    • The World Kwong Tung Community Association of WA
    • Australian Central China Association
    • WA Fujian Association
    • Tian Shan Association WA Inc
    • Western Australia Zhejiang Association Inc.
    • Dr Ka Sing Chua, Member of National Council of Medical Association for Prevention of War
    • Chris Bai
    • Shiyuan Yin
    • Yu Zhi Zhou
    • Culture Care WA Inc
    • Chinese Dance Australia Inc
    • Western Australia Shenzhen Association Incorporated
    • Western Australia Guangdong Association
    • Western Australian Shaanxi United Association Inc
    • Australia China Friendship Society of WA
    • Overseas Chinese Association WA Chapter Inc
    • John Hsu J. P.
    • WA Chinese Calligraphers Association Inc
    • Australian Chinese Art&Cultural Association
    • Animal Husbandry and Pet Industry Association of WA
    • WA Hebei Culture and Business Federation Inc
    • Sophia Tang
    • Australia Chinese TaiChi Association Incorporated

    公开信的中文译文:

    致《每日邮报》 (Daily Mail Australia) 的公开信:对针对种族的指控文章作出道歉,并撤除该文章

    我们写这封公开信是为了表达我们对《每日邮报》 (Daily Mail Australia) 网站于2023年3月6日发布题为 “Why authorities are alarmed by these pictures showing three Chinese men taking photos at an Australian military show” 的文章深感担忧(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11824139/Chinese-taking-photos-Australias-defence-aircraft-Avalon-arouse-suspicions.html)。对这三个人的怀疑仅仅基于他们的外貌/种族而没有任何实际证据是极其不公平、种族歧视和对所有有华裔血统的澳大利亚人造成深刻冒犯的行为。

    这种基于种族的怀疑不仅影响受害者,还给所有华裔和其他亚裔血统的澳大利亚人带来了深深的不适和焦虑。任意怀疑在公共场所拿着相机、看起来像华人/亚洲人的是间谍是不公平、不合理和不可接受的。这种种族歧视行为让我们感到不安和不安全。

    这种种族歧视行为在我们称之为家园的多元文化及现代化的澳大利亚仍然存在是不可接受的。这种种族歧视性怀疑违反了普世人权(https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day),并侮辱了所有接受相互尊重和人人平等的澳大利亚价值观的澳大利亚人。

    我们敦促 Daily Mail Australia 向澳大利亚华人社区道歉,撤除这篇冒犯性的文章,或更新文章并提供支持这三个人理应受到怀疑的实际证据,并且防止以后发表这种毫无根据和种族针对性指控。负责任的媒体必须促进对所有澳大利亚人和社区的公正和无偏见的报道,无论他们来自什么种族或民族背景。

    (感谢许耀汉律师为此公开信提供中文译文)

  • Chinese Community Organisations in Support of a First Nations Voice to Parliament Referendum (华人社团支持原住民议会之声全民公投)

    The Chinese community organisations below have signed the Joint Resolution of Multicultural Community Organisations in support of a First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum (https://www.multiculturalforvoice.org/). We feel a deep sense of responsibility to join the national dialogue to make a First Nations Voice be heard in the Australian Parliament and be protected in the Australian Constitution through the forthcoming referendum.

    If your organisation would like to sign this Joint Resolution and get involved in this journey, please contact us at cccav.committee@gmail.com (a contact name and email address are required) or contact https://www.multiculturalforvoice.org/who-we-are directly.

    Ref: https://cccav.org.au/support-the-uluru-statement-from-the-heart/

    Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter Inc. (CCCAV)
    维州澳华社区委员会

    Asian Australian Volunteers Inc. (AAV)
    澳亚志愿者协会

    Australian Asian Bussiness Women’s Association Inc. (AABWA)
    澳亚商业职业女性协会

    Australia Victorian Multicultural Seniors Association Inc.
    澳大利亚维州多元文化高龄协会

    Chinese Australian Accord Inc.
    澳华联盟

    Australian Shanghai Business Association Inc.
    澳大利亚上海商会

    Melbourne Chinese Sports Federation Inc.
    墨尔本中华体育总会

    The Federation of Chinese Associations (Vic) Inc.
    维多利亚州华人社团联合会

    Chinese Australian Multicultural Association Inc.
    澳洲华人多元文化协会

    Reid Business Community Inc.
    立德商社

    Chinese Museum
    澳华历史博物馆

    Joint Resolution of Multicultural Community Organisations in support of a First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum (https://www.multiculturalforvoice.org/):

    In 2017, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples asked Australians to walk with them towards a better future.

    Through the Uluru Statement from the Heart, they asked for constitutional recognition through a constitutionally guaranteed voice in their own affairs.

    As leaders of diverse multicultural community organisations, we endorse the Uluru Statement and its call for a First Nations voice guaranteed by the Constitution.

    This reform is modest, practical and fair.

    We call on our political representatives to lead this referendum in the spirit of bipartisan and broad cooperation.

    We commit our steadfast support, and urge all Australians to work together to ensure referendum success.

    Let us co-operate across differences of politics and diversities of culture and faith, to heal our country and unify the nation.

  • Participants Discussed Community Leadership at Graduation Ceremony of the 2022 Chinese-Australian Youth Leadership Program

    Participants Discussed Community Leadership at Graduation Ceremony of the 2022 Chinese-Australian Youth Leadership Program

    9th October 2022

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Participants Discussed Community Leadership at Graduation Ceremony of the 2022 Chinese-Australian Youth Leadership Program

    Participants enthusiastically discussed community leadership at the graduation ceremony of the second round of the Chinese-Australian Youth Leadership Program, which was held at the elegant Gallery of the historical Museum of Chinese Australian History in Chinatown, Melbourne on Saturday 8 October 2022, a sunny spring day. The event went smoothly with the effective facilitation by Campus Consultancy Founder Mr Josh Farr.

    Firstly, the graduates of the programs demonstrated their learnings by presenting their project proposals developed over the course of the program. Their well-considered project proposals are focused on helping young students in career development and mental health. The presentations drew much interest and multiple questions from the audience. The graduates are enthusiastic about their ideas and are determined to implement them over the coming months.

    In his welcome speech, CCCAV President Mr Jimmy Li talked about the mission of CCCAV which is to advocate for and to serve the Chinese community and to connect with the wide community. To him the meaning of community leadership is the privilege to serve. He again encouraged young leaders to show up, stand up, speak up and step up, aiming to make greater contribution to the community and this beautiful multicultural country. He thanked the Museum of Chinese Australian History for providing such a nice venue for the event, Campus Consultancy for the productive cooperation, and specially to Program Director Mr Gen Li, Program Assistant Ms Kate Zhou and other volunteers for making the program a success.

    Keynote speaker Deputy Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Mr Bwe Thay, who is also the Citizen of the Year 2022 of the Whitehorse City, highlighted three key elements of community leadership, which are commitment, compassion and consistency. Mr Thay then provided inspiring advice to the young leaders to take the challenges as opportunities to grow, to work in partnership, be innovative, collaborate to make a positive impact. He stressed the importance of owning our identity with pride and being yourself. He also encouraged young leaders to take part in the VMC programs and activities.

    CEO of the Museum of Chinese Australian History Mr Mark Wang congratulated the young leaders for completing the program and talked about the importance of connecting history with the present, the future and the community.

    Lastly, an excellent alumnus from last year’s program Ms Charlotte Wang gave a heartfelt speech. Ms Wang said real leadership is about taking the opportunities out there and bringing people around you for the ride. She hoped that her peers continue to develop leadership skills, and “Making sure that as Chinese Australians, our voices are heard in the greater community.” Her one piece of advice to the young leaders is “to make sure that at some stage today or sometime in amongst all your celebrations, you find a special person in your life; whether it’s your mum or your dad, a grandparent, a teacher, a friend or someone else who’s cared for you along the way… Say thank you and maybe even give them a hug for all they do. Because they in their special way have led you to where you are today and I think that is a very special kind of leadership in and of itself.”

    Participants then had further conversations about community leadership among each other.