Bowel Cancer Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives (肠癌筛查：早发现，能救命)
您知道吗？使用检测试剂盒完成肠癌筛查，是保护自身健康、与家人共度美好未来最简单的方式之一。
肠癌造成的死亡人数超过乳腺癌、前列腺癌或皮肤癌，且即使没有任何症状或家族病史也可能患上肠癌。但只要及早发现，90%以上的病例都可以成功治疗。
请完成肠癌检测，与家人共度更长久的美好时光，并鼓励家人、朋友及身边的人也完成检测。将试剂盒放在卫生间，这样您下次如厕时就会记得做检测！
如何获取检测试剂盒：
肠癌风险人人有，筛查宜早不宜迟。
如需以简体中文（普通话）获取更多信息或申请检测试剂盒，请访问: https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening/multilingual-resources/chinese
More than 120 people from diverse communities and cultural backgrounds across Melbourne came together on Saturday, 19 September 2026 for Connecting Memories Through Art, an exhibition dedicated to remembrance, human dignity, understanding and peace.
The event brought together community members, artists and people from diverse backgrounds, creating a space for reflection, dialogue and greater understanding. Through art, storytelling, music and the Chinese Statue of Peace, participants were invited to reflect on difficult chapters of history, share experiences and perspectives, and build connections across communities.
The exhibition was jointly organised by the Chinese Australians for Peace Association and the Friends of “Comfort Women” in Melbourne. At its centre stood the Chinese Statue of Peace, displayed alongside artworks featured in the exhibition. The statue carries the memory of victims of wartime suffering while representing a shared aspiration for dignity, justice, peace and hope.
The afternoon began with guests viewing the exhibition, followed by the official programme at 4:30 pm. The programme was warmly and ably hosted by Christine Kim, who guided the audience through the afternoon’s speeches, presentations, performances and award announcements.
In his opening remarks, Jimmy Li reflected on the relationship between history and memory, noting that while history tells us what happened, memory reminds us why it still matters. He described Connecting Memories Through Art as more than an exhibition. It was an invitation to reflect, to listen and to better understand the experiences of others. Art, he said, can often express what words cannot, helping people across different cultural and linguistic backgrounds connect through shared human experiences.
A particularly moving part of the programme was a presentation by Georgina Banks, who shared the story of the Bangka Island Massacre and spoke about her book Back to Bangka. On 16 February 1942, 21 Australian Army nurses were killed by Japanese troops on Radji Beach, Bangka Island, after surviving the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke, a passenger and cargo steamship evacuating people from Singapore. Vivian Bullwinkel was the only one of the 22 nurses to survive the massacre. Georgina’s contribution added another dimension to the exhibition’s exploration of wartime experiences, resilience and remembrance.
Participating artists also introduced their artworks and shared the stories, experiences and ideas behind them. Their personal reflections were particularly touching, giving visitors an opportunity to understand the artworks not simply as pieces on display, but as deeply personal expressions of memory, dignity, human rights, peace and hope.
Artists from different cultural backgrounds were invited to respond to themes including memory, dignity, human rights, peace and solidarity. The selected competition entries were displayed alongside the Chinese Statue of Peace, bringing people with different experiences and cultural backgrounds together in the same space to meet, listen and exchange perspectives.
In addition to the competition entries, the exhibition featured works by Carol Ruff and Alisa Tanaka. Ruff’s Landscape of a Lost Childhood, a series of three paintings, reflects on a return journey to Java with her mother, Jan Ruff O’Herne, and memories of a young life profoundly affected by war. Tanaka’s The Bird Girls offered a visual response to women killed by acts of violence in Australia, bringing another perspective on memory, human experience and contemporary social issues to the exhibition.
Music brought another dimension to the afternoon. Baeyi Kim performed on the gayageum, a traditional Korean instrument, while Stephanie Chen gave a flute performance. Together with the artworks, storytelling and personal reflections, the performances highlighted the many ways in which art can communicate feelings and memories that may be difficult to convey through words alone.
Winners of the Connecting Memories Through Art art competition were announced during the official programme. Following the formal close, guests continued to view the exhibition, meet the artists and engage in conversations with other participants.
The issue of wartime “comfort women” has long attracted public attention and, at times, political controversy. At its heart, however, it concerns human dignity and fundamental rights. Remembering this history is about respecting survivors and victims while encouraging continued reflection on the relationship between history, justice and peace. By approaching difficult historical subjects through art, the exhibition sought to make them more accessible and create opportunities for reflection, dialogue and understanding.
Organisers hope that Connecting Memories Through Art will be more than a single exhibition and will contribute to an ongoing conversation between communities about historical memory, human rights and peace. They also hope to build broader community understanding and support for finding a permanent home for the Chinese Statue of Peace.
Jimmy Li expressed the hope that Melbourne, as one of the world’s most multicultural cities, could be a place where a monument dedicated to peace, human dignity and historical understanding finds a permanent home.
Ultimately, the exhibition carried a simple but important message: remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred or pain. It is about learning from the past, building connections through understanding, safeguarding peace through shared memory, and helping to build a better and more peaceful future with compassion, inclusion and mutual respect.
Ref:
(Chinese Australians for Peace Association)
Victoria to Establish New Government Body for Multicultural and Multifaith Communities
维州将成立“多元文化与多信仰维州”新政府机构
Victoria is set to establish Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, a new statutory government body that will commence on 1 October 2026 following the passage of the Multicultural Victoria Amendment (Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria) Bill 2026 through the Victorian Parliament on 8th September 2026.
The new body will bring together community engagement, policy and grants functions previously delivered by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Multicultural Affairs Division within the Department of Premier and Cabinet. It will also have responsibility for community engagement, policy advice, grant delivery and whole-of-government reporting on multicultural affairs.
The reforms also provide for the establishment of a Multicultural Community Advisory Group, regional engagement groups across Victoria, strengthened whole-of-government reporting, and the development of Multicultural Action and Inclusion Plans by government departments.
The legislation follows recommendations from the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Review and includes recognition of language services as an essential means of accessing government services.
Ref: https://www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-victoria; https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-09/FACTSHEET-MV-Amendment-Bill-2026.pdf
Upcoming Community Workshop: The Future of Multicultural Victoria: Chinese-Australian Perspectives
社区研讨会：多元文化维多利亚州的未来 – 澳洲华人的视角
Join us in person to chat about Victoria’s multicultural future through Chinese-Australian perspectives.
Participants Wanted for Research on Dementia and Music Therapy
墨尔本大学失智症与音乐治疗研究招募参与者
A University of Melbourne study on dementia and music therapy is seeking participants from the Chinese and other culturally diverse communities.
The study is looking for people living with dementia or cognitive decline, together with their family carers, to take part in a series of home-based music therapy sessions and share their experiences.
The research aims to better understand how music therapy can support people from culturally diverse backgrounds and help ensure their voices are represented in dementia care research.
To express your interest, please complete the form: https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bvJs4kFZ6bbtXlI
Contact: zhengyaog@student.unimelb.edu.au
墨尔本大学一项关于失智症与音乐治疗的研究，现正招募华人社区及其他多元文化背景人士参与。
研究对象为患有失智症或认知功能减退的人士及其家属照顾者。参与者将接受一系列上门音乐治疗服务，并分享相关体验与感受。
本研究旨在深入了解音乐治疗如何更好地支持多元文化背景人士，并帮助确保他们的声音和经验能够在失智症照护研究中得到充分体现。
如有兴趣参与，请填写报名表：https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_bvJs4kFZ6bbtXlI
Free Diabetes Information Sessions in Mandarin and Cantonese
免费中文糖尿病科普讲座
免费普通话糖尿病科普讲座
免费广东话糖尿病科普讲座
Hosted by Diabetes Victoria
The Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter) acknowledges with sadness the passing of Russell Jack AM, a highly respected community leader whose lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Chinese Australian heritage has left a significant and enduring legacy.
Russell served the Bendigo Chinese Association for many decades, including as President, and played a leading role in the establishment and development of the Golden Dragon Museum. Through his vision and dedication, he helped ensure that the history, culture and contributions of Chinese Australians are recognised, preserved and shared with future generations.
His commitment to community service, cultural preservation and intercultural understanding earned him widespread respect within the Chinese Australian community and across the broader Victorian community. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993.
CCCAV extends its sincere condolences to the Jack family and to all who knew and worked with Russell during his long and distinguished life. His contribution to preserving and promoting Chinese Australian history and heritage will continue to be remembered and appreciated for many years to come.
Ref: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/golden-dragon-museum-founder-russell-jack/107025350
Building Resilience: Workshop Successfully Held to Support International Students
增强韧性：支持留学生专题工作坊圆满举行
The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV), Lifeline Australia, and the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Melbourne successfully co-hosted Building Resilience: A Workshop for International Students on Friday 31 July 2026 at the University of Melbourne’s Arts West Building.
The workshop attracted approximately 80 participants, bringing together international students, mental health professionals, community leaders and volunteers for an evening of learning, discussion and practical support. The event reflected a shared commitment by the three partner organisations to promote student wellbeing, strengthen resilience and encourage help-seeking within culturally diverse communities.
The evening commenced with welcome remarks from Dr Qiuping Pan, followed by Abbivathana Deva of Lifeline Australia, who, as Master of Ceremonies, facilitated an engaging panel discussion featuring psychologists Maneesha Singh and Chenhong Xu.
Maneesha Singh, a registered psychologist and founder of ManAsha Psychology, shared both her professional expertise and lived experience as a former international student and first-generation migrant. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in mental health and community welfare, she discussed the importance of recognising emotional challenges early, overcoming stigma surrounding mental health, and creating culturally safe environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking support.
Chenhong Xu, a registered clinical psychologist and founder of Mind Body Heart Psychology, spoke about the unique experiences faced by international students and migrants. She highlighted how language, culture, identity, family expectations and the migration journey can profoundly influence wellbeing and relationships. She also emphasised the value of culturally responsive mental health care, particularly for people navigating life in a new country.
The moderated discussion explored many of the common challenges experienced by international students, including homesickness, academic pressure, loneliness, financial stress, cultural adjustment and balancing expectations from family and society. Participants were highly engaged throughout the session, contributing thoughtful questions and reflections during the Q&A segment.
Following the panel discussion, participants took part in facilitated round-table conversations, where they shared personal experiences, discussed practical coping strategies and explored ways to strengthen social connections and community support. The discussions highlighted the importance of resilience, belonging and peer networks in promoting wellbeing.
A key feature of the workshop was the introduction to Lifeline Australia’s Support Toolkit, presented by Abbivathana Deva and Varun Bharadwaj. The toolkit provides practical guidance on maintaining mental wellbeing, recognising signs of distress, supporting others and accessing professional assistance when needed. Participants also received mental health resources in English and Chinese, making it easier for international students from diverse cultural backgrounds to access wellbeing information and support services.
The workshop concluded with participant reflections, feedback and discussions on future opportunities for collaboration. The strong attendance and active participation demonstrated the growing need for initiatives that create safe spaces for conversations about mental health, resilience and wellbeing among international students.
CCCAV extends its sincere appreciation to Lifeline Australia, the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Melbourne, the workshop speakers, volunteers, and all participants who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks are also extended to the organising working group, who have been working together since the beginning of the year to plan and deliver this successful workshop: Abbivathana Deva, Varun Bharadwaj, Dr Qiuping Pan, Shuangming Huang and Dr Jimmy Li.
The success of the workshop demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations, mental health providers and educational institutions work together to support the wellbeing of international students. CCCAV looks forward to continuing partnerships that foster resilience, inclusion and meaningful community connections across Victoria’s multicultural communities.
Connecting Memories Through Art
以艺术连接记忆 | 기억을 예술로 잇다
Join us for Connecting Memories Through Art, an exhibition that brings together people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of art, creating a space for reflection, dialogue, and mutual understanding. At the heart of the exhibition stands the Chinese Statue of Peace, symbolising the shared commitment of communities coming together in pursuit of justice, peace, and hope.
While the issue of the “Comfort Women” has often been framed through the lens of controversy and political debate, we stand in solidarity in recognising it fundamentally as a human rights issue—one that calls for remembrance, dignity, and justice for survivors. By presenting the statue alongside artworks created by members of the community, the exhibition demonstrates the power of art to transcend differences, preserve memory, and inspire a collective commitment to human rights, compassion, and lasting peace.
Call for Artists and Artwork Submissions
The competition welcomes artists of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds and places of residence to submit original artworks responding to memory, dignity, human rights, peace and solidarity.
Emerging artists, students, community artists and established artists are welcome to apply. Selected artworks will be exhibited alongside the Chinese Statue of Peace on 19 September 2026.
For more information and to submit your artworks, please visit the website : https://connectingmemory.org/
Chinese Australians for Peace Association & Friends of “Comfort Women” in Melbourne
Australian Census – 11 August 2026
The 2026 Australian Census will take place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. Census data helps governments, councils and community organisations plan essential services and better support our diverse communities.
CCCAV encourages all community members to participate and ensure our multicultural communities are accurately represented. Every response counts.
More information: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/about
澳大利亚人口普查将于2026年8月11日举行
澳大利亚统计局每五年会对澳大利亚境内的所有个人及住户进行统计。
人口普查会了解多方面的信息，包括您的年龄、出生国家、文化背景、居住状况、工作和教育情况。
人口普查提供的数据有助于规划医疗、交通、学校及基础设施。同时也用于规划面向个人、家庭与社区的本地服务。
人口普查将于2026年8月11日星期二进行。
在2026年8月11日星期二人口普查当晚，身处澳大利亚的每个人都必须包含在人口普查表格中。这包括：
人口普查不包括当晚不在澳大利亚境内的澳大利亚居民，也不包括居住在澳大利亚的外国外交官及其家属。
您必须在表格中填报人口普查当晚在您住处过夜的所有人，包括访客和婴儿。根据《1905年人口普查和统计法》，参与人口普查是强制性的。您的个人信息受到法律保护，不会与任何第三方（含其他政府机构）共享。
您可以通过在线填写、纸质表格填写，或在我们协助下填写人口普查。
自2026年7月下旬起，各住户将陆续收到人口普查填写说明。如果您已确定人口普查当晚的所在地，收到说明后即可立即开始填写。
如需使用您偏好的语言获得帮助，请致电翻译和口译服务（TIS National），电话 131 450。
大多数住户会通过邮寄收到信件。信中包含您的16位人口普查编号和临时密码，用于在线填写人口普查。
部分住户将直接收到纸质表格。填写完毕后，请使用随附的“邮资已付”信封寄回。如果您希望在线填写，表格上附有操作说明。
对于入住酒店、汽车旅馆或学生公寓等住宿场所的国际访客与国际留学生，住宿工作人员将提供填写人口普查的说明。
如果您希望与同住人员分开填写人口普查表格，可致电 1800 181 227 获取用于在线填写的普查编号，或申领一份英文纸质表格。
您在人口普查表格中提供的个人信息受到法律保护，绝不会与任何其他方共享，包括内政部、澳大利亚税务局及 Centrelink 等其他政府机构。
您在人口普查中提供的信息将予以保密。您的信息将得到妥善保管，我们不会以可能识别您身份的方式共享或公开有关您本人、您的家庭或住户的任何信息。
您的数据受到《1988年隐私法》及《1905年人口普查和统计法》保密条款的保护。
如果您需要填写人口普查方面的协助，我们可以提供支持。
更多信息：https://info.census.abs.gov.au/language-support/simplified-chinese
