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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Australia is introducing AusAlert, a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency alerts directly to compatible mobile devices. The system is designed to help keep people informed and better prepared during emergencies such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, severe weather events, public health emergencies, and other significant incidents.
Before the official launch on 1 October 2026, a nationwide test will be conducted on Monday, 27 July 2026. In Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT, a test Critical Alert will be sent at 2:00 pm (AEST). Residents may receive a message accompanied by a distinctive alert sound on compatible devices.
The test is an important opportunity to ensure devices can receive alerts and to help the community become familiar with the new system. To learn more about AusAlert and check device compatibility, visit: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/
Upcoming Event: Building Resilience – A Workshop for International Students
欢迎参加: 增强韧性 – 留学生专题工作坊
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on mental wellbeing, resilience, and navigating the challenges of studying and living away from home. Two experienced wellbeing experts will share practical insights and strategies through a panel discussion, including an introduction to Lifeline’s Support Toolkit, a valuable collection of mental health and wellbeing resources designed to support individuals in everyday life. Participants will then take part in facilitated round-table discussions, providing an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and explore ways to build resilience and thrive both personally and professionally.
This event is jointly hosted by the Chinese Community Council of Australia – Victoria Chapter (CCCAV), Centre for the Contemporary Chinese Studies and Lifeline, bringing together expert knowledge, practical resources, and community support to help international students build wellbeing, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Date: Friday 31 July 2026 4:30 PM for 5:00PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: University of Melbourne Arts West Building Room 256, 23 Professors Walk, Parkville Vic 3010 (near Parkville Train Station)
