President’s Message Dear Members
Chung Wah Association is well established and has been in operation for the past 109 years. Subcommittees and groups have been gaining momentum and operating effectively under their respective leaders. These include the Chung Wah Community and Aged Care, Chung Wah Chinese School, Chung Wah Women, Cultural Development and Activities. The Cultural Development and Activities encompasses Chung Wah Lion and Dragon Dance, Chung Wah Dragon Boat, Chung Wah Cultural Dance, Chung Wah Orchestra, Chung Wah Cantonese Opera, Chung Wah Beijing Opera, Chung Wah Line Dancing, Chung Wah New Vogue and Chung Wah Choir. Community activities and members joining the Association’s sub-committees and groups have increased progressively and provided positive impacts on the social lives of many members.
Community services have always been the Association’s focus.
Highlights of the past year included major project deliveries of the Perth Chinese New Year Fair, Cultures of China Festival of Spring Chinese New Year show, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, 20th Anniversary of the Chung Wah Cultural Centre and progress work with respect to the development of the Autumn Centre Inc.
The development of the Autumn Centre Inc was stalled at one stage 30 years ago. Since the current Executive Committee team came into office in the past three years, progress in this area recommenced with the involvement of relevant state and local government agencies to discuss the construction of the of the Autumn Centre Inc. This new initiative and effort under the leadership of Doreen Chin, Chairperson of the Autumn Centre Inc Board has reached a stage whereby a development concept plan has been submitted to the City of Stirling. Chung Wah Community and Aged Care led by the CEO, Theresa Kwok, continues to face new challenges in the wake of tighter government funding measures which forced aged care providers to run the sector more creatively and efficiently. In terms of developing the Association, Chung Wah Chinese School has been supported enormously and morally to empower Chung Wah Chinese School Council under the leadership of Sheila Rejek to develop uniform policies and direction insofar as curriculum additions and improvements within existing campuses as well as to establish new campuses.
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Chung Wah Cultural Development and Activities led by Chairperson, Jen Nie Chong continue to progress well and this sub-committee has expanded to include additional sub-culture groups and provided a platform for a variety of new cultural activities and social inclusion. | The Chung Wah Association Inc. - Annual Report 2017 -2018
Chung Wah Women under Jiping Zou, Subcommittee Chairperson, has remained active with weekly dance program and regular wellbeing courses supporting the women’s cause, and recently incorporating an International Women’s Day celebration at the Chung Wah Hall.
Chung Wah Association strives to maximise creativity in social inclusion and community resilience to benefit its members. The Association ensures the ongoing delivery of a range of important community services and social networks, and it will continue to emerge as the leader and promoter of innovative Chinese cultural activities and multicultural sports and activities within mainstream Australian society. As Chung Wah President, I recognise the importance and responsibilities of the role to lead the Association. The opportunity to serve our members and contribute towards the Association’s development relies not only on our own effort, but also goodwill and support from many others. I express my sincere gratification to Sheila Rejek, Hon Secretary and Jen Nie Chong, Hon Treasurer together with the work and support of the entire Executive Committee in many positive outcomes that has exceeded performance expectations. I thank the Council of Elders and its members led by Dr Bob Tan who continues to provide valuable strong support and ongoing guidance.
The Executive Committee team will continue to operate to abide by the Constitution, excel at the Association’s operations, and improve the Association’s influence and reputation. Through our dedication, we will ensure that the Association will continue to play an important role as a genuine “home for the Chinese community”.
Shao Ping DING President
