Honorary Secretary’s Report
The Perth Chinese New Year Fair was held on 18 February 2018. Fireworks, red lanterns, multicultural concerts, colourful parades and food stalls lined the celebrations for 80,000 spectators to absorb the beating of the drums and crashing of the cymbals while mighty Chung Wah lions danced, curved and flowed elegantly through James Street in Northbridge. This public event was funded by the City of Perth, Lotterywest, Office of Multicultural Interests and sponsored by Mirvac, Murdoch University, Optus and Westindo Group. The large scale festivity was organised by Chung Wah and is one of the largest multicultural events in the City of Perth. It is participated by Chung Wah subcommittees and groups including other local Chinese associations and multicultural communities.
The “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring Chinese New Year” was held on 2 March 2018. Performers provided a riveting fusion of sound and visual effects so that the local community could share the beauty of the Chinese culture. Award-winning dancers, renowned Shaolin martial artists and acrobatic performers were brought to the City of Perth at the Perth Concert Hall. This breathtaking event was jointly organised by Chung Wah, Huaxing Arts Group and Fujian Association.
Chinese New Year dinner and dance took place in an extended celebration on the 15th day of the spring festival. Guests indulged in a ten-course meal and show at the Chung Wah Cultural Centre in Balcatta on 3 March 2018.
On 24 June 2018 the Chung Wah Dragon Boat “Wah Long 1” triumphed valiantly on Champion Lakes when it took out the Chung Wah dragon boat cup at the Dragon Boat Festival organised by Chung Wah in partnership with Dragon Boating WA. Guangdong Provincial Government Overseas Chinese Affairs Office visited the Chung Wah hall on 28 June 2018. The delegation was briefed on the history of Chung Wah and the first Chinese migrants in Western Australia.
Earlier this year, the makeshift backdrop at the Chung Wah Cultural Centre in Balcatta was replaced with a new white cyclorama to enhance projection 6
| The Chung Wah Association Inc. - Annual Report 2017 -2018
functionality during social functions, cultural events, general meetings, conferences, exhibitions and combined local Chinese schools speech recital competition events. The torn, faded and jammed tracks on the house curtains were replaced with fireretardant fabric to comply with the current Building Code of Australia. This overdue house curtains upgrade was made possible with the support of the OMI Local Projects Grant ($3,000), donation from Line Dancing ($14,000), contribution from Chung Wah Community and Aged Care ($5,000) in time for the centre’s 20th Anniversary coordinated by Chung Wah.
Chung Wah Cultural Centre in Balcatta was built 20 years ago by Chung Wah through the determination of courageous leaders, generous donors, supporters, members and volunteers. Its 20th Anniversary was celebrated on 18 August 2018. Chung Wah Executive Committee, Chung Wah Council of Elders, Chung Wah Community and Aged Care, Chung Wah Chinese School, Western Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Westindo Group, World Oriental Charm and various Chinese associations in Western Australia supported this celebratory fundraising project whereby 37 tables were sold out. The centre is in need of repairs to the roof and ceiling due to a major water leak. Proceeds from this celebration which exceeded $20,000 will be channelled towards the ceiling refurbishment project initiated by Chung Wah. On 15 September 2018, the Mid-Autumn Festival was delivered from the Chung Wah Chinese School Council level. School Management Committee members, Principals, teachers, students, performers and volunteers played a pivotal role in the delivery of this cultural bazaar concert festival. Invited guests, spectators, parents and their external families packed the Chung Wah Cultural Centre for an evening of talent shows, lanterns, mooncakes and festivities. Affordable and accessible community services remain as a strong focus for Chung Wah.
