Chinese Australian women helping each other for 60 years

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, today helped the Chinese Women’s Association of Australia celebrate its 60-year anniversary in Sydney.

The Senator, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, congratulated the organisation’s members on their achievements over the past six decades.

“Since 1954, the Chinese Women’s Association of Australia has supported thousands of new migrants and visitors of Chinese background,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“The Association helps these women find a sense of belonging in Australian society, nurtures intercultural friendships and promotes a better understanding of Chinese culture in Australia.

“Importantly, its members have raised thousands of dollars to support people affected by disasters, including floods, bushfires, tsunamis and earthquakes.

“Australia is home to people from almost every culture and every part of the globe, including a thriving community of more than 800 000 Australians of Chinese heritage.

“Australians of Chinese backgrounds have worked extremely hard to maintain their cultural heritage, while embracing and contributing to the broader Australian community.

“Their contributions, spanning generations, have helped forge the Australia that we enjoy today, and this cultural diversity is a source of great social and economic strength.

“Our successful multicultural society is founded on a commitment to the common elements that unite us, combined with a respect and an understanding of our social, cultural and religious differences.

“The Chinese Women’s Association is a truly inspiring example of these values, and I congratulate all of its members on their achievements over the past 60 years.”