Uniting Chinese Community | The 33rd FCA Inauguration Ceremony and the Launch of 'Victoria Chinese Excellence' Awards

The Federation of Chinese Association (VIC) Secretariat. | May 11, 2026

On 9 May 2026, the Federation of Chinese Associations Victoria (hereafter referred to as FCA) proudly held the Inauguration Ceremony for its 33rd Council and the Launch Ceremony of the 'Victoria Chinese Excellence' Awards. Representatives from the Australian Federal and Victorian political circles, officials from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, leaders of the overseas Chinese community, representatives of multicultural organisations, and guests from all walks of life gathered together. On this night, we witnessed the passing of the torch of responsibility; on this night, we jointly illuminated a "shining moment" for the Chinese community in Victoria.

Mr. Derrick Chen, President of FCA, delivered a welcome address. In his speech, President Chen expressed his gratitude to the Australian government at all levels, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, and all sectors of society for their long-term support and care for the Chinese community and the FCA. He stated that the 33rd Board of Directors and Advisors, bringing together talents from diverse backgrounds, showcases the new era of unity, openness, and integration within the Victorian Chinese community. He added that the FCA will continue to unite overseas Chinese, cultivate youth, promote friendly exchanges between China and Australia, and work hand in hand with all sectors of society to create a more united and brilliant future for the Victorian Chinese community.

In a congratulatory video message, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan extended her best wishes to the guests attending the ceremony and highly praised the Chinese community for its long-standing and significant contributions to Victoria's economic development, cultural prosperity, and social progress.

Victorian Minister for Local Government, Minister for Young Justice and Minister for Correctional Services, Paul Hamer MP, attended and delivered a speech on behalf of the Premier and Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP. In his speech, he highly praised the important role of the FCA in promoting multicultural integration and commended the Association for its long-term active promotion of community welfare and cultural exchange, which has injected vitality and cohesion into Victorian society.

Following this, amidst enthusiastic applause, Paul Hamer MP read out the list of appointed President for the 33rd term of the Federation of Chinese Associations (VIC), and together with Consul General Fang Xinwen of the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, presented the letter of appointment to President Derrick Chen. This moment symbolised the passing of responsibility and the continuation of the mission.

In his address, Mr Fang Xinwen, Consul General of China in Melbourne, stated that Chinese community organisations have always served as a bond connecting overseas Chinese and a bridge for spreading Chinese culture. For many years, the FCA has actively united the overseas Chinese community and served the community, playing a vital role in promoting friendly exchanges and cooperation between the people of China and Australia. He expressed his hope that the Association will continue to unite the hearts and minds of overseas Chinese and pool their resources to make new contributions to deepening friendly relations between China and Australia and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson MP highly praised the outstanding contributions of the Victorian Chinese community to various aspects of social development and wished the 33rd Board of Council continued success in leading the community toward a more prosperous and united future.

Several dignitaries attending the ceremony unanimously affirmed the Chinese community's contributions to Australian society, stating that it has become an indispensable force in Victoria's multicultural landscape.

Address by Gabriel Ng, Member of Parliament for Menzies

Mr Aiv Puglielli MP, represented Green Party Leader Ellen Sandell delivered a speech.

Speech by Mr. Chung Fu Hee, former President of the FCA and former Mayor of Whitehorse City

Gathering of Strength and Kindness Through Community

Uniting hearts and minds to gather strength, millions of acts of kindness warm the hearts of everyone.

The ceremony that evening also witnessed a moving and significant moment. Amidst enthusiastic applause, Mr. Wang Xiaomao, a renowned Chinese entrepreneur and Honorary President of FCA, solemnly took the stage and generously donated RMB 1 million to the association, demonstrating his support for its charitable endeavours and the development of the Chinese community. Mr. Chen, President of FCA, accepted this meaningful donation check on behalf of the association.

This heartfelt act of kindness not only demonstrates Mr. Wang Xiaomao's strong sense of social responsibility but also highlights the profound love and commitment of Chinese entrepreneurs to the community and giving back to society. Guests at the event witnessed this glorious moment filled with warmth and strength. This donation is not just support, but also an expression of trust and responsibility.

Passing Down the Torch Through Generations of the Chinese Community in Victoria,

Several guests took to the stage together to officially launch the Victorian Chinese Excellence Award program amidst a countdown from the audience. This moment also symbolised the official start of a new chapter for the Victorian Chinese community. The program will unite the community through recording true stories and promotion of positive values.

Partnering with the Royal Children's Hospital, Demonstrating Community Responsibility

Adhering to the principle of 'Serving Community', FCA officially announced at the event of the public welfare partnership with the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation and signed a public welfare cooperation agreement to jointly support the development of children's medical care and public welfare undertakings.

This collaboration not only demonstrates the association's commitment to giving back to Australian society, but also showcases the warm spirit of the Chinese community in their dedication to public welfare and care for the next generation. Ms. Kath Sell, Deputy Director of Royal Children's Hospital Foundation delivered a speech.

Appointment of a New Team, a Tribute to a New Journey

The ceremony then moved to a solemn and important segment – ​​the appointment ceremony for the 33rd Board of Council and Advisors of the Federation of Chinese Associations Victoria (FCA). Amidst enthusiastic applause, the members of the 33rd Board of Council and Advisors took turns to the stage to receive their certificates, with the applause continuing for a long time, congratulating FCA on its continued unity and progress on its new journey.

List of the 33rd Board of Council and Advisors of the Federation of Chinese Associations Victoria Inc. (FCA):

President Chen With Consulate Representatives, Members of Parliment, and Political Figures

List of Other Attending Dignitaries and Guests:

Mr. Shi Gang、Mr. Song Chongsheng、 Mr. Matthew Gregg MP、Mr. John Mullahy MP、Mr. Richard Welch MP、Mr. Nick McGowan MP、Dr. Renee Heath MP、Ms. Roma Britnell MP、 Mrs. Ann-Marie Hermans MP、Mr. Trung Luu MP、Ms. Rachel Westaway MP、Mrs. Moira Deeming MP、The Hon. Wendy Lovell MP、Ms. Cindy McLeish MP、 Mr. Keith Wolahan、Cr. Kirsten Langford 、Cr. Kieran Simpson 、Cr. Philip Le Liu、Cr. Scott Dowling、Ms. Sally Anne Capp AO、Mr. Andrew Sutherland、Mr. Mark Wang