Happy Chinese New Year – February News
February started with lively Chinese New Year celebrations, including a morning tea and cultural exchange at our Campsie office. We were honored to have The Hon. Minister Sophie Cotsis visit us this month. We also received a visit from our SkillMe partner, LinkedIn. Our engagements continued with the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation (ACCF) dinner, fostering community connections. Wrapping up, our Conversation Club enjoyed an excursion to Manly Beach, creating cherished memories.
The Hon. Mary Costsis MP Visit
The Hon. Minister Sophie Cotsis visited our office this month and had a meaningful engagement with our team. She listened attentively to the pressing issues we discussed, including the rising living costs, the rental crisis, the need for reform on no-ground evictions, support for victims of domestic violence, and assistance with employment. Her visit not only meant a lot to us but also to the communities we serve.
During her visit, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude for her role in facilitating a local grant to aid vulnerable renters facing rent arrears. Sophie Cotsis' invaluable support is instrumental in helping us work towards positive change.
Lunar New Year @ Campsie Office
As the Chinese New Year officially began on February 10th, 2024, we celebrated at the Campsie Office with a wonderful gathering filled with delicious food and heartwarming stories. Despite being from different parts of the world, each person shared unique traditions and customs from their own culture. It was a beautiful reminder of the diversity within our team and the richness of our shared experiences.
Cultural Exchange and Dumpling Making
Metro Assist hosted an amazing cultural exchange event, to celebrate the Lunar New Year! New migrants from diverse communities including Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Indian, and Arabic were invited to meet and learn more about local service providers, all while enjoying a collaborative dumpling-making experience.
The event was led by new Chinese migrants, and was attended by distinguished guests, including Cr John Faker, Mayor of Burwood, Mr Mark Buttigieg MLC, State Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, The Hon. Minister Ron Hoenig, NSW Minister for Local Government, and Mr Jason Li MP, NSW Parliament member for Strathfield, who all participated in making and eating dumplings
It was a fantastic celebration of inclusion and community engagement, leaving everyone with full tummies and happy smiles. Thank you to partners Burwood Council, SBS for sponsoring the event, our all stakeholders and of course to everyone who participated, including: Services Australia, Service NSW, Sydney local Health District, Burwood Police, TAFE NSW, and Marrickville Legal Centre.
Australian Chinese Charity Foundation Dinner
Nina Shahi, our CEO, and Settlement Team Leader, Jasmine Mguizra, attended the Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner organised by the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation (ACCF) during February. This high-profile event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Sally Sitou MP, member for Reid, representing the Hon. Anthony Albanese; Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, representing the Hon. Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition; Julia Finn MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Premier and Member for Granville, representing the Premier; and Mark Speakman MP, Member for Cronulla and Leader of the Opposition in NSW.
During the event, ACCF presented a novelty cheque to 15 organizations who were the recipients of the ACCF Community Projects Grant 2024. These grants aim to support initiatives that respond to emergency needs of individuals and improve the wellbeing of our communities.
Conversation Club Beach Excursion
Due to weather conditions our postponed Conversation Club End-of-Year excursion instead took place during February. Participants were ferried to Manly Beach to celebrate and show appreciation for their commitment to attending our Thursday ‘convo’ club sessions. Of course, this time together provided them with plenty of opportunities to talk to their fellow conversationalists while enjoying lunch at Ivanhoe Hotel and taking a stroll along the beach.