by Kitty Leong | Jun 9, 2026 | CASS天地 - TW
在多元文化社區中，許多人參加團體致力推動和諧與包容，展現堅定的信念與不懈的努力。新州每年有「州長和諧獎」，旨在表彰在社區中作出卓越貢獻的個人與機構。華人服務社繼2021年及2024年榮獲「卓越非營利企業獎」後，今年再創佳績，憑藉多元文化長者活動組的成果，榮獲 「多元文化健康獎」。
頒獎典禮早前於「州長和諧晚宴」在悉尼國際會展中心隆重舉行，服務社主席李超浩代表機構接受殊榮。為了解這份成就背後的故事，筆者訪問了當日一同出席的夥伴潘南弘。
談及長者活動組的發展歷程，南弘娓娓道來：「服務社成立於1981年，初期僅提供托兒服務。隨著社區不斷發展，需求日益多元，服務社亦逐步拓展服務範疇，以滿足社區需求。自1993年成立首個長者活動組，至今發展至有55個，遍布大悉尼及臥龍崗地區。每週吸引超過3,800多名長者參與各類活動，服務對象涵蓋華裔、韓裔、越南裔、印尼裔、馬來西亞裔及新加坡裔等多元族群，充分體現文化共融的精神。我們致力協助不同族裔的長者們，跨越語言與文化障礙，融入主流社會，並積極推廣健康資訊，提升整體的社區福祉。」
南弘表示，這次獲獎是對機構服務成果的肯定，更是對全體員工及義工多年來默默耕耘的認可與鼓勵。
負責活動組的工作夥伴們，亦分享了多年來籌劃與推動長者活動的經驗與感受：「活動對促進長者身心健康，強化他們的社交互動及提升生活質素，影響深遠。各區活動組每週舉行多元化項目，包括舞蹈、打乒乓球、歌唱，以及太極、八段錦、健康講座等康體活動，讓他們在輕鬆愉快的氛圍中保持活力、拓展社交圈。此外，在農曆新年、中秋節等傳統節慶期間，各組管理小組，亦會在工作人員協助下籌辦慶祝活動，不時攜手炮製地道傳統美食，讓長者們感受節日的溫情。」
「另外令人難忘的經歷，是部分長者在參與英語學習課之餘，為答謝義務教師，主動以實際行動回饋社區，自發在附近街道及公共空間清理垃圾，維護環境整潔。這份由衷的付出與合作，真切反映了多元文化社群之間互助互愛的精神。」
「在活動設計方面，我們會因應不同文化的需要作出調整，例如為韓裔長者設立口琴小組，並聆聽越南裔長者的意見，選擇郊遊地點，讓他們在熟悉的文化氛圍中，提升參與感與歸屬感。每年社的義工感恩午宴，亦促進不同背景的長者們交流與連結。」
這次的獲獎，筆者相信不是服務社成就的終點，而是推動持續前行的里程碑。長者活動的點滴實踐，促使服務社服務不斷提升，邁向更多元的發展。
by Kitty Leong | Jun 9, 2026 | CASS天地 - TW
在澳洲多元文化的社會中，社區語文學校不僅是教育場所，更為學生提供培養自信與表達能力的機會。不久前，筆者出席了由新州州長柯民思辦公室舉辦的農曆新年賀卡設計比賽頒獎典禮。活動以中英雙語進行，擔任主持者，是華人服務社啟思中文學校的三位學生。
負責這次主持人培訓，是高嘉華（Kogarah）校區主管王老師與魏老師。王老師表示：「師生們都非常重視這次機會。早前，校方在各校區進行甄選，從台風、儀態及語言能力等多方面綜合評估，最終選出宋戴安、鍾楚靈及陳穎軒三位學生，肩負此次雙語主持的重任。經過多次修改主持稿及反覆練習，他們在活動當天表現出色，贏得州長、嘉賓及在場家長的一致好評。不少來賓更詢問，學生所就讀的中文學校及其學習經歷，展現了社區語言教育的成果。」
回憶起當天的場景，魏老師依然難掩自豪：「站在聚光燈下，面對台下的政要與嘉賓，三位學生毫不怯場。戴安的中文發音字正腔圓，控場得當；當遇到現場小插曲時，楚靈和穎軒機智地以輕鬆的雙語對話化解，台下的掌聲是對他們最好的肯定。」
其後，筆者在中文學校遇到戴安同學及其母親鄭女士。談到當天的主持經歷，戴安說：「雖然主持稿已清晰列出流程，但現場仍出現不少突發情況，需要即時應對。我特別感謝老師們犧牲休息時間，陪同反覆練習，逐字逐句指導發音。」
談到如何克服緊張情緒，戴安表示：「因為中文學校經常組織學生參加朗誦比賽，透過一次次訓練與實踐，逐步提升了我的舞台經驗與自信心。正是憑藉平日紮實的中文基礎，加上不斷練習，我才能在當天穩定發揮。這次主持經驗收穫良多，提升了我的語言表達能力，也讓我更有信心應對大型場合。」
身旁的鄭女士微笑地說：「女兒自幼持續在中文學校學習，從未間斷。在澳洲高考中，中文作為加分科目，對大學入學排名成績有重要影響，因此她亦選修中文作為高考科目之一。雖然上中文學校需要犧牲部分週末時間，但看到女兒今日的語言能力，一切付出都十分值得。」
「我注意到，不少移民第二代，長大後才意識到中文的重要性。雖有華人面孔，卻因未能流利用中文表達，而感到遺憾。我推薦家長們持續鼓勵子女學習中文，並與中文學校老師相互配合，培養孩子的中華文化底蘊與語言根基。」
從交流中，筆者了解到，語文學習需要長期且多方面的投入與支持。在課餘時間的學習經歷，不僅展現了啟思中文學校學生、家長與老師的共同努力，也培養了學生良好的品格與價值觀。
by Kitty Leong | Jun 3, 2026 | Volunteers’ Story - EN
Canterbury 2015 Australia Day Outstanding Volunteer – Ming Xu
Witnessing and participating in the spectacular scene of one thousand people doing Tai Chi together at the CASS 30th Anniversary Celebration is to be remembered forever. At that grand performance, a lady dressed in white Tang costume stood in front to lead the audience performing the “Tai Chi 18 Moves”. Behind her, standing in a hidden corner was an unsung hero in charge of planning the performance. She is the teacher who visited various activity groups six months prior to the event to teach the exercises. Watching the performance at the back, she had an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and joy. She was the Tai Chi teacher of Campsie Activity Group, Ms Ming Xu.
Petite but agile, Ming came to Australia in 1995. She joined the CASS Campsie Activity Group in 2003. The wise and farsighted Ming shared her thoughts, “While the Australian Government has provided a relatively good welfare system for the elderly, CASS has been providing many services for the community. The running of activity groups at various locations has provided a place for isolated and lonely migrants to meet new friends and network, giving them the warmth and support of a family.”
Believing that one should reciprocate a favour with gratitude, Ming dedicates wholeheartedly to organising activities for the Group. As a professional engineer before her retirement, she maintains her conscientious and enthusiastic attitude in acquiring new knowledge and skills, including dancing, Tai Chi as well as Qi Gong. Whenever Group members request to learn a certain dance, she will learn the dance quickly first before teaching members gradually to cater for their abilities. She understands the gist of teaching and guides her students step by step. Though she is nearly eighty years old, she shows agility and elegance in her performance. She is a humble leader, often asking others to take the lead role in performance while she guides the team from behind the scene.
When the membership of Campsie Activity Group remained stagnant while other activity groups were expanding in numbers, she and a few concerned members proactively visited other groups to learn their successful experience, conducted market research and reorganised the activities. With new programs such as Tai Chi, Gong Fu Fan Dance, Health Dance and English classes, many people joined the Group, increasing the membership from ten plus to over 40.
Apart from her role as a volunteer teacher for activity groups, Ming also volunteers to work in the CASS Day Care Centre two days a week caring for seniors, including distributing lunch and washing dishes. The volunteers formed the “Care for the Seniors Team”, the backbone enabling CASS to provide quality elderly services.
Having experienced political turmoil in her early life and witnessing the internal turmoil within CASS in 2006, Ming had hesitation joining any organisation as a member. However, she is observant, reflective and alert to community affairs. She reflected not long ago, “Since Mr Henry Pan returns to the CASS Board in 2007, there are many positive changes in the services and activity groups. I am excited to see CASS continually adding new services to help the disadvantaged. Though Mr Pan has lost his sight, he is still taking the leadership role to develop CASS. He is amazing!”
Since then, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly in the affairs of CASS. She changed her previous distrust of organisations and took up CASS membership. Recently, she is actively involved in organising activities for celebrating the 35th Anniversary of CASS. Certainly, she will accompany CASS to a flourishing future!
Ming Xu receiving the Canterbury 2015 Australia Day Outstanding Volunteer Award from Mayor Brian Robson
by Kitty Leong | Jun 3, 2026 | Volunteers’ Story - EN
Ms Teresa Chu – Winner of Highest Number of Sponsors Award in Dragon Charity Walk
At the end of 2014, the annual CASS gathering for aged care services clients and their families was held. Awards were also presented for the Dragon Charity Walk for that year. An elegant lady received two awards. She is Ms Teresa Chu, the passionate and talented leader of Hua Kang Seniors Group, which has hosted many CASS activities.
The Dragon Charity Walk is a big annual event of CASS. It was established to raise funds for the first CASS Residential Aged Care Facility. Several awards were set up to reward eager participants. Teresa won those for the Highest Number of Sponsors and the Second Highest Amount of Sponsorship – two of the six. The Hua Kang Seniors Group that she led was presented with the Award for the Group/Organisation with the Highest Amount of Sponsorship.
Teresa was the central motivator and organiser, encouraging her family, friends and Group members to contribute money and effort for CASS.
The Hua Kang Seniors Group, which gathers at the Hurstville Senior Citizens Centre at 91 Queens Road, Hurstville, is an extended family for its members. It operates for two days every week. The Dance Group is held every Thursday and the Activity Group every Friday.
Teresa joined the Group in 2007. In less than two years, she was elected as a member of the Local Management Committee and the leader of the Friday Group. Her integrity, wholehearted service and commitment were evident to everyone.
As the Leader of Friday Group, Teresa was successful in creating a family environment for its members. From ensuring that the venue was clean to contacting the local government representatives, she is always present with her colleagues to take care of things. The problem might be an inadequate water supply or malfunctioning audio equipment in the Centre. So off she goes to inform the Council at once to fix the problem. If the Group is unfairly treated, she stands up and fights for their interests. Her caring attitude has won respect and praise.
The common vision which she shares with CASS fuels her work. She knows it is to help the elderly and disadvantaged in the community and advocate for them, through providing multifaceted welfare services.
In 2011, Teresa was elected to the CASS Board as an Alternate Director. When the idea of raising funds to build a residential aged care facility was raised, she actively responded, encouraging Group members to make generous donations during the monthly birthday parties and celebrations. She knows that small amounts can soon add up.
Together with Jie Hua Li, Fat Leong and Polly Po Tang, Teresa raised more than $30,000 in two years. For two years in a row, she won the Highest Number of Sponsors Award in the Dragon Charity Walk, adding each time to the people who donated. With her passion and determination, she has strongly demonstrated how she can lead and motivate.
Teresa often hosts CASS activities such as the annual Volunteers Thanksgiving Party, the Dragon Charity Walk performance program and the Aged Care Information Expo. Her calm grace on stage is noticed and praised by all audience.
Teresa Chu receives her award from Councillor Jeanette Wang at the Dragon Charity Walk Award Ceremony in 2014
by Kitty Leong | Jun 3, 2026 | Volunteers’ Story - EN
Our precious volunteer – Dr Leng Tan
The present Chairperson of CASS, Dr Leng Tan, has been a General Practitioner (GP) for over 30 years. She listens and spends time with her patients, showing she has their wellbeing at heart. She has earned their trust and respect with her compassionate, loving care and sound advice, based on long experience. There is always a long queue at her clinic.
She is an elegant lady, respected by all. She attracts attention because of her warmth and charm. She is very down-to-earth and efficient in her work.
Another important role Leng plays is as a community leader. Ever since her university years she has shown strong leadership skills. When CASS was established in 1981, she was a founding member, looking after its finances. Together with the Foundation Chairperson, Mr Henry Pan and others, she dedicated time and energy to providing a service similar to family day care. She worked hard to seek government funding to establish child care services of CASS.
When the opportunity arose to buy a place that could be used as a child care facility, CASS did not have sufficient resources. Leng and her husband, together with Henry Pan and Cecilia Fong, used their own properties as security to secure a bank loan to buy the warehouse. Without the generosity of these founding members and their willingness to take the risk, the building of the Activity Hall, today used by so many people, would not have been possible.
While she was the Treasurer of CASS, Leng upheld her principles of thrift and hard work in running the organisation. Because it was in its initial stage of development, she knew limited resources should be employed wisely and efficiently. Leng never uses public money for personal use; instead, she often pays for things for CASS. As well as leading, she also likes to mix with members and provide help where needed. She does not just attend Board meetings, but many CASS gatherings and activities, chatting heartily with others, always showing care and concern. She can often be seen washing dishes and cleaning venues after CASS functions. She is the “big sister” of the CASS family.
For a while, Leng left CASS to attend to other community roles. However, she readily stepped in when the organisation was in crisis in 2006. Amidst all the turbulence, she remained objective and fair, playing an important role in bringing people together.
In September 2008, she was elected Chairperson. Working with the Honorary Executive Director, Henry Pan and other Board members, remedial work began and they were able to turn the finances of CASS from deficit to surplus. Under her leadership, new services were developed and CASS began expanding.
Leng is also involved in other community organisations. Since 1990, she has been the Vice Chairperson of the Chinese Youth League of Australia. She was also involved in co-ordinating the work of community organisations such as the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, the Australian Council of Chinese Organisations and the Australian Hokkien HuayKuan Association.
She has also played a key role as humanitarian ambassador for Australia by volunteering her professional medical services. Through her involvement in the “Eyes on China”, she has assisted in providing free cataract surgeries to people in remote and poor regions of the country. For many years she has joined these annual expeditions, and helped change the lives of hundreds of people with the gift of sight. Whatever role she plays, she shows prowess, efficiency, love and passion.
While Leng commits herself to communities, she never forgets her important role in her own family as a loving wife and caring mother. Her husband is also a GP and an influential community leader. The couple shares a common passion and commitment to community affairs. At home, she makes sure her family has healthy meals and supports her children in all their pursuits.
Leng carries out all her different roles faultlessly. Her dedication and compassion make her an admirable role model. She does not simply talk; she takes action. She is loved and respected in the CASS family and in the community. This sparkling jewel is the pride of CASS.
Dr Leng Tan has won numerous awards in recognition of her active participation in community affairs over the years
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