In 1989, the then Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke, gave an emotional speech allowing 40,000 PRC students to remain in Australia temporarily for 4 years. This decision provided an unexpected turning point for the fundraising efforts for the EACH project.
As there were malicious rumours spreading in the community targeting the Society, Henry was resolute in clarifying that the Society was an organization registered in Australia and focused on providing community services, sharing and disseminating the views of the Australian government. This standpoint was not only the choice at the time but remains the long-term position of the Society.
The Society was active in urging the Government to allow PRC students to stay in Australia and fought for their welfare. Many people in the community began to change their views about our Society.
The Society was active in urging the Government to allow PRC students to stay in Australia and fought for their welfare. Many people in the community began to change their views about our Society.
While Henry was still suffering from Meniere’s disease and had a full-time job, he still devoted his limited energy to the development of our Society. He realized the increasing government supervision on child care services and felt that After School Care service should have a separate venue to operate. He proposed to knock down the old warehouse at No. 48 adjacent to the Campsie Child Care Centre to build an activity hall. However, resources were limited. He used his experience of building his own home and took over the planning and supervision of the construction works. He even integrated his ideas into the layout of the kitchen. The hall was built in early 1991, providing a venue not only for the After School Care service but also for the many community activities in the years to come.
In early 1990, EACH assumed official ownership of the Croydon Elderly Hostel located at 17-19 Brady Street, Croydon from the German owners. The property consisted of 2 blocks. The north wing was in a better condition. After simple refurbishment, the 10 rooms began offering service on 5 February 1990. The south wing required renovations before it could begin the provision of service. During the waiting period when fund had to be raised, the rooms were leased out.
Repaying the $140,000 loan needed immediate attention. There was an urgent need to raise funds.
By chance, a group of Chinese students with cultural artistical background were renting some of the rooms of the south wing. They included Mr. William Yu and his wife. During a chat with Henry, Mr. Yu suggested organizing a cultural Concert to raise fund for EACH. He took up the responsibility of coordinating those professional artists among the Chinese students. These included Yang Hai Yan and Zheng Wan Ping, both performing traditional Chinese dance, with other artists performing violin, piano and solo singing programs. Professionals were also engaged in lighting and stage management.
Henry supported the idea. Other organizations also joined in. These included the Australian Chinese Children’s Choir, Hwa Sheng Chorus, the Martial Arts class of the Chinese Youth League performing “Southern Fists and Northern Kicks”, dance class performing “Spring Rain” and the Northern Lion team performing “Northern Lion Dance’, etc. The students of the Children’s Drama class established by our Society in October 1989 presented the children’s drama “The Little Crayon”.
On Saturday 7 April 1990, a grand Cultural Concert was held at Willoughby Town Hall with 14 performances. All 800 seats were filled.
To show their gratitude for the Australian Government, and realizing the goal of fundraising for EACH, the international students volunteered their time and efforts. There were no props nor rehearsals. Expenses were minimal. The event raised an impressive $26,000.
🤔 The success of the Cultural concert brought confidence for EACH. Would this model combining arts and fundraising be continued? There is more to share in the next article.