The Tong De Association First-Anniversary Celebration and the Election of New Committee Successfully Concluded

On the evening of 10 August, the Tong De Association held its first anniversary celebration and the election of new committee (Annual General Meeting 2020-2021) with the attendance of almost one hundred members.

The meeting was hosted by Santaotao and began with President Anna’s 2019-2020 annual accomplishment report. Since the establishment of Tong De Association on 4 August 2019, over the past year, with its principle of “One in heart and mind, to Adelaide we bind”, it has made significant contributions in helping new immigrants, international students, and young people integrate into the mainstream Australian society, endeavouring to strengthen the economic and cultural exchanges between China and Australia, and enhancing cohesion among Chinese Community.

President Anna reflected on her term, summarising the work accomplished and reviewing the various activities organised by the association over the past year. Despite being a young organisation, Tong De Association has successfully hosted events such as the women’s makeup workshop, the symposium with visiting delegations from the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, seminars on “Purchase Agreement and Asset Protection”, and workshops on “Low-Risk Entrepreneurship. Particularly notable was the association’s fundraising event in January 2020 for the Australian bushfires, where they raised a total of $7000, all of which was donated to the CFS foundation. Additionally, at the onset of the pandemic, Tong De Association initiated the group of the South Australian Chinese Quarantine Anti-Pandemic Group, which facilitated the purchase and delivery of food and essential supplies to quarantined individuals. This initiative not only supported quarantined international students and Australian residents returning from China but also contributed to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. ABC News even reported on this effort.

Following that, Financial Manager Xiao Xia presented the “Financial Annual Report,” providing an overview of the association’s financial situation and detailing its income and expenditure.

Tong De Association’s legal advisor, Lawyer Yapp Hau Pehn, provided a detailed explanation of the election process and important considerations. He also reiterated the responsibilities and obligations of the directors of non-profit organisations.

Subsequently, the candidates for the board of directors each took the stage to deliver their campaign speeches.

Lawyer Yapp Hau Pehn, SAMEAC member George Chin, and Mr. Eric Lai served as the supervisors for this transition election, ensuring the entire process was conducted truthfully, fairly, justly, and openly.

After counting and verifying the votes, the election led to the selection of a new board of directors. The newly elected board expressed their determination to take on the roles of leaders and organisers with high spirits and a fresh mindset. They pledged to assist new immigrants and international students through various activities, enhance collaboration and communication with other organisations, and contribute to the continuous growth and development of the Tong De Association.

Hon. Jing Lee, Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia, attended the meeting and extended her congratulations to the Tong De Association for successfully conducting the transition ceremony.