Tong De Association’s 2019-2020 Annual Activity Summary
Tong De Association was legally registered in May of 2019 based on the community organisation law in SA as a non-profit and non-governmental organisation. With the motto of “One in heart and mind, to Adelaide we bind”, it endeavours to provide services to new immigrants, international students and teenagers, including multicultural activities, employment and start-up business guidance and various enjoyable activities. The purpose is to help members of Chinese community to integrate and settle down in the mainstream Australian society. After the establishment of the association, it organised the following activities:
4 August 2019, Official Launch of Tong De Association
The Tong De Association held its unveiling ceremony. Hon. Jing Lee, the Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia, attended the ceremony.
28th September, Symposium with Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province
Tong De Association hosted a symposium at Finlaysons, where leaders of local overseas Chinese Community and delegation of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province visited for discussion.
13 November 2019, Purchase Agreement and Asset Protection Seminar
Tong De Association, in collaboration with Mr Matt Zhang from Vigor Development Pty Ltd, accountants from KW&CO and our legal advisor, Mr. Hau Pehn Yapp, held a seminar on purchase agreement and
asset protection.
23 November 2019 “Low-risk Entrepreneurship” seminar
In collaboration with The Adelaide BUFAN Branch of Spiritual Wealth Reading Club, hosting a “Low-risk Entrepreneurship” seminar. City Councillor Simon Hou was invited as a guest speaker to provide insights from the book and offer guidance to entrepreneurs on starting their own business in Australia. The seminar also addressed the potential business and legal risks associated with entrepreneurship in Australia.
22 December 2019 Christmas Celebration
During the charity auction at the Christmas Party, the Tong De Association raised $2,155, including successful bid from “J&H Finance” for a Legislative Council luncheon donated by Assistant Minister Jing Lee, and together with other charity vouchers, all the funds were donated to the CFS Foundation.
More details: https://www.facebook.com/CFSFoundation/posts/1808387672627937
18 January 2020, The donation event for the Australian forest fire held in Bonython Park
At the event, the Tong de Association raised a total of $7000 for the South Australian bushfires. This included $2000 from Hebe Yoga Studio, $475 from the Colorful Forest Art School (from an online painting auction), $500 from Teacher Xie’s on-site painting, $236 from a Beijing group’s pastry group buying, $100 from Beijing group friends, $1000 from Rain, $500 from an anonymous donor, as well as generous donations from numerous Tong de Association members and volunteers. All funds were donated to the Australian government’s fire fund. This fully demonstrates the unity and solidarity of the Chinese community in Australia, showing their united spirit.
From February 2020 till now, the South Australian Chinese Community fight for pandemic.
From February 2020 till now, a South Australian Chinese quarantine and anti-pandemic emic group has been established, purchasing and delivering food and essential supplies to quarantined individuals. This WeChat group aims to assist students returning from China and Australian residents who are in quarantine, relieving them from the need to personally go outside for shopping. This initiative has reduced the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Cleverly utilizing the postal codes of quarantined individuals and volunteers has significantly increased the effectiveness and interaction of this operation. Volunteers can save commuting time and costs by searching postal codes and assisting nearby individuals in need. Australia’s ABC News has also conducted special reports on this matter, highlighting the efforts and dedication of Tong De Association members and volunteers, as well as the selfless contributions of many small businesses in providing goods and services. This organisation has successfully assisted many quarantined individuals in need.
Since May 2020, donations of Covid-19 prevention supplies have been distributed to thousands of Adelaide community members affected by the COVID-19 virus, including students (via consulates), the elderly, families, and small businesses. These supplies, such as masks and hand sanitisers, were donated to the Tong De Association by various organisations. Additionally, we have also made donations to other groups such as the Hutt Street Homeless Shelter, the Royal Society for the Blind, and the Australian Migrant Resource Centre.
19 July 2020, “Effective Networking” Seminar
In collaboration with Mr. John Ong from Belle Property Adelaide, we held a seminar on the topic of “Effective Networking”. This seminar drew the interest of dozens of graduates and professionals, helping them better integrate into Western social circles.
10 August 2020, Annual General Meeting 2020-2021
The Tong De Association convened its first-anniversary celebration and the election of a new committee (Annual General Meeting 2020-2021). Nearly a hundred Tong De Association members attended the meeting and participated in the voting process. President Anna delivered the “2019-2020 Annual Work Report,” summarising the accomplishments of the past year, while Financial Manager Xia presented the “Financial Annual Report,” providing an overview of the expenditure. Legal advisor Lawyer Hau Pehn Yapp offered a detailed explanation of the election procedures and precautions, reaffirming the responsibilities and obligations of the non-profit organisation’s directors. Following the tally and verification of votes, a new board of directors was elected. Hon. Jing Lee, Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia, attended the meeting and extended congratulations to the Tong De Association for successfully hosting the transition ceremony.
5 September 2020, Wine Tasting at Barossa Valley
A group of our members were treated to a visit to Barossa wineries and engaged in wine tasting activities. They immersed themselves in wine education courses, and all attendees received an official learning certification from the Barossa Wine Association.
20 September 2020, Cricket Blast event
The ‘Cricket Blast’ event, co-hosted by the Tong De Association and the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA), concluded successfully. This marked the first-ever participation of the South Australian Chinese community in such an event, joining hands with communities from Australia, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Africa. The event aimed to use sports as a bridge to contribute to the multicultural development of South Australia.
October-December 2020, Preparation for SHOWTIME cooking competition and Lantern Festival
Actively preparing for the first cooking competition and the Lantern Festival, continue to host amazing activities to enrich the lives of the local Chinese community, while also promoting the ongoing development of the association.
29 November 2020, Pandemic Psychological Counselling Seminar
In the face of the pandemic, life’s routines have been completely disrupted, and various unexpected problems have arisen. International students are unable to return to campus; families are separated and unable to reunite, and businesses are facing challenges. Many people find themselves on the brink of complaining, anxiety, loneliness, helplessness, and even depression. In this environment of spreading pandemic, there’s a growing need to take care of our mental health. The Tong De Association has invited experienced social workers working on the front lines from Melbourne and Adelaide, along with professional psychological counsellors from Perth to join forces and provide assistance and guidance to everyone.”
All of the above activities further demonstrate the founding principle of the Tong De Association, “One in heart and mind, to Adelaide we bind.”
Moving to South Australia, days flow gently,
Seasons shift, autumn paints its hues plenty.
Since its inception, the Tong De Association,
In over a year’s time,
Has hosted a myriad of engaging and meaningful events.
Here, it gathers
The power of youth and the enthusiasm of vitality,
Like a myriad of fireworks and blossoms,
Bringing forth a splendid display of radiance.
Tong De Association,
Welcomes you to join in the fun!
