Grateful Christmas Gathering with Influential Community Members in Adelaide

In the early summertime of Adelaide, adorned with romantic purple Jacaranda blossom, it is the perfect gathering time for Tong De Association to celebrate Christmas with the local Chinese community. On the evening of 30th November 2023, the Christmas banquet hosted by the Tong De Association at Gangnam Taste Restaurant featured many activities, including the association’s election, entertaining lucky draws, and talent performances. With laughter and chatter accompanied by delightful music filling the air, the banquet came to a joyful ending.

Grateful thanks to the following influential leaders in the Adelaide Chinese community who attended our Christmas banquet: South Australian Legislative Council Member Ms. Jing Lee and her partner Mr. Eddie Liew; the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Adelaide Deputy Consul General Mr. Lijun Pi and Consul Mr. Xingxiang Zhong; Burnside Councillor Andy Xing; President of the Chinese Welfare Service of SA Inc. and Justice of the Peace, Ms. Cathy Chong; Member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission Mr. George Chin; former member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Dr. Ning Zhang; President of the Chinatown Adelaide of South Australia Inc. and responsible person of Today Adelaide Media, Mr. Wayne Cao; Head of Adelaide Eye media platform, Mr. Keith Jin; Renowned Gynaecologist in SA Dr. Jane Zhang; the Founder and Director of Yapp Lawyers Pty Ltd Mr. Hau Pehn Yapp; Advisor Mr. Eric Lai; and all members of the Tong De Association.

The opening of the Christmas banquet began with a speech from the current president, Mr. Hao Hu, thanking all the guests present and expressing gratitude to the diverse individuals from the Adelaide community who have supported the Tong De Association throughout the year and worked together with the Association.

Following that, the founder of the Tong De Association and member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission, Ms. Anna Cheung, delivered a speech, acknowledging the contributions made by the members of the Tong De Association to the community in 2023. She expressed gratitude to all sectors of society, numerous generous sponsors, and all those who selflessly dedicate themselves to the Chinese community. She also extended her warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to everyone.

Established in 2018 with the aid of dedicated Chinese individuals, the South Australian Tong De Association officially registered in May 2019. Committed to the motto of “One in heart and mind, to Adelaide we bind,” it has facilitated the integration of new immigrants, youth, and international students into mainstream Australian society. The association has notably strengthened cultural and economic exchanges between China and the West, fostering mutual assistance within the Chinese community. Over the past five years, Tong De has organised various charitable endeavours, including aiding the South Australian Chinese community during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with the University of South Australia for educational seminars, and partnering with organisations like the Red Cross for blood donation drives within the Chinese community. Additionally, it worked with SA Wellbeing to conduct public health events focused on women’s health, among other initiatives.

(The Christmas banquet was filled with the melodic guitar tunes of Eric Lai, singing both joyful and heartfelt Christmas songs, creating a warm and delightful atmosphere.)

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the arrival of 2024, Tong De Association extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to all. With our enduring passion for life and optimism for the future, we look forward to embracing the challenges that the new year brings. May the warmth of our community radiate brightly, blossoming into moments of joy and harmony. Let us join hands and strive together to make 2024 a year of shared success and achievement.

More joyful moments from the Christmas Celebration