Ge Yinglan, President of the “Multicultural Seniors Association” and the “Australian Russian-China Friendship Association,” is 76 years old this year. Dou Xingjia, Executive President, is 80 years old this year. For over a decade, the two presidents have dedicated themselves to creating a joyful and laughter-filled space for middle-aged and elderly friends. This perseverance is the warmest light in humanity.

Over the past decade, they have given everyone not only festive joy, a lively dance atmosphere, and free activity venues, but also the most precious spiritual home and emotional refuge in their later years. Thank you both for your hard work! You are true role models in everyone’s hearts.

On June 7th, the Consulate General of China in Sydney hosted a “Multi-Civilization, Multi-Ethnic Friendship Gathering.” Consul General Wang Yu attended and delivered a speech. People from various ethnic groups, local state and councillors, and others participated in the event. The program was rich and varied, and the atmosphere was lively. Representatives from the MSA and ARCFA participated in the event. Warmest congratulations to the art troupe for their outstanding performance once again.


Family Affection, A Gathering of Friendship and Love
The moon rises over the sea, we share this moment though far apart

An unforgettable weekend, a yacht birthday party hosted by the son for his father.
On June 13th, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, along with Mr Dou, who has made significant contributions to community development, sent their 80th birthday wishes. Children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends all joined together on the yacht to celebrate.
This weekend evening was unforgettable not only for the beautiful seascape and romantic lights, but also for the deep affection and shared sentiments.
The 80-year-old birthday host was beaming with joy, inviting old and new friends from the association to this family birthday party. A sumptuous feast, a sweet cake, elegant music, and fine wines filled the air.
This joyful scene is destined to become the warmest memory for everyone… The sea breeze dissipated, the cake will be eaten, but our genuine feelings and shared happiness remain unforgettable…

The various dance halls scattered throughout the community are beloved by middle-aged and elderly friends. The Granville dance hall is the most popular, and the two presidents frequently attend. The manager and volunteers are all dedicated to their duties, passionate about their jobs, and provide excellent service. They deserve praise.

At Auburn Town Hall, the dance hall and New Vogues Dance training class are taught and demonstrated by Mr. and Mrs. Zhang Shaofen. The volunteers are enthusiastic, and dance enthusiasts are increasingly involved.

At Granville Town Hall, teacher Wang Shu teaches National Dance. Many new and old students are exchanging ideas and making positive progress.

The art troupes are choreographing new programs every week…

Home-based elderly care services have always been a key focus of our association. President Ge and Manager Brenda are fully committed to this work. This month, they organized a party for members of the two associations. Volunteers from the Cabramatta Community centre also specially prepared Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) for those receiving home-based elderly care. The Auburn home-based elderly care group also conducted communication and exchange activities for new service recipients, which were well received by the elderly…

Under the leadership of Zhang Shurong, the accounting office of the two associations has a clear division of work duties. Over the past year, they used their meticulous and rigorous work style to successfully complete all financial accounting tasks. They painstakingly processed the tedious data, meticulously collating each item, and went to the dance hall at the end of the month to collect payments, ensuring that the monthly accounts were clear and accurate. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all members of the accounting team.

Concluding remarks: Farewell to June. Let us under the leadership of Chairman Ge and Chairman Dou, adjust our pace and embrace new challenges with renewed enthusiasm…

Warmest congratulations on the successful hosting of the annual Russian Easter Egg Carving Event!

On-site Report
The annual “Russian Easter Egg Carving” event, jointly organized by the “Multicultural Seniors Association”, “Australia Russian- Chinese Descendants Association,”  and the “Australia Russian-Chinese Friendship Association,” were held on May 2nd from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Golden Palace Seaford Restaurant in Cabramatta. This large event, personally planned and directed by President Ge and President Dou, brought together over 200 people from different ethnic groups to participate in this cultural tradition. The Easter eggs still radiate an ancient and captivating charm.

The event officially commenced with the singing of the Australian National Anthem by the Jacaranda Art Troupe. After the host, Yang Na, introduced the guests in both Chinese and English, Father Nikiter offered a prayer of blessing. Then, beautiful women dressed in traditional Russian attire presented the guests with Easter eggs and traditional tarts, filling the event with a unique cultural atmosphere.

Following this, President Agathia Ge delivered a speech. Mr. Mihail Ivannovì, Russian Ambassador to Canberra; Mr. Bian Mazur, Minister of the Russian Club; Tu Zhen, President of the Australia-China Xinjiang Friendship Association; and Michael Ovchinnikof, Director of the Russian Museum, each delivered speeches at the celebration. Kenia Trifonova, President of the Russian Association of Northern Sydney, presented President Ge with a medal of appreciation for their many years of fruitful cooperation, praising her positive contributions to the preservation of traditional culture.

During the event, we enjoyed delicious food, watched performances, and participated in a fun egg-tapping game. A friendly and warm atmosphere prevailed, and people felt the warmth of human connection during the gathering.

An awards ceremony was also held. Fairfield Council recognized the two associations and presented certificates to volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to community building over the years. Birthday songs were sung for two people celebrating their birthdays this month, accompanied by music, flowers, and the company of family…

The second half of the event reached its climax with a Russian folk celebration featuring singing and dancing. With their graceful dance moves and passionate energy on the dance floor, their joyful steps filled us with the festive atmosphere, stirring the hearts of all participants. It was a life experience where joy and passion coexisted, making us cherish the present moment even more.

Special thanks to the MSA for their wonderful performances,  the ARCFA’s art team and other brother groups presented excellent accordion performances, duets, and a fantastic Sichuan opera face-changing show. Thank you to all the friends who participated, and thank you to all the volunteers, hosts, sound engineers, and photographers who provided services. Your hard work was unanimously praised by the participants. Fantastic!

Finally, congratulations on the successful “Russian Easter Egg” event! Wishing all participants a joyful and fulfilling experience!

On May 9th, the Australia Russian-Chinese Descendants Association was invited to participate in the celebrations hosted by the Russian Consulate. The beautiful dancers gave a brilliant performance.

The Association continues to provide entertainment venues for community building. The MSA provides services to middle-aged and elderly friends at different venues every Monday to Friday. President Dou of the Granville Grand Ballroom remained true to his original aspirations and played a crucial role. The volunteers deserve praise for their dedication and hard work despite the shortage of personnel.

At Auburn Town Hall, the New Vogues Dance training class and special New Vogues Dance performances were taught by Mr. and Mrs. Zhang Shaofen, receiving high praise from dance enthusiasts.

Various art groups are currently learning and choreographing new songs and dances…

Under President Ge’s personal leadership, the Cabramatta Community Centre’s weekly Tuesday activities are well-organized and diverse. Seniors living at home greatly enjoy the atmosphere and friendly environment. Chef Yan Wenguang’s culinary skills are superb, and the meals are fresh and delicious. Thank you to the volunteers for their enthusiastic cooperation and meticulous care…

Finally, may everyone maintain their passion and share the beautiful moments of life in these passionate years. Thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work.

In this crisp, cool autumn season, the Granville Dance Hall of the “Multicultural Seniors Assocation” remains open to the public four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The number of new and returning dancers has steadily increased. We have excellent dance instructors who frequently visit the dance hall, and President Dou consistently attends in person. Despite staff shortages, the volunteers work diligently to fulfil their duties, which is to be commended.

Auburn Town Hall: Court Dance Training Class. A special court dance session was held, taught by teacher Zhang Shaofen. We hope she continues to strive for even greater achievements.

Granville Town Hall: Ballroom dance instruction and arts group activities are conducted regularly each week…

Scenes from the weekly activities of the Sailor Dance Team.

On April 11th, the Association’s Jasmine Art Troupe participated in the Yellow Emperor Ceremony at Parramatta Square. Bringing the performance of “The Grand Tang Dynasty Night Banquet” was very popular.

On April 15^th, the two associations held a celebration event to commend art groups and outstanding individuals who made outstanding contributions to the work of the two associations and community services.

Live Report: From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on April 15th, the two association held a celebration event at Granville Town Hall to commend notable individuals and art groups who made outstanding contributions to the two associations and community building. The event highlighted experiences, boosted morale, and hoped for continued brilliance in the future of the art world!

Today, we gather here not only to celebrate our achievements since the dance competition, but also to commemorate the time we have nurtured with sweat and passion, leaving behind beautiful memories of this gathering.
At the celebration event, everyone unanimously expressed their gratitude to our Chairman Ge and Chairman Dou for providing a platform for the various art groups. They demonstrated exceptional leadership, a strong sense of responsibility, and a spirit of dedication. The organisers have done a commendable job, and we should all learn from them. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the hosts, instructors, logistics staff, and all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Today, the enthusiastic speeches from the group leaders and members expressed their pursuit and love for life. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the members who have supported and helped them. The Jacaranda Art Team also outlined their future development goals, which was very touching.

Of course, these previous achievements speak to the past. Continuing to strive for even better results is our common goal. Today’s celebration was wonderful, with performances, awards, interactive activities, and a raffle. Special thanks to the sound engineer, logistics team, and all the volunteers who provided services for the event. Thank you for your hard work! Special commendation goes to the Sailor Dance Team, who sent members to arrive early today to help volunteers set up chairs and clean the venue. The spirit of love for our association is flourishing.

Finally, let’s transform the enthusiasm of this celebration into our future rehearsals. May the new year bring new heights! Thank you to all the family members who participated in today’s activities!

President Ge participated in the event today despite being unwell, giving us the greatest warmth and touching moments. Thank you, President.

The list of award winners for the celebration is as follows:
① Most Inspiring Team: Forever Singing Troupe

② Best Spirit Team: Jacaranda Art Team, Old Friends Band

③ Best Creativity Team: Jasmine Art Team

④ Best Performance Team: Fluttering Dance Art Team, Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association Dance Troupe, Sailor Dance Art Team, Blooming Art Team

⑤ Outstanding Volunteer Award: Yan Wenguang

⑥ Dedication Award: Executive Vice President: Yang Na

Secretary-General: Jiang Xiuping

Treasurer: Zhang Shurong

Executive President of the Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association: Xiao Shumin

⑦ Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award: Nina

Regarding home-based elderly care services, the association places great emphasis on serving the elderly. President Ge personally trains young key members to participate in specific responsibilities, increasing support to assist in carrying out activities. In April, we submitted applications for three seniors; one applicant received Level 8 service, and five more approved individuals joined our team. Manager Brenda is humble, eager to learn, and conscientious in her work, receiving high praise from everyone. [Strong] President Ge has recently been unwell, yet she persists in serving elderly people despite her illness. She personally visits and cares for those hospitalised for home-based elderly care and arranges transportation home, bringing warmth and comfort. We are deeply moved. Our President Ge and Executive President Xiao Shumin are deeply loved by middle-aged and elderly friends.

Concluding Remarks: A fragrant April. Through this celebration, our teamwork spirit was fully demonstrated. Thank you all for your dedication. Thank you to the dance hall volunteers for your hard work. In May, we will embrace new tasks and challenges with even greater enthusiasm!
 

Warm congratulations on March 7th! The China Voice newspaper published an article sharing the working experience of the “Multicultural Seniors Association” and the “Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association.”

The Granville Dance Hall of the ” Multicultural Seniors Association” is very popular among dancers and has achieved excellent results under the leadership of Chairman Dou. The dance hall is open four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Highlights: The dance hall is spacious and bright, with an elegant environment and popular dance music. There is also convenient parking with plenty of parking spaces outside. The dance hall is about a 2-minute walk from the train station, making it an ideal fitness venue for senior citizens. The dance hall volunteers warmly welcome guests from all walks of life.

The Auburn Town Hall New Vogues Dance Training Class, a special New Vogues Dance class, is also very popular among dancers, satisfying the different dance needs of senior citizens.

The Granville Town Hall National Dance classes and art group activities are held regularly every week.

On March 5th, Chairman Ge led the seniors of the “Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association” to participate in the Senior Weeks activities organized by Fairfield Council. We also brought a talent show to the event, which received high praise. The two associations shone brightly in the talent show, and our choir’s performance of “Auld Lang Syne” won second prize. Our Russian dance, “Happy Girls,” won third prize.

On March 10th, Strathfield Council held Senior Weeks activities at Strathfield Town Hall. The ” Jacaranda Art Group” choir, the ” Jasmine Art Team,” the ” Graceful Dance Art Team,” the “Association of Blooming Art Team,” and the “MSA of the Voices” participated in the performance.This performance, in both content and spirit, truly demonstrated “reaching new heights.” This marks a significant step forward in the cultural life of our senior friends, moving from widespread participation to deeper understanding.
This performance, in both content and spirit, truly demonstrated “reaching new heights.” This marks a significant step forward in the cultural life of our senior friends, moving from widespread participation to deeper understanding.

Listen to Chairman Ge’s summary of the event:

Vice President Nina Wang’s on-site live report:

Testimonials from Participants:

Commentary: The MSA’s arts team has evolved from a self-contained platform for entertainment into a cultural highlight of the community, illuminating one community stage after another. From the innovativeness of their program choreography to the seamless teamwork, their ever-improving standards and abilities are inseparable from the dedication and pursuit of excellence in art by our leaders, planners, and participants. They are not only conveying songs and dances, but also a positive and healthy attitude towards life, becoming a beautiful and vibrant part of the community.

On March 16, 2026, Wang Yu, Consul General of China in Sydney, met with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and several directors of the Australian Chinese Community Association at the Consulate

On March 18, a working meeting of the board members and the arts troupe leader, organized by Chairman Ge, was held to recognise the arts team’s active participation in community activities and the positive feedback and achievements since the dance competition. It was decided to hold a celebration on April 15 to summarize and exchange experiences and to recognize the teams and individuals who contributed to the event. The meeting included a thorough discussion and planning session for the Russian Easter activities scheduled for May 2nd. Participants freely expressed their opinions and offered valuable suggestions. All tasks were implemented.

Home-based elderly Age Care Services are a current focus of attention for senior citizens. Our association leadership has prioritised this work in our daily operations. Chairman Ge and Manager Beard frequently visit those we serve, processing registrations for applicants, acting as intermediaries for those with English difficulties, and arranging services for approved applicants.
The Cabramatta Community Centre provides transportation for seniors every Tuesday to participate in various activities beneficial to their physical and mental health, and lunch is provided, ensuring that everyone receives support and care at the centre.

To ensure that every senior enjoys themselves, eats safely, and lives with peace of mind, our home-based elderly care service manager holds a government-issued food hygiene license.

All staff and the activity centre are covered by various insurance policies.
Service staff hold government-recognised service qualification certificates.
This month, we registered three new seniors, and three were successfully approved. Two of the approved applicants transferred to our association. All tasks progressed smoothly and received positive feedback.

Concluding remarks: March has come to a successful close. Thank you to all the volunteers for their enthusiastic service. Thank you to every member of the arts team for their hard work. Let us maintain our resilience and continue to move forward steadily in the next phase of our work.
 

In February 2026, various celebrations of the Chinese New Year were held throughout Sydney, Australia. On February 17th, the Sydney Opera House’s iconic shells were illuminated with festive red lights. President Ge extended New Year greetings to all members!

On February 11th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the “Multicultural Seniors Association” held a grand celebration to welcome the Year of the Horse at Granville Centre. Various art groups delivered wonderful performances, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere and showcasing the unique charm of middle-aged and elderly people. They celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year with songs and dances! The Deputy Mayor of Cumberland Council and leaders of other community organisations also joined us in enjoying the festive atmosphere.

After the celebration, a dance party began. Participants enthusiastically performed on stage, demonstrating the spirit of “enjoying life in old age and having fulfilling experiences.” Special thanks to all the volunteers, sound techs, and photographers for their strong support in ensuring the smooth running of the event. It is thanks to your hard work that we have been able to achieve this. May this Year of the Horse Chinese New Year be especially meaningful! Thank you everyone.

In February, our art troupes were active throughout Sydney’s various districts. Through their energetic performances, they conveyed a love for the good life and a vivid display of Chinese tradition. The MSA Dancing Art Troupe, led by Chief Director Mary, participated in the “Welcoming the Year of the Horse” celebration for senior living at Town Hall in the Southern Suburbs on February 7th, hosted by the Muxi Art Troupe and the Kang Le Health Art Troupe.

On February 14th, they participated in the “Celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Horse” performance organised by the Parramatta community.

On February 21st, they participated in the “Celebrating the Lunar New Year” performance in the Epping community, successfully completing their performance to celebrate the festival with the community. This was not only a joyous New Year celebration but also a nod to health and vitality in the twilight years, allowing Chinese national culture to spread.

On February 14th, they participated in the “Celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Horse” performance organised by the Parramatta community.

On the afternoon of February 14, 2026, to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Burwood Plaza Management Centre held a celebration within the mall. The MSA Sailor Dance Team, the Jacaranda Waist Drum Team, and the Cabramatta Dance Troupe, at the kind invitation of Mr. Fu, the owner of Niu Bai Sui, joined the festivities. Thumbs up to you all!

On the afternoon of February 21, 2026, the MSA Sailor Dance Team’s “Sailor Dance” was selected for the George River Council’s 2026 Chinese New Year celebration. The performance was warmly received.

On the evening of February 21, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Cumberland Council hold a Festival celebration at Auburn Park. Congratulations to the Jasmine Art Troupe of the MSA for their Han and Tang Dynasty dance “The Grand Tang Night Banquet” and to the Fashion Art Troupe “Tea Fragrance in the Night Rain” and the Cabramatta Russian Art Troupe “Happy Girls” for being selected to perform. Their performances were met with enthusiastic applause.

February 22nd. Warmest congratulations to the Jasmine Art Troupe for their Han and Tang Dynasty dance “The Grand Tang Night Banquet” at the Australia-China Charity Chinese New Year Festival Gala in Sydney, in a classic and solemn century-old hall.

February 25th. President Ge Yinglan was invited to attend the “One Country, Two Systems” Chinese New Year Festival gathering held by the Hubei Association of the Australian Hubei Chamber of Commerce at Petersham Town Hall.

February 17th. The Cabramatta Community Centre event coincided with the first day of the Lunar New Year. Friends gathered to exchange New Year’s greetings. Chef Wen Guang prepared a delicious meal for his family. The association also prepared birthday cakes for members with birthdays in February, creating a festive atmosphere and strong sense of friendship.

To prepare for the Seniors’ Week art competition held by Fairfield Council in March, President Ge personally led the event. Thanks to the meticulous planning of Vice President Yang Na, a large choir was formed between the MSA Choir, the Jacaranda Choir, and the Cabramatta Choir, and they entered into intensive rehearsals in February. With the close cooperation of the Old Friends Band and the meticulous guidance of Teacher Lanlan, the choir members achieved remarkable results.

In addition, under the leadership of Mary, the Pianpian Qiwu Art Troupe and the Cabramatta Dance Art Troupe formed a 16-member dance team. They also rehearsed intensively throughout February, striving for perfection through their actions.

Concluding remarks: During the lively Year of the Horse New Year Festival, we sang with passion and gathered warmly. Here, we felt the joy of galloping horses and reaped the happiness of family reunion. May this good fortune, like a loyal steed, protect us day and night as we create our own glorious future.

January 26th. On Australia Day, Fairfield Council received a particularly precious gift – our beloved President Ge Yinglan was awarded the Community Work Contribution Award. This honour is an affirmation of President Ge’s selfless dedication over the past decade and a commendation of our MSA and its role in actively integrating members into community activities and building a multicultural society. The Australian Chinese News Agency reported the news live from Sydney that day.

January 23rd, 2026. The Voice of China newspaper published the exemplary deeds of Liao Niya, Vice President of the Australian Russian – Chinese Friendship Association, in respecting and caring for the elderly. This is worthy of our learning and emulation.

On January 23rd, 2026, from 6 pm to 10pm, the Australian Chinese Community Association and the Australia-China Young Entrepreneurs Association held the “Australian-Chinese Friendship” banquet at the Zilver Restaurant in Chatswood, to celebrate Australia Day and the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Spring Festival.
Presidents Ge and Dou of the MSA attended. Vice President Yang Na appeared as a guest in the VIP area.
The Jasmine Art Troupe performed the intangible cultural heritage dance “Grand Tang Dynasty Feast,” the Russian Art Troupe performed the Russian dance “Katyusha,” the Dancing Art Troupe performed the Russian dance “Kalinka,” and the Sailor Dance Art Troupe performed the Sailor Dance. The performances were met with enthusiastic applause and were highly praised by the organisers for their unique highlights. Finally, the guests joined together on stage for a resounding patriotic song, bringing the event to a successful close. The participants shared their hometown sentiments and discussed the future, celebrating this significant day in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

This episode introduces Dou Xingjia, Executive President of the MSA.
Bright sunlight illuminates the path, and his silver hair shines. Our President Dou is writing a warm chapter in the depths of time.
At 80 years old, he has devoted himself to serving the community, working as a volunteer for over a decade, opening dance halls in various communities, and pioneering training classes. He personally selected and arranged the music. The melodies in the dance hall flowed with his undying passion, creating a healthy and joyful stage for countless middle-aged and elderly friends!

He always personally attended to various activities organized by the association. Every detail of his work was imbued with his selfless dedication and effort. This sincerity may not be perfect, but it is utterly genuine and full of power. He led the volunteer team to complete one arduous task after another. In his eyes, no challenge was insurmountable. Let us embrace every fervent dedication and cherish every ray of sunshine in the twilight years.
Finally, we thank our Chairman Dou for pouring his heart and soul into the association, making our platform an important embodiment and cultural characteristic of Sydney’s multicultural integration.

New Year’s Day 2026. Chairman Dou’s address to friends from all ethnic groups.

On the afternoon of January 14, 2026, Chairman Dou convened all volunteers and put forward new requirements for the dance hall’s work in the new year, emphasising matters needing attention in daily work. We encourage everyone to maintain their good habits, strengthen unity and mutual assistance, and work together to contribute more to providing a high-quality recreational environment for community residents and senior citizens!

Under the personal leadership of Chairman Dou, the dance hall of the MSA has made new progress through continuous adjustments. The Granville dance hall, open four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday), is very popular, and volunteers have shown their silent dedication at every event. We hope everyone will continue their efforts to unite and strive forward, and work together to make the community platform a healthy and happy home for senior citizens.

The Auburn Town Hall dance hall and New Vogues Dance training class were taught by Teacher Zhang this month, and the participants were very enthusiastic. Due to the increasing number of dance halls opening in various areas, the number of participants was not too large; we need to continue our efforts.

Regarding the Auburn area’s home-based elderly care program, Manager Brenda contacted each applicant by phone this month to inquire about their progress. Some individuals received notices for in-home assessments.

Finally, we wish all senior citizens: may every day be as bright as the stars, and may every step be on the path to health and happiness, as you seek happiness.

December is a warm season where starlight and lamplight intertwine. The “Multicultural Seniors Association ” and the “Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association” held various celebrations before Christmas to celebrate the arrival of Christmas and the New Year.

On the morning of December 10th, the two associations held a grand Christmas and New Year’s celebration performance at Granville Town Hall. Photographers Zhang Hu and teacher Bao Jun took exquisite photos for the event, capturing many beautiful moments. The event concluded with a wonderful lucky draw.

The performances began, President Ge delivered the opening speech:

Then, the host Yang Na, announced the start of the performance.

 The various art groups conveyed friendship through song and expressed emotions through dance. We celebrate together, under the banner of Christmas and the New Year, to pay tribute to the wonderful times we had together in the past year.

On December 3rd, the MSA Members’ National Dance group held a grand dress dance to celebrate Christmas.
The day was sunny and the weather was just right at 8:30 am, President Dou, the sound crew, and volunteers arrived early at Granville Town Hall dance floor to begin the busy setup. Projectors constantly shone on the stage, and colourful lights flashed along the walls, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.

On December 4th, members of the Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association participated in a music gathering hosted by Fairfield Council. This enriched community activities and was deeply loved by residents.

On December 14th, members of the Australian Russian-Chinese Friendship Association were invited to participate in the celebratory activities of the Australian Space Museum. This was a successful cultural display and emotional bonding event.

On the afternoon of December 27th, under the leadership of President Ge, Group 305 held a group meeting at the Lidcombe Russian Club, 1-3 William St. In preparation for their participation in the talent show at the Fairfield Council’s Annual Seniors’ Week on March 5th, 2026, Vice President Yang Na’s carefully devised choral plan, “Auld Lang Syne,” was submitted for discussion. The plan involves organizing multicultural choral members to participate in the festival performance, opening with a recitation, a group line up including a band, and a Russian dance performance. Attendees unanimously agreed that the plan was unique, comprehensive, and closely aligned with the theme “Colourful Life,” and would surely achieve excellent results. Each member fully expressed their opinions at the meeting, and specific work responsibilities were clearly defined. The work is proceeding smoothly and efficiently…

At 12:00 noon on December 31st, the two associations held a grand New Year’s Eve luncheon and celebration at the Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant: Home-based Elderly Care.

The venue was brightly lit, filled with laughter and joy, brimming with a festive atmosphere.

The celebration began with a speech from President Ge, who introduced Candy Hu, the manager of the home-based elderly care centre, and the group leader Su Lihua, and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

The entire event was wonderful and entertaining. Vice President Yang Na’s witty Q&A session fostered interaction among the attendees. The wonderful artistic performances were exhilarating, with melodious singing and even an accordion player providing live entertainment. It was fantastic!

During the event, everyone wished those born in December a happy birthday, a touching and heart warming moment.
The numerous dances on the dance floor filled the air with joy.

During the meal, leaders warmly toasted each participant before the meal. Their presence created a sense of togetherness and strengthened our collective resolve. It was truly wonderful. Today, our friends who enjoy senior living at home gathered together for a warm lunch, spending the day in a harmonious, joyful, and enthusiastic family atmosphere. This inspired us to continue working hand in hand, jointly drawing up a blueprint for a better life and creating even greater achievements!

The gathering was a complete success. Special thanks to the host, sound crew, photographer, videographer, and volunteers for their hard work. A heartfelt thank you to all!

Saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new is always filled with emotion and hope. Thank you to the two associations for providing a platform and assistance to middle-aged and elderly friends. We are grateful for each wonderful gathering along life’s journey. Let us continue under the leadership of Chairman Ge and Chairman Dou, heading towards 2026 with health and peace.

The Granville Dance Hall of the Inter-ethnic Senior Citizens Association continues to provide entertainment for senior citizens four days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. This spacious and comfortable environment reflects the hard work of our presidents, Presidents Ge and Dou, and all the volunteers. Dancers continuously report an improvement in the diversity of musical styles. This spacious hall belongs not only to nature but also to every senior citizen who loves life.

The Auburn Town Hall dance hall and New Vogues Dance training class were taught by teacher J&J this month. Students showed great enthusiasm for learning on.

Wednesdays, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Pennant Hills Dance Hall. Volunteers also provided excellent service. Due to time constraints, participation was limited.

Granville Town Hall dance classes were taught by teacher Wang Shu. We hope to achieve even better results through our efforts.

The Cabramatta Community Centre, under the personal leadership of President Ge Yinglan has become a favourite home for Chinese and Russian people, as well as middle-aged and elderly friends. Over the years, it has received numerous awards from government departments.
On the morning of December 25th, we entered the Cabramatta Community Centre…
A bright and spacious building—the Cabramatta Community Centre – reflected the warm sunlight.
Pushing open the glass doors, a vibrant scene of colour filled the air. Inside, we saw members of the Russian singing group rehearsing and preparing for their Christmas performance.
The singing was beautiful and melodious. Each singer cooperated earnestly, exchanging experiences with each other.

When entering the hall, we saw friends who were enjoying mahjong and engrossed in playing their strategies. Their minds were active, their fingers danced, and their moods were joyful.

The kitchen was even more surprising. The two presidents were personally helping to prepare lunch for the elderly residents. It turned out that due to volunteers returning to their home countries, there wasn’t enough manpower. President Dou personally cooked for two weeks. It was so touching. President Dou, nearly 80 years old, has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the work of the association, working tirelessly.

Today, President Ge arrived at the Cabramatta Community Centre at 8:30 am to cook Russian super soup for everyone. It was delicious and very popular.

The volunteers at the Cabramatta Community Centre had a heavy workload, but they were serious, dedicated, and responsible – truly commendable!

The volunteers at the Cabramatta Community Centre had a heavy workload, but they were serious, dedicated, and responsible – truly commendable!

Happy and joyful seniors enjoyed life and delicious food here.

After lunch, around 1 pm, a beginner singing class was held.
A professional teacher, Ms. Lanlan, with twenty years of experience in vocal instruction, taught the class.

She arrived early to help students improve their singing skills. She is experienced, strict, and engaging in her teaching.

On November 24th, the Auburn Home Care Program’s senior living group actively provided translation services for those who were not fluent in English. President Ge also attended and participated in the explanation. Thank you, President! Manager Brenda spent several hours completing the translation work for those who needed it.  Brenda’s patient and meticulous work attitude was highly praised by everyone. Thumbs up for you!

On the evening of November 7th, at the invitation of the Russian Consul General in Sydney, President Ge and two others attended the welcoming ceremony for the Russian Ambassador to Canberra.

Concluding remarks: As the story of November quietly comes to a close, we are about to welcome the Christmas prelude in December. Let us light up the Christmas starlight and gather brilliance for the new year…
 

Warmest congratulations on the successful final of the “Zai Su Fang Hua” Dance Competition of the MSA held on October 25th at the Pennant Hills Community Centre.
This dance competition was the culmination of eight months of meticulous planning by our Chairman Ge and the support of the organising, judging, and logistical teams. The perfect selection of the first-prize winning team was met with unanimous acclaim from the audience. Through this event, the artistic skills of the teams were fully utilised and enhanced, with a harmonious balance between activity and participation. The majority of participants were middle-aged and elderly individuals in their 60s and 70s, with even dancers in their 80s actively participating. This has played a positive role in improving the physical fitness and health of middle-aged friends through dance. The entire process of our dance competition was published in Asia Pacific Film and Television. Zhang Baojun’s article on the competition received extremely high click rates and was included in the “Featured” section. Thanks to teachers Sun, Lu, and Rui for capturing the vivid moments of the dance competition. Special thanks to Chairman Xiao of the Canberra Photography Association for personally driving to the event to capture stunning images for the performing teams and individuals.

Guests attending the dance competition included the Consul General of Russia in Sydney, a former New South Wales Legislative Council member, leaders from municipal government departments, the chief director of the “Fushan Fushui Futianxia” Australian Spring Festival Gala, and leaders from various friendly community organisations. They all delivered congratulatory speeches up on the stage.

The judging panel consisted of Chairman Ge as the head judge.

This dance competition featured a wide variety of styles, excellent material, and high-level performances, showcasing the passion of middle-aged and elderly participants for dance. The 21 finalist teams left vivid impressions on stage. The Jacaranda Art Troupe provided entertainment and applause at the awards ceremony.

Through the finals, three teams won first prize:
The Sydney Jacaranda Dance Troupe’s group dance: New Year’s Yangko;

The Jasmine Art Troupe’s group dance: Tang Dynasty Night Banquet;

The Sydney Chinese Ethnic Dance Troupe’s duet: My Flower.

Four second prizes were also awarded in this dance competition. Five Third Prizes, Nine Honorary Award, Two Outstanding Creative Works Awards, and Three Outstanding Group Performance Awards were presented. Congratulations to the participating entries for their excellent results! Judges presented certificates and banners to the winning teams and individuals.

To celebrate the successful conclusion of the dance competition, President Ge Yinglan delivered a speech, summarising the event, offering her thoughts and gratitude. Comments from participants followed.

Comments from participants.

The dance competition concluded successfully. We enjoyed dinner together, and after dinner, the dance party began.

Closing Remarks: Although the dance competition has come to a successful close, the enthusiasm of the participants continues to shine. We have truly felt the pull of community here. These past few months of preparation and training have made our bodies resonate with the music, and our cells pulsate with the feeling of movement. This time is worth cherishing and remembering! We sincerely thank the two presidents of the “Association of Middle-Aged and Elderly Friends of All Ethnic Groups,” Ge Yinglan and Dou Xingjia, for their tireless efforts in charitable work, serving the community, providing a platform for middle-aged and elderly people, and actively organising various forms of celebrations and competitions. We are extremely grateful!

On October 1st, Chairman Ge personally led a team representing the “Friends Association” and “Friendship Association” to perform at the Fairfield Nursing Home. This activity, enriching the spiritual and cultural lives of the elderly and filled with love and joy, was reported by the “Voice of China” newspaper. It deserves praise.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, our Friends Association’s art team is active in various communities. Chairman Ge delivered a moving speech.

On October 5th, our Chairman Ge was invited to attend the “50th Anniversary Celebration of the Purple Bamboo Grove Mid-Autumn Festival” event held at Sydney Town Hall. Congratulations!

Goodbye to the vibrant and story-filled October. Let us join hands and move forward to welcome a brighter dawn!

The “Multicultural Seniors Association” provides a healthy platform for middle-aged and elderly people every Monday to Friday, hosting dances with leaders in attendance. Volunteers are enthusiastic and the music is beautiful. In September, the Granville Grand Ballroom added Tuesday morning hours to the schedule, in response to requests from dancers. The venue’s excellent environment attracted dancers from all over the region, creating a lively and romantic atmosphere.

Auburn Town Hall Ballroom and New Vogues Dance Training Class. Zhang Shaofen provided the dancing instructions. The lively volunteers were enthusiastic, and dancer participation is increasing.

On Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Pennant Hills Ballroom. Vice President Zhang Xiumei diligently managed the ballroom, and the volunteers provided excellent service. Due to time constraints, the number of participants was limited, and further efforts are needed.

Police and the residents together to build a harmonious community. September 23rd and  September 30^th  Auburn’s most approachable police chief, Robert Totten visited the Multicultural Seniors Association in the Auburn Town Hall twice, he participated in activities and shared joy! We also took group photos.

Last year, the esteemed and beloved Chief of Police also visited our Multicultural Seniors Association to discuss community development with everyone.

Regarding home-based elderly care services, the Cabramatta Community Centre has long provided convenient services for elderly people of Chinese and Russian descent. Every Tuesday, a shuttle is provided to take elderly people home to various activities at the centre, and lunch is provided. For the Mid-Autumn Festival, the centre held a self-performed entertainment event, creating a rich and vibrant ethnic cultural atmosphere.

The Auburn location has also made encouraging progress in all aspects of home-based elderly care services. On September 8th, Manager Brenda called to update information and arrange for agents based on the needs of elderly people. On September 25th, she called again to inquire about progress. New individuals have received assessment notices. Manager Brenda’s attentive and patient demeanour has endeared her to everyone.

The “Zai Su Fang Hua” Dance Competition of the “Multicultural Seniors Association” is progressing smoothly. In the morning of September 11th, Director Ge presided over a workshop for the dance competition judges and invited a host. Scorers conducted a mock scoring demonstration at Granville Town Hall.
At the meeting, Director Liang provided suggestions for the dance competition and answered questions. Everyone discussed the need to standardize and unify standards, ensuring the competition adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and rationality. They expressed their opinions on the successful completion of the entire process.
Finally, Chairman Ge was recommended as the head of the judging panel. Teacher Cui provided final comments on the competition and answered questions regarding the teams. It was decided that the entry videos would be distributed to the judges in October, followed by a discussion and screening process.

The participating art teams increased their rehearsals this month. The team leaders deserve praise for their diligent and responsible organization and execution. The programs were delivered by the end of the month. Teacher Sue was responsible for the background wall design. Production is now complete, and the submitted programs have been sent to the competition jury for preliminary review. A lot of work is already underway.

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The MSA New Vogues Dance Training Class held a grand dress-up ball on September 30th, with over 100 dancers participating.

Live Report
To celebrate the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, the MSA New Vogues Dance Training Class held a Mid-Autumn Festival dress-up ball from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM this afternoon at Auburn Town Hall.
The ball featured a variety of activities and light refreshments. President Ge opened the event with a festive greeting. Following the performances were:
The Sailor Dance Art Team presented a passionate and joyful jitterbug, earning the audience’s applause. The National Dance Team danced gracefully to the elegant melodies, bringing endless joy to the audience. The Latin Dance Team’s graceful, unrestrained, and passionate moves showcased their unique charm. The New Vogues Dance Team danced gracefully and elegantly.
Today, the participating dancers, dressed in festive attire, fully expressed their joy to the sound of moving music. This atmosphere of both watching and participating was truly enjoyable, beneficial to one’s health, and added brilliance to the holiday.
During the event, the young Auburn Police Chief and the Police Officer also offered their blessings and posed for photos with the beautiful women. They were very approachable.

This Mid-Autumn Festival New Vogues Dance Costume Ball was not only a joyful get-together, but also a grand occasion for dancers to showcase their talents. Thank you to the association for providing this platform and to all the volunteers for the event. This event will surely be an unforgettable memory for all participants! Finally, I wish everyone a happy National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival!

On September 30th, the Jacaranda Art Team held a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in the Granville Town Hall event room. The song “Eternal Friendship” was resounding, and everyone enjoyed singing, laughing, and enjoying delicious food. It was a truly joyful occasion. Thank you to Team Leader Shanshan for her meticulous arrangements.

Finally, we are grateful for a fulfilling and joyful September. Under the leadership of Presidents Ge and Dou, we have made great progress. Let us welcome the successful holding of the “Zai Su Fang Hua” Dance Competition in October.