April is the most beautiful month in Sydney, the annual traditional Russian Easter Festival ushered in.

22nd April 2023, the Federation of Chinese and Russian descendants of Australia held a grand luncheon Russian Easter at the “Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant”. President Ge Yinglan was the chief conductor and gave a speech. 

Consul General of the Russian Consulate Lgor Nikolaievige, Mayor of Fairfield Council Frank Carbone, Mayor D.Le, former member of the NSW House of Lords He Shen Huixia and Vice President of the Federation of Chinese and Russian Descendants of Australia Vela shared the joy of the festival with us and delivered speeches. President Ge and Mayor Fairfield presented the logo design award to Ms. Kenia.

The priest then prayed for all of them and sang a song to present a beautiful cake for the birthday friends of this month, with strong love and the warmth of home shining in their hearts, and the venue was filled with applause.

At 11:46 a.m., the grand gala started with the Australian National Voices sung by the “Jacaranda Artistic Team” of the “Multicultural Seniors Association Inc”, which brought joy and happiness to everyone with Russian ethnic dances, solos, chorus, magician and wonderful performances by various art teams.

While watching the program, everyone tasted the delicious food with a happy mood, chatting about the future of the life and friendship, everyone raised a glass and drank to celebrate their festival! Here we saw the friendship between friends and a peaceful and beautiful smiling face, blooming like a flower on earth.

During the luncheon, we were treated to a ballroom dance performance by Mr Dixson’s team, which was elegant and graceful. 

Then the social dance was officially started. We all danced together to have fun, happiness and joy to the festival.

The conference ended at 3:00 pm. Thank you very much to the two bilingual hosts and the guests, all the staff, performers, volunteers and all the participants who provided services for the event. President Ge would like to express her heartfelt thanks to all those who participated in the event and wishes everyone good luck & happy. 

A party was held at Granville Town Hall on March 21 by the “Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association Inc” and the “Multicultural Seniors Association Inc” to express sympathy to the arts team.

As early as 8:00am, President Dou, Vice President Yu, and Logistics Director Yang Xiuying led a dozen volunteers to the venue to prepare lunch and tidy up. All the volunteers were hardworking and friendly, especially the ballroom managers who arrived early and got straight to work.

The event began at 9:30 a.m. with friends talking about the future, enjoying music, dancing, and having fun.

At 11:00am, President Ge thanked the teams and individuals who took part in the festive performance on behalf of the Friendship Club and the Multicultural Seniors Association. To celebrate the event, we had watermelon and fruit. We would like to thank everyone who helped. I would like to thank President Ge and President Dou for organizing this appreciation party. In the leadership of President Ge and President Dou, we wish the “Double Club” a more vibrant platform for activities.

Multicultural Seniors Association Inc held a total of thirty-six dances/sessions in the exclusive dance halls between 1^st – 28^th February. Of these, six dances were taught in the New Vogue and four dances were taught in Latin.

With the busy New Year and Lunar New Year behind us, this month also saw the start of 2023 on schedule. In order to meet the needs of our dancers and to improve the health and happiness of the elderly, we opened an additional Saturday Ballroom Dance at Auburn Town Hall on 4 February, with President Ge and President Dou personally on duty to set an example for the volunteers.

With only 28 days in February, the overall performance of the dance halls was good and the Granville Centre was a popular venue for dancers. President Dou always comes to every dance to listen to the dancer’s feedback on the dance music, to solve any problems on the floor and to mingle with the volunteers and dancers. The Auburn Town Hall has maintained its popularity due to the efforts of the volunteers.

Although Granville Town Hall is an old dance hall, President Dou and the volunteers have been welcoming and treating the dancers with enthusiasm to keep the dance floor occupied.

A new round of New Vogue classes has begun, and there was a good atmosphere as both old and new students remained interested in learning. Thank you to Ms Wu and the volunteers, and thank you to the dancers who have continued to love the New Vogue dance.

Since the opening of the Latin dance teaching classes, President Dou has given great support and the teachers have taught carefully, with teaching videos playing back after each class to help new students grasp what they have learnt that day as soon as possible.

After the Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association resumed its work on 10 January 2023, the activities have diversified in form: mobile phone usage courses, Russian dance basic skills learning, additional ballroom dancing, mahjong group activities for the convenience of the elderly, singing skills lessons taught by professional teachers every other week and a monthly birthday party for the members who have a birthday that month, and a series of activities. Under the leadership of President Ge, the Friendship Club is kept alive and cohesive and often participates in community events.

President Ge is not only a good leader, but also a caring person who cares about the welfare of the members. When the dance teacher fell ill and was hospitalised, President Ge was very busy in spite of his old age.

On 4 February, President Ge personally led the artistic team to attend the Cumberland community performance in Auburn.

On 26 February, the Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association Inc was invited by the Russian Cultural Society of Australia to participate in the celebration of the Russian Pancake Festival. Led by President Ge and President Dou, a large team took 1½ hours to arrive at the Australian Russian Cultural Society and performed a number of programmes, which were warmly welcomed by the Society. The event was of great significance in spreading ethnic culture and promoting friendship.

President Ge went to the Guildford Community Centre on 21 February to arrange a rehearsal space for the Nina team, and on 17 February she went to the Southside Town Hall in the heat of the day.

In addition to the chorus, ShanShan team has added a drumming programme to their repertoire and we look forward to seeing what they can do.

There is still a lot of work to be done as we enter March 2023. We believe that under the leadership of our two presidents, with all of us working together, all our wishes will come true and all the good things will come true as planned.

Multicultural Seniors Association Inc held a total of thirty-seven dance dance parties in the exclusive dance halls which eight dances were taught in New Vogue and five dances were taught in Latin between 1 January to 31 January. The activities of the Association were full of varieties. On the 1st of January, President Ge gave a New Year’s speech to wish everyone a happy new year!

Under the guidance of President Dou’s personal presence, the dance halls in January New Year holidays, and the good news spread frequently. With the concerted efforts of all the managers and with the joint efforts of all the volunteers. The best records after the epidemic were set on January 2nd, 5th and 9th for the Grand Ballroom at Granville Centre. Congratulations!

 

The Auburn Ballroom has maintained it’s momentum and the enthusiasm of the dancers has remained unchanged.

Granville Town Hall also had a good year with the festive holidays affecting them. President Dao acknowledged the efforts of everyone in a timely manner.

The New Vogue class was taught by Ms Wu with great enthusiasm. The dancers were very enthusiastic and created wonderful images.

 

On 24 January, the class held a costume ball to welcome the Chinese New Year. It was a wonderful scene. Under the careful planning of Mr Wu, the students were dressed up in costumes. They danced to the familiar and cheerful music. Happy and confident smiles on their faces! Thank you to all the staff who provided all the services for the event.

The Latin dance classes have been very active recently and the students have been learning hard. Welcome to join us!

16 January All volunteers, under the leadership of President Dou, actively prepared for the Chinese New Year Gala of the two associations. President Dou and Wang An, Chen Jianqing, Li Peng, Zheng Baoying formed a procurement team to purchase the required items and deliver them to the venue in advance. President Ge, President Dou, President Yu Query Li, Yang Xiuying, Wen Guang, Xiao Shumin, Song Chunge, Zhang Ping, Guan Wenyan, Jiang Xiuping etc offered a variety of cold dishes and snacks for the party. The venue decoration was also successfully completed by the volunteers. Their dedication is worth learning from and praising!

 

On January 17, the Chinese New Year Celebration was held at the Granville Town Hall for the “Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association Inc ” and the “Multicultual Seniors Association Inc”. The event was planned and directed by President Dou. The event was planned and directed by President Dou. The event was a unique celebration of the Chinese New Year, which had a great impact and was well received by all the volunteers. The celebration began with a speech by President Ge: Happy Chinese New Year to all! We wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year and good health! The special guest representative, the director of the Russian Museum, also gave a speech for the gala. Four artistic teams belonging to the United Friendship Association performed wonderful programmes. They performed a variety of songs. At noon, everyone enjoyed a buffet of Chinese and Western dishes, especially lamb kebabs and cold dishes. After lunch, everyone danced to the beautiful melodies. It was a wonderful scene!

 

President Ge gave a thank you speech after the party.

During the New Year period, the two associations were invited to participate in a series of New Year celebrations in the city, community and society, and on 27 January, President Ge was the guest of honour at the International Star 2023 Spring Gala Concert. In addition, President Ge was also invited to participate in the 2023 Australian Spring Gala event, playing the role of: “Ode to Mothers” program team won the Touching Award.

On Saturday 28th January, the Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association dance group participated in a popular Lunar New Year event held at Hurstville Council.

On the afternoon of 30th January, President Ge personally led the group to Strathfield Council to perform at the Chinese New Year event, which was also attended by the Mayor!

On the morning of 31 January, the Jacaranda Arts Team held a small gathering at Granville Town Hall for the Lunar New Year to continue to improve the team’s cohesiveness. The team members were happy and cheerful together and the team activity is increasing.

On the evening of 31 January, we held a small party with one dish per person, singing and dancing, as well as sending blessings to our members who had their birthdays this month.

Time is running out, and the years are long. May 2022 be free of worries and 2023 be a good year! Last but not least, President Ge sent us all greetings and wishes for the Year of the Rabbit.

On January 17, 2023, the “Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association Inc” and the “Multicultural Seniors Association Inc” has held a Chinese New Year Celebration at Granville Town Hall.

 

An atmosphere of Chinese elements filled the venue, with red lanterns and balloons flying. Australia’s multiculturalism is embodied in this community.

 

Inside and outside the kitchen, President Dou was in charge. A small meeting room is used for serving food, and the volunteers are skewering lamb.

 

Inside the venue, vice president Yu Xiaoli is arranging the performances of the art teams of the Multicultural Senior Association Inc. The artistic teams are busy with their make-up and rehearsal.

 

Chinese New Year celebration officially launches at 9:40am with host Yu Jie in full costume. The first speech was given by President Ge. Happy Chinese New Year to all! Good health! Michael Ovchinnkov, Director of the Russian Museum, also gave a speech for the Spring Festival Gala. A performance was then given by the artistic team. Singing, dancing, and singing were used to convey the festival’s happiness.

 

Everyone tasted a combination of Chinese and Western and homemade specialties of hometown-style cold dishes. The event was planned by President Dou. The event was a unique celebration by all the volunteers.

 

A special thanks to Little Red Riding Hood President Lin Gang, computer and phone teacher Sue and friendly people Yi Yali for their help.

 

Lunch was followed by a social dance at 1:15pm. There was a joyful mood in the party as everyone danced on the dance floor, spreading hope and warmth. Feeling the return of life three years after the epidemic. This is the life we’ve been waiting for. We hope that the joy of the Chinese New Year will bring happiness and health to all.

 

 

On January 16 at 1:40pm, we entered Granville Town Hall and saw the volunteers setting up the tables and chairs. In the kitchen, they were cutting the lamb， beef, chopping onions, cucumbers.  Each volunteer was very hands-on. Venue are decorated with red lanterns, red spring couplets, putting up those decorations is thought to keep evil away and pray for blessing, longevity, health and peace.

 

On Saturday morning 6am President Dou & Vice President Yu has been shopping for food. They’ve been doing a lot of work to make the celebration a success. Yesterday, President Dou was exhausted from sorting out all the items for the Multicultural Seniors Association. He was admitted to the hospital at night with heart discomfort. Today, in order to arrange and set up the implementation the work of ” Chinese New Year Festival ” various tasks, he returned early from the hospital. I was really touched and he is a role model for everyone to follow.

 

In order to ensure that all work is completed ahead of schedule. The team of Wang An, Chen Jianqing, Li Peng, Zheng Baoying has bought items and delivered to Granville Town Hall. The spirit of selfless dedication shines brightly in the volunteer team and is worthy of praise.

 

In addition, this event actively responded to the call of the Association and the praise must be given to the volunteers who took the initiative to undertake on the task of providing cold salad dishes at the “Chinese New Year Festival”.

①President Ge & President Dou: Western-style salad.

②Yu Xiaoli: Marinated chicken wings.

③Yang XiuYing:  2 cold dishes: Celery & Carrot with peanuts, Shredded seaweed

④WenGuang: 2 cold dishes: Braised Wheat Gluten, A cool agar dish

⑤Xiao Shumin: Eggplant salad

⑥Song Chungee: Korean Mixed Vegetables

⑦Zhang Ping: Spicy Chilli green beans

⑧Jiang Xiuping：Providing 15 bags of Lebanese bread, 10 piece of Turkish bread and A box of Chinese cucumber

 

Two more ladies of Chinese and Russian descent has came to help, Veia and  Happy Swallow brought association’s emblem and helped to set up the venue by assistance of ballooning. Thanks to the two beauties.

 

There were also two men who volunteered, Mija and Li Peng. Every time any task is done very well. Thank you for your contribution to the smooth running of tomorrow’s “Chinese New Year Festival” event.

 

Finally, I have to give praise to our Vice President Yu Xiaoli．She does her best to be the President’s right-hand person. All tasks are undertaken and implemented silently, and implement the work of the artistic team in advance. Good work XiaoLi, it’s great to have you.

 

Multicultural Seniors Association Inc has held a total of thirty-five dance parties in the exclusive dance halls between December 1st to 31^st, including 9 times teach New Vogue dances.

 

In December, President Dou reiterated the “Code of Conduct for Volunteers” and adjusted the organizational structure. A good foundation was laid for the new year’s work.

 

Although 2022 the epidemic is still in progress, but the Multicultural Seniors Association inc under the leadership of President Ge and President Dou, all volunteers overcame difficulties and persisted in their work. All tasks were successfully completed. As President Dou personally stationed himself at Granville Centre dance venue, volunteers helped keep things busy there. The Granville Centre plays to its strengths and achieves good results.

 

On Christmas Eve, December 24th, President Ge delivered a heartfelt speech with a strong will to overcome her illness and resume her daily work as quickly as possible. First of all, I wish you all a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! The president reviewed the work of 2022, and also recognized those who contributed to the ten-year celebration of the two associations and affirmed the contribution of President Dou to the Association. We recognized the Secretaries, Finances, and Administrative Office teams. In addition, we honored the English and Russian teachers who taught online. We are grateful to all of you for your help and selfless dedication.

 

With the help of J & J, Ms Wu’s dance teacher held a Christmas party on December 27th. The dancers dressed up in costumes and danced happily after lunch. Manager Yang bought snacks for the party out of her own pocket to cheer up the party. It was a great event for the Ms Wu dance class, which concentrated the passion of the dancers and showed the learning achievement of the dancers.

 

In mid-December, the “Jacaranda Art Group” hosted a Christmas party with lively and warm scenes, singing and dancing. The choir continues to expand and recruit new students, we welcome middle-aged and elderly people to join.

 

December 8th, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Fairfield Council Senior’s Christmas Party! Members from Cabramatta City Activity Centre were invited to participate in the event.

 

President Ge and President Dou personally hosted the “New Year’s Eve” Gathering party on December 31st with a lot of positive energy. We were inspired to sing and dance in welcome the year of 2023 to come. 

 

Looking back at the end of the year and looking ahead to January 2023, there are two other key tasks:

1️. With the strong support of President Dou, the Latin dance teaching class will be starting in January. Classes will be held at 3 Bridge St, Lidcombe, Community Centre.

 

2️. Tuesday, January 17, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm two associations “Chinese New Year Celebration” will be held at Granville Town Hall.

 

Finally, I wish you all a happy New Year 🎉

 

 

Tuesday 3rd January, the Latin dance classes officially started today.

 

When we arrived at Lidcome Community Centre in the morning, we saw that the doors were clean and tidy. The duty manager Anna and the volunteer Jack Wang had cleaned the inside and outside of the door and made preparations for the arrival of new students. The Latin dance teacher, Ms Momo, came to the train station to welcome the new students.

 

Before the class, Ms Momo first  introduced the origin of Latin dance and how to learn it, telling everyone that it was easy to learn to dance but it is not easy to dance well. She encouraged everyone to learn and practise diligently, and that learning to dance well is good for the physical and mental health.

 

Ms Momo called out the commands and demonstrated, and the students learnt the dance seriously in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

 

We give applause to Ms Momo and all the students, and wish you all  success in learning and dancing!

 

We welcome all middle-aged and elderly people to join us and make your life more colourful! We welcome you to join us and let you live a colourful life and be healthy!

 

Latin dance classes are held on every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 12pm.
Address: Lidcombe Community Centre 3 Bridge St Lidcombe 2141
Contact: Ms Momo
Mob: 0403 589 402

 

On the final day of the unforgettable 2022. The Cabramtta Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant hosted a “New Year’s Eve Party” for President Ge and Dou. The event was filled with enthusiasm, singing, and dancing. It brought back memories of childhood to hear the songs of friendship. It was an overwhelming feeling of joy.

 

Today, I would like to express my gratitude to President Ge and Dou for his consistent warmth, friendliness, and selfless dedication to inspiring us to grow together.

 

The joyous mood was overwhelming. Today special thanks to President Ge and Dou for them consistent warmth, friendliness and selfless dedication to inspire us to grow together．

 

Encourage middle-aged and elderly people to participate in community activities. A positive energy and a love for the world. Being there for each other with love. To help each other with love, to understand and tolerating each other with love. There is a deep love and friendship. The power of the invisible. Thank you all for your participation．

Thanks to the host: Yu Jie for his warm service. Finally, we wish you all the best in the new year and hope that you will work harder to make our Australian Chinese Russian Friendship Association Inc and Multicultural Seniors Association Inc activities even better. Keeping middle-aged and older people happy and healthy.