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- 2 March 2005
Auburn Electorate Chinese Community
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Page: 14516
Mrs BARBARA PERRY (Auburn) [5.17 p.m.]: I wish to pay tribute to the Chinese community of Auburn and highlight the growing value and importance of Australia-China relations. I feel some hint of regret at not having delivered this speech earlier and although I do not intend this to be an excuse, I suspect that it has something to do with the fact that Chinese people in general are such silent achievers. Immigrants from China have played an undeniably crucial role in the development of our country since they first started arriving in the late 1880s and possibly earlier. As workers, business people and professionals they have set the benchmark by virtue of incredibly hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and intense devotion to their chosen fields.
In my electorate I have observed many small business people, tradesmen and workers of Chinese descent conscientiously going about their daily activities in a manner never less than wholehearted and never lacking in due respect and effort. I have noted also with great admiration the lengths to which they go to seek employment and create opportunities to better their lives, their families and, in turn, our wider community. This valuable work ethic is unmistakably present in the lives of young Chinese-Australian students, who have established themselves beyond dispute as excellent achievers. Even a cursory glance at the schools in my electorate shows that they are very well represented in the highest academic grades and scores.
This scholastic excellence is to be applauded, but, just as important, I wish to commend the trademark manners and respect for teachers and other students that are characteristic of their overall conduct. We should recognise not only the students but also the parents and extended families, who play a leading role in shaping such fine young people. As honourable members may be aware, Auburn is an electorate of notable diversity. I can say proudly that as a community we live together remarkably well and have found a way to appreciate and build meaningful and secure friendships with one another. Auburn council's motto, "Many Cultures One Community", has indeed become our reality. But this does not happen of its own accord. It takes people to step outside themselves and the familiarity of their own immediate community in a genuine attempt to share what they have and who they are with others. The Chinese community has been doing just that for many years now.
In my electorate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster, was welcomed as usual with the exotic dragon dances, concerts, fireworks and opera performances that we have come to anticipate and enjoy. One event was held in Auburn Town Hall, and those who attended had a fantastic time. The show was organised by the Auburn Asia Welfare Centre's Director, Arthur Lee, who then went on to stage a similar performance in the St George region at the request of Kogarah Council. At Paddy's Markets, Flemington, which is a little outside my electorate, shoppers and vendors alike were treated to a spectacular dragon dance as it weaved and snaked its way throughout the giant food hall. I thank and commend all the performers for their splendid artistry and efforts.
I also use this occasion to honour Arthur Lee and Sophie Wong of the Auburn Asian Welfare Centre for their commitment to the people of Auburn. Not only do they make themselves available to Mandarin and Cantonese speakers, they have also made great strides in reaching all those in need in the wider Auburn community. In particular, the centre runs a fantastic gambling counselling service, to which my office refers constituents. Sophie also provides one-on-one counselling and general life classes that are open for all to attend. This year I anticipate building even closer relations with the Chinese community in my electorate, and I was pleased when the Premier announced his Kingold Chinese Bridge Language Teacher Scholarship.
This new provision will enable New South Wales Chinese language teachers to take a five-week trip to China for the purposes of keeping up with changes in the language and broadening professional skills and experience. I am sure that it will also serve to renew the atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm that they bring to their classrooms. I am pleased that there is a growing interest in the Chinese language, which is no longer confined purely to those of Chinese descent. Students from a diverse range of backgrounds are now opting to study Mandarin and Cantonese. Last year bilateral trade between New South Wales and China reached a record $8.6 billion, which represents an astounding increase of 36 per cent over the past two years. We have a lot to look forward to as a community and as a nation in building our relationships with the Chinese community here and overseas.
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