On the evening of October 13, the Australian Henan Association celebrated its 10th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of its Youth Council at the Sydney Town Hall. The event drew nearly 800 distinguished guests from both Australia and China, including government officials, community leaders, and members from various sectors of society.
In his speech, Hu Kunpeng, the president of the Australian Henan Association, reflected on the organization’s growth over the past decade. He warmly welcomed all attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their participation. Hu emphasized the association’s mission to provide a supportive environment and more opportunities for Henan natives in Australia, ensuring that the next generation can better settle and thrive in their new homeland.
Lü Jian, vice chairman of the Henan Provincial Returned Overseas Chinese Federation, highlighted the historical significance of Henan as a crucial birthplace of Chinese civilization and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. She commended the Australian Henan Association for its contributions over the past ten years in uniting expatriates, fostering hometown development, and enhancing cultural and economic exchanges between China and Australia. Lü encouraged the association and Youth Council to continue their role as a bridge, leveraging resources, technology, and networks for mutual benefit in Australia-China trade.
Acting Consul General Yu Jie from the Chinese Consulate in Sydney acknowledged the association’s commitment to “unity, mutual assistance, development, and win-win outcomes” since its inception. He praised the organization’s efforts in connecting Henan compatriots in Australia and promoting traditional Chinese culture, contributing positively to the economic development of Australia and the friendship between the two nations. Yu looked forward to the association strengthening its impact as China-Australia relations progress, sharing stories of mutual benefit and cooperation.
The evening featured a vibrant array of cultural performances, showcasing the profound heritage and artistic flair of Henan. The celebration opened with a beautiful rendition of “Weaving a Flower Basket,” structured into four thematic chapters. The first chapter, “Old Home by the Yellow River,” highlighted Henan’s rich culture through performances such as a classical children’s dance and vocal solos. The second chapter, “Youthful Spirit,” celebrated the themes of youth and innovation with recitations, martial arts, and lively songs. The third chapter, “Deep Affection Across Mountains and Seas,” expressed the heartfelt longing of overseas Chinese for their hometown and their love for Chinese culture. The final chapter, “Full Sails Ahead,” wove music and dance together to illustrate Henan’s poetic heritage.
During an interview, Su Xinfeng, chairman of the Australia-China Business Association, and Tian Fei, president of the Australia-China Friendship Exchange Association, reflected on the significance of the celebration. They expressed that the event was not only a summary and celebration of the past ten years but also a hopeful outlook for future development. Both leaders are confident that the Australian Henan Association will continue to play a vital role in promoting multicultural development in Australia and enhancing cultural and economic exchanges between Henan and Australia, strengthening the friendship and cooperation between both regions.
