On 9 December 2021 (Thursday), CASS held a Thanksgiving Luncheon for the first time as a formal gesture to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of its multicultural volunteers. The inaugural function took place at Ryde Eastwood League Club, and in the same event, a grand ceremony was also staged to launch the “40th Anniversary Souvenir Book” plus the Korean and Chinese editions of the “Kending Book”. Over 100 volunteers of multicultural backgrounds were invited to attend, including Chinese, Korean, Indonesian and Vietnamese.

VIP guests attending this meaningful event included The Hon. Victor Dominello MP, NSW Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service, Dr. Cedric Spencer, Councillor of Ku-ring-gai Council, community leaders and sponsors. The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Alex Hawke MP, and Ms. Jenny Leong MP, State Member for Newtown, both were unable to attend in person but provided their congratulatory messages acknowledging the contributions of all devoted volunteers. CASS Chairperson, Dr. Bo Zhou, together with other Board members, including Henry Pan OAM, Anthony Pang, Sean Zhang, Tao Bai, Esther Dong, Teresa Chu, Winnie Fung, Tica Lee and Shun Cheng were present.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Zhou said, “This year is auspicious because CASS is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, and this event is very special because it is the first Thanksgiving Luncheon held for our multicultural volunteers. The significant accomplishment of CASS over the last four decades is due to the concerted, unceasing and dedicated work of our multicultural volunteers and staff members. Both are indispensable and enable CASS to progress along a sustainable growth path.”

Dr. Zhou then shared two pieces of exciting news, “CASS had just held the Earth Turning Ceremony on Monday, 6 December 2021 to officiate the starting of construction of its new Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) project at Asquith, signifying the residential aged care services of CASS stepping into a new era.”

“Another piece of good news is about Mr. Henry Pan OAM, our Foundation Chairperson and current Honorary Executive Director, who has won the internationally renowned Compassion Award 2021, recognising his selfless dedication in charitable and public welfare work for the community over the last four decades.”

Dr. Zhou continued, “CASS has also won honour in the 2021 Premier’s Multicultural Community Award, receiving the 2021 Not-For-Profit Business Excellence Medal presented by The Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner held on 13 March 2021. This Award recognised and celebrated the significant contributions CASS has made for the multicultural community in the last 40 years.”

Mr. Dominello expressed in his speech, “CASS is one of the best organizations I have ever seen, because CASS is absolutely delivering the services to those who are in need, and for their needs every day. The efforts and dedication of volunteers are indispensable.”

Dr. Cedric Spencer also paid his highest tribute to volunteers for their dedication and commended them for their contributions to enable harmony of the diverse community. 

The 40th Anniversary Souvenir Book of CASS, the first Korean Kending Book & Chinese Kending 2021 were officially launched by the honorable guests on stage. The Kending Books recorded the remarkable achievement and development encountered in the provision of community services, and the touching stories of migrants who have poor command of English.

Guests were invited to present on stage the “Certificate of Appreciation” to volunteers. The volunteers beamed with great joy and shared their happiness with one another.

CASS Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Chinese Activity Groups presented singing, dancing and drum performances which spiced up this meaningful event. Everyone enjoyed the occasion amidst the exchange of compliments and greetings of Merry Christmas!