Events

On 20 May 2025, CASS held a press conference announcing its upcoming Charity Dinner 2025, themed “The Third Act – Energising the Golden Years”, scheduled for Saturday, 7 June at Rhodes Phoenix Restaurant. The dinner aims to raise funds for building residential accommodation to support seniors, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

In his opening address, CASS Chairperson, Professor Stephen Li, said, “As a medical professional who has worked with CASS in community health education over the last three decades, I have witnessed the growing needs of our ageing population, particularly in supporting their physical, emotional, and cultural well-being. For many East Asian seniors, ageing can also mean social isolation, often intensified by language and cultural barriers.”

“At CASS, we have always believed that every individual deserves to age with dignity, connection, and compassionate care. This belief is at the heart of our mission. It inspires our team and guides our work across the multicultural communities we proudly serve. We believe the later stages of life should be filled with purpose, joy, and opportunity.”

Professor Li further said, “As Australia’s population ages, the challenges facing older adults, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, are becoming increasingly urgent. Social isolation and loneliness, which raise the risk of early death by up to 25%, are even more pronounced among CALD seniors due to language and cultural barriers.”

“CASS has partnered with the UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia, to investigate the mental health and social challenges experienced by CALD seniors, highlighting the urgent need for culturally tailored care and support strategies for Australia’s diverse ageing population.”

Two researchers from the University of Wollongong, Dr Maneze and Dr Chan, presented at the Press Conference. They said, “The World Health Organisation has identified loneliness and social isolation as serious health risks, linked to up to a 50% increase in the risk of developing dementia. Our research found that older Asian immigrants cope with these challenges by participating in community activities, particularly from their own cultural groups, such as the social support provided by CASS.”

The research result and the theme of the CASS Charity Dinner were officially unveiled at the press conference on Tuesday, 20 May, at XOPP by Golden Century Group. Several other CASS Board Members were also in attendance, including Mr Henry Pan OAM, Foundation Chairperson/Honorary Executive Director; Dr Leng Tan, Emeritus Chairperson; Mr Ivan Wong and Ms Tica Lee, Vice-Chairpersons, together with other senior staff members. Some sponsors of the Charity Dinner were also represented.

CASS Charity Dinner 2025, themed “The Third Act—Energising the Golden Years,” aims to raise funds for the building of residential accommodation for seniors. It will be held on Saturday, 7 June, at Rhodes Phoenix Restaurant at 6:30 pm. Standard tickets are $138 each (including $64 of tax-deductible donation), and VIP tickets are $235 each (including $161 of tax-deductible donation). For ticketing, please call CASS at (02) 9789 4587.

CASS extends special thanks to the businesses for sponsoring the Charity Dinner 2025. Several sponsors represented at the Press Conference also spoke about their commitment to corporate social responsibility and the Charity Dinner. Supporting sponsors include:

Diamond Sponsor: The Community Bank Darling Square;

Gold Sponsors: Hakka Foods (Hakka Pty Ltd) and Green & WhitePty Ltd (Hello Hello Plants & Garden Supplies);

Silver Sponsors: Austcover Pty Ltd, SPB Group Pty Ltd, Galaxy Funerals, Eziway Salary Packaging, Care Sarang, Hobins ENG, Westpac and Karis Life;

Bronze Sponsors: AUSCOCO, Walking in Life Pty Ltd, Boian Night Chemist, Apek Computer Technology, Nice Zone Pty Ltd, Maxi Taxi, The Trustee For KIM Family Trust T/AS Ak Food, Vivid Total Solution, Physio Joy, and UNIQCA Care.