Events

On 23rd September 2025, 348 volunteers and friends united at Rhodes Phoenix for the CASS Volunteer Thanksgiving Luncheon—an annual vibrant gathering of CASS honouring those who generously give their time, heart, and energy to uplift the community. Volunteers were celebrated and appreciated, receiving certificates from distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and City Councils. It was a heartfelt occasion that beautifully showcased how our volunteers serve as the heartbeat of community harmony and foster multicultural growth.

The Chairperson of CASS, Professor Stephen Li, warmly opened the day’s proceedings with an inspiring address. He spoke warmly about the impressive reach of CASS, highlighting its dedicated team of over 850 staff and 450 active volunteers who provide vital support to more than 8,500 families every week. He celebrated the rich multicultural fabric of CASS, expressing appreciation for the contributions of volunteers from Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean communities. 

He also proudly highlighted some key achievements in 2024 that pave the way for future growth:

– At the Third Sector Awards, CASS made a significant impact by receiving multiple honours, particularly in the areas of Sustainability Leadership and Cultural Diversity & Inclusion.

– Mr Henry Pan OAM, our esteemed Honorary Executive Director, was also awarded CEO of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. This commendable recognition underscores his leadership qualities and strategic vision. This serves as an opportunity to learn from his approach and continue fostering strong leadership within our organisation. 

– Winning the Volunteer of the Year Award showcases the immense dedication of the CASS volunteer community. This recognition encourages us to support further and empower our volunteers, ensuring their invaluable contributions are acknowledged and strengthened. 

These accomplishments are not just celebrations of what CASS has achieved; they offer us valuable insights and a clear direction for continuous improvement and future endeavours.

When addressing the audience, the Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the passionate leaders and tireless volunteers who form the backbone of CASS, with special recognition for Mr Henry Pan OAM, whom he described as a true pillar of strength and inspiration within the community. He spoke of the positive, welcoming spirit evident in CASS facilities, highlighting us as an organisation that truly deserves our trust, investment, and continued support. Premier Minns emphasised that volunteers are the heart and soul of CASS, giving their time not for accolades but out of genuine care and kindness. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others,” reminding all present of the profound impact of selfless service.

The volunteers were also warmly joined by the esteemed board members, including Honorary Executive Director Mr Henry Pan OAM, Deputy Chairperson/Secretary Mr Anthony Pang OAM, Vice-Chairperson Mr Ivan Wong and Ms Tica Lee, as well as board members Mrs Teresa Chu, Ms Patricia Wong, Ms Holly Liu, Mr Paul Lai, Mr Shan Zou, several senior representatives of CASS, and distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and City Councils at the celebration. Among those present were Mr Jason Li MP, State Member for Strathfield; the Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety, State Member for Canterbury, represented by Ms Floris Lam, Community Liaison Officer of her electorate office; Mr Zhi Soon MP, Federal Member for Banks; Ms Ashvini Ambihaipahar MP, Federal Member for Barton; Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong, represented by Cr Lyndal Howison from City of Ryde; Mr Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and State Member for Oatley; Mr Matt Cross MP, State Member for Davidson; Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua MP, State Member for Drummoyne; Ms Nicolette Boele MP, Federal Member for Bradfield; Cr Nancy Liu, Deputy Mayor of Georges River Council; and Cr Cedric Spencer from Ku-ring-gai Council, who kindly presented certificates to CASS volunteers in recognition of their dedicated service.

The 2025 Volunteer Thanksgiving Luncheon was not only a celebration of service but also a reaffirmation of the values that CASS holds at its core—compassion, inclusiveness, and community spirit. With the presence of distinguished leaders, dedicated staff, and over 348 volunteers, the event highlighted the vital role volunteers play in strengthening social cohesion and promoting multicultural harmony. CASS extends its deepest gratitude to every volunteer whose commitment continues to inspire and ensure that our mission of serving the community will endure well into the future.