【Honouring the Heart of Service: CASS Appreciates 300 Volunteers During Mid-Autumn Festival】

CASS was thrilled to host the annual Volunteer Thanksgiving Luncheon 2024 on 3 September at Rhodes Phoenix in Sydney, graced by over 300 volunteers and distinguished guests. The event was graced by esteemed representatives from Federal, State, and local government, who presented certificates to each volunteer in appreciation of their longstanding efforts in promoting community harmony and multicultural development.

Professor Stephen Li, Chairperson of CASS, stated, “Today, we come together not just to celebrate our achievements but to honour the remarkable dedication and hard work of every volunteer. This year’s event is especially auspicious, as it falls on the eve of the Moon Festival, symbolising unity, harmony, and gratitude – qualities that reflects the spirit of volunteering that bring to CASS.

“CASS is fortunate to have a team of over 760 staff members and more than 350 active volunteers working collaboratively to provide services and activities for over 7,000 families each week. Our progress and success over the years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers.”

Professor Li also shared the exciting news that CASS Care Ltd, a subsidiary of CASS, has been awarded the “Not for Profit Business Excellence Medal” at the 2024 Premier’s Harmony Dinner. Additionally, CASS Asquith Residential Aged Care Facility, a significant achievement for CASS, officially commenced operations in early May. This facility aims to provide exceptional services for elderly individuals within our multicultural community.

Guests in attendance included: the Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW,  represented by the Hon Steve Kamper MP, Minister of Multiculturalism;  the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, represented by Ms Sally Sitou MP, Federal Member for Reid; the Hon Mark Speakman MP, State Opposition Leader, Mr Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism; Mr Jordan Lane MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism; the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Federal Member for Bradfield; the Hon David Coleman MP, Federal Member for Banks; Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong; the Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, represented by Ms Floris Lam; and Clr Nancy Liu from Georges River Council.

Other prominent members of CASS, including Mr Henry Pan OAM, the Foundation Chairperson/Honorary Executive Director Chairperson;  Vice Chairperson Mr Sean Zhang and Ms Tica Lee, esteemed Board Members Mr Stephen Yang, Mrs Teresa Chu, Mrs Winnie Fung; the Elders Mr Francis Lee and Mr Shan Zou, also honoured the volunteers with their presence.

The luncheon also recognised and celebrated the appointment of four senior volunteers to the Elders. Mr Yiguang Huang,  Mrs Lisa Yan Mui Wong, Mrs Chi Lan Kuan, and Mrs Ocean Chu Lin So were presented with certificates by the Hon David Coleman MP.

A number of activity groups have also put on wonderful artistic shows on the stage, creating an atmosphere that everyone eagerly anticipates. The lucky draw further heightened the excitement among the audience as several fortunate individuals were chosen on stage and received a variety of prizes, filling the entire scene with joy.