In Recognition of their Dedication and Valuable Contributions to the Community

An Award Presentation Ceremony hosted by The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for the Arts and the Leader of the House, in collaboration with Ms. Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury and Mr. Jason Li MP, State Member for Strathfield, was successfully held at CASS Activity Centre at Campsie on Thursday, 3 November 2022, to acknowledge the incredible contributions of volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds to the community.

Over 50 volunteers and representatives from various volunteer organisations were invited to participate. Dr. Bo Zhou, Chairperson of CASS, together with Mr. Henry Pan OAM, CASS Foundation Chairperson and Honorary Executive Director; Dr. Leng Tan, CASS Emeritus Chairperson; and other Board members, including Ms. Tica Lee and Dr. Bei Lu, as well as CASS General Manager of Home Ageing Services, Mr. Ivan Wong, were present to support this meaningful and joyous occasion.

The Hon. Tony Burke MP stated in his speech, “Today is a special moment to express the recognition of the noble work volunteers have dedicated to, from different levels of Government. Your contributions have changed many people’s lives and enriched our country. Your voluntary services, personal touch, sharing of respect and time in particularly deserve our heartfelt thanks and recognition. Your work really matters to everyone. The Australian emblem on each certificate manifests the sincere appreciation from the Country. Australia says thank you to all of you!”

Ms. Sophie Cotsis MP expressed in her speech, “We want to thank you for all your volunteer services and everything you have done particularly over the last two years. We worked closely to help the communities receive important Government information and messages. And it was because of you, people in the community got connected and information could pass through. You did a very good and big service to the community. From the bottom of my heart, I would really want to say a huge thank you.”

Mr. Jason Li MP said, “I am from a migrant family and my parents came to Australia in 1950’s. My mother enjoys the life here but she loves getting along with friends who share the same language and cultural background. People you serve enjoy the bonding and interaction building with you who come from similar cultural background. This is enormously important for many migrants and an expression of Australian multiculturalism, the asset of Australia. We have people from different cultural backgrounds, but we are still fundamentally Australian. I want to congratulate to all the volunteers here today for everything you do, making Australia a nice place.” 

At the ceremony, Certificates of Recognition were presented to the awarded volunteers and representatives of organisations to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Ten of them were CASS volunteers. CASS Campsie Activity Group also received the award. The volunteers were delighted to give back to the society. They believe that “Helping and serving others makes life happier”.

At the end of the ceremony, the Hon. Tony Burke MP presented a national flag to CASS as a special gift to acknowledge the tireless contributions and effort in serving the community and country. All the guests and volunteers enjoyed the ceremony amidst the exchange of compliments.