Gosnells Chinese Association: Cultural exchange and engagement in community
The City of Gosnells has one of the largest populations of Chinese residents of any local council in Western Australia.
With this in mind, celebrating and showcasing Chinese culture among all residents is hugely beneficial for the community, to increase understanding, encourage inclusion and create a sense of belonging. Through cultural exchange and engagement, the Gosnells Chinese Association acts as a bridge between the Chinese community and other Gosnells residents.
The Gosnells Chinese Association provides health and wellbeing initiatives for its members, alongside a wide variety of events and activities. To empower and assist individuals, the Association delivers programs and workshops on healthy relationships, mental and physical health, employment, financial literacy, and English language – to positively impact members’ economic and social value and independence. There are also weekly meet-ups incorporating chess, dancing and music, to encourage social interaction and cultural celebration, and ensure that Chinese seniors in particular are not isolated and are able to keep Chinese traditions alive.
The Association ensures an understanding and celebration of Chinese culture on a bigger and broader scale, with community events and activations that everyone is invited to. Events such as World on a Plate, Mid-Autumn Festival and Fusion Festival, which saw public engagement with Chinese calligraphy and tai chi. The Association also contributes towards City of Gosnells’ events during Harmony Week and Lunar New Year, and introduces young residents to Chinese culture with local school visits.
Speaking about the role it plays, Stephanie Chan from Gosnells Chinese Association told Auspire, “The Gosnells Chinese Association seeks to engage and improve the social health of Chinese speaking residents in the City of Gosnells through in-house activities, workshops and participation in the City’s events. We work closely with the City of Gosnells in their community programs and bring forward familiarity on our community collaborations. Paying forward and contributing to social health are personal feel-good goals. Sharing our Chinese culture and heritage promotes greater harmony and understanding within the broader community.”
For updates and more information on the Gosnells Chinese Association, follow it Facebook.
For the contribution and impact it makes, the Gosnells Chinese Association received the Active Citizenship Award from City of Gosnells in the 2024 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
If you know a group or event that is improving wellbeing and creating a sense of belonging for residents, nominate it for a Community Citizen of the Year Award at citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate. Nominations are open all year round.