About Us

From Then to Now

The Chinese Women’s Association of Victoria (CWAVic) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation established in 1987. It is the first organisation in Victoria dedicated to supporting women of Chinese background. Our mission is to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of women in the community.

CWAVic provides information, support and a forum for discussion on issues affecting women, particularly those from Chinese backgrounds. In the spirit of multiculturalism, women from all ethnic backgrounds are warmly welcomed to participate in our programs and activities.

The Association was originally formed as the Eastern Suburb Chinese Women’s Group by a group of community-minded Chinese women under the leadership of social worker Wai-Lin Galbraith. Grace Ha was the first foundation member and served the organisation with unwavering dedication for 37 years until her passing. She was joined by Margaret Chia, Mimi Chong and Christina Lau, whose commitment played a key role in the Association's early development.

Dr Robert Chong AM, who served two terms as Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, recognised the need to support newly arrived Chinese immigrants in the community, particularly during the period of Hong Kong's handover. He invited Wai-Lin, who was working under his direction at Chinese Community Social Services at the time, to organise fortnightly activities for a women's group.  

The first gathering was held on 11 February 1988 at the Local Family Day Care Centre in Box Hill. Early activities included fitness and knitting classes, cooking and floral arrangement demonstrations as well as migrant information seminars.

As membership grew, the Association relocated to Clota Cottage in 1988, provided by Box Hill Council. 

In 1999, due to increasing participation in classes, activities were moved to the Box Hill Church of Christ. A wider range of programs were introduced, including Line Dance, Praise Dance, Yuan Ji, Tai Chi, Chinese Calligraphy, Mandarin, Chinese Opera Singing and handicrafts. 

After the venue was sold in 2010, CWAVic continued its activities by hiring venues across Mitcham, Nunawading and Blackburn. Programs were further expanded to include Yoga, Zumba, Laughter Yoga, Qigong, Horticulture, Karaoke and more.

Due to limited availability of council-managed venues in later years, CWAVic regrettably streamlined its classes, focused on offering Tai Chi, Chinese Opera Singing, Line Dance, Yuan Ji, Zumba and Games Gatherings in Box Hill and Blackburn.

In addition to weekly classes, CWAVic organises annual celebrations for International Women’s Day, Mothers’ Day and Mid- Autumn Festival. These events celebrate women’s achievements, honour traditional family values and cultural customs and promote the spirit of multiculturalism by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds.

The Association also regularly organises excursions and tours for our members, along with information sessions covering topics such as finance, law and health. These seminars enhance members' knowledge, awareness and confidence in navigating important aspects of daily life.

At its first Annual General Meeting in 1994, CWAVic had 208 members. Today, the Association has grown to over 1200 members, supported by a dedicated committee, some of whom have served continuously for more than a decade. These include late Grace Ha, Wai-Lin Galbraith, Margaret Tang, Ming Sau Lau, late Helen Chu, Frances Yan, Brenda Lo, Jenny Toy, Lynn To, Mary Cheng, Jenny Yang, Jennifer Yeung, Stella Lee and many others who continue to carry the Association forward with commitment and passion.

Achievements and Awards

CWAVic is primarily a self-funded organisation, with income mainly derived from membership subscriptions and class participation fees. The Association is managed and operated entirely by volunteer committee members who generously contribute their time and expertise.

Over the years, CWAVic has also received valued support through minor grants from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, small grants from the Whitehorse City Council and volunteer grants from the Australian Federal Government.

Driven by a strong spirit of volunteerism and cohesive teamwork, CWAVic has created meaningful opportunities for members to expand their interests, develop new skills and build lasting friendships. Over the past 30+ years, membership has grown steadily, with the Association now reaching more than 1,200 registered members.

CWAVic actively collaborates with other organisations to co-sponsor and support community activities, including Chinese Calligraphy and gardening exhibitions, to promote cultural appreciation and community engagement. The Association is also committed to giving back by supporting selected charitable organisations through donations and fundraising initiatives.

In 2002, CWAVic proudly received the Victorian Award for Excellent Performance in Multicultural Affairs from the Victorian Multicultural Commission. (refer to Achievements)

The Association was further honoured in 2017 as a recipient of the City of Whitehorse Australia Day Civic Award and the Deakin Community Award. (refer to Achievements)

In December 2017, CWAVic received the prestigious Meritorious Service Award for Excellent Performance in Multicultural Affairs, presented at Government House by the Governor of Victoria. This distinguished recognition from the Victorian Multicultural Commission acknowledged the Association’s significant contributions to the community over the past 30 years. (refer to Achievements)

During the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, CWAVic continued to actively engage its members despite restrictions. Online Zoom classes, webinars and regular updates on government policies were organised to ensure members remained connected, informed and supported.

In recognition of its ongoing community service during this challenging period, the 2020 Deakin Community Award was presented in February 2021 by the Hon. Michael Sukkar. (refer to Achievements)

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維省華人婦女會成立於1987年, 是首間維省註册的華人婦女會.

亦是維省第一家為中國⺠族背景女性提供活動, 資訊和支持的非謀利組織. 我們的目標是希望會員, 透過參與本會的活動, 擴闊社交圈子, 促使身心健康, 並融合澳洲社會.

本會致力於中國婦女事務, 宗旨

• 提供康樂及文娛活動, 促進婦女身心健康的發展.

• 提供資訊及必需的福利服務, 以使社區及會員獲得利益.

• 提供適合的工作坊, 以便會員能討論有關婦女業務的事宜.

• 提供一個途徑(渠道), 使會員能接觸及了解政府的服務. 同時鼓勵不同種族的團體或組織與政府各部門機構之 間溝通與合作, 以達多元文化的理念.

每星期分別在Box Hill 和Blackburn區, 提供多類活動班: 

• 太極

• 粤曲班

• 排排舞

• 元極舞

• 尊巴舞

• 桌上遊戲

本會還定期安排其它活動包括:

• 短程遊行

• 烹飪示範

• 講座包括: 財經見聞, 法律常識, 健康資訊或美容情報

• 特別慶祝聚餐, 如: 國際婦女節、中秋節及母親節等...