Founded in 1992 under the visionary leadership of The Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM, JP, the Way In Network was established to support newly arrived migrant women as they navigated their settlement journey in Australia. What began as a small support group has flourished into a vibrant and respected not-for-profit organisation dedicated to community service, empowerment, and cultural connection.
Today, the Way In Network is proudly led by President Jessie Xiao CA, with Past President Mrs Florence Chau JP serving as Honorary Advisor. Our diverse and dynamic membership spans women from Greater China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, along with second-generation Australian-born members from these communities. Many of our members are professionals in fields such as banking, finance, accounting, public relations, and social services, while others are entrepreneurs managing successful local and international businesses, all while nurturing their families and giving back to the community.
Way In Network is committed to empowering women, promoting cultural harmony, supporting charitable causes, and creating a nurturing community for women of all generations. Our members are united by a shared passion for helping others, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a desire to uplift those in need while enhancing our own lives.
One of our most cherished traditions is the Annual Elderly Luncheon, held in Chinatown and attended by over 300 senior community members. This heartwarming event honours the wisdom, life experience, and resilience of our elders, while reinforcing the importance of intergenerational respect and cultural values. Guests are treated to entertainment, gifts, and meaningful connection. In recent years, in response to COVID-19 and the evolving needs of our community, we have adapted this initiative into smaller-scale luncheons and onsite visits to aged care homes, ensuring continued support in safer, more accessible formats.
Since June 2021, Way In has proudly launched the Women’s Empowerment Seminar Series, a modern, holistic program designed to support and inspire women across all areas of life. The series addresses crucial topics such as health, personal safety, beauty, lifestyle, financial and legal literacy, and civic rights. These sessions aim to build awareness, expand knowledge, and foster a spirit of support so that women can make empowered choices and uplift one another through every stage of life.
Since its inception, Way In Network has raised over AUD $3.93 million for both local community programs and international relief efforts. These funds have supported a broad range of causes, including medical research, disaster recovery, education, aged care, mental health, child welfare, and women’s health initiatives.
We have proudly contributed to organisations such as:
In recognition of our ongoing contribution to society, Way In Network was honoured with the NSW Government’s Outstanding Community Services Award in 2002 and again in 2013.
A highlight of our charitable journey includes our partnership with the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF) in 2017, where we helped establish a post-doctoral fellowship grant to fund critical cancer research. Today, Way In proudly serves as an Ambassador for AGCF.
Our journey is one of compassion, courage, and community. The Way In sisters continue to light the way with hope and positivity through countless initiatives, creating a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond our own network.
We remain deeply committed to supporting newly arrived migrant women in becoming part of Australia's multicultural fabric. Together, we strive to embody and pass on the values of generosity, resilience, empowerment, and sisterhood, making our community, and the world, a better place for generations to come.
