Way In Network Celebrates 34th Anniversary Charity Gala Ball – “Together We Shine”
Way In Network marked its 34th Anniversary with a spectacular Charity Gala Ball themed “Together We Shine”, bringing together more than 400 guests, including community leaders, government representatives, sponsors, partners, and members, in a powerful celebration of sisterhood, service, and shared impact.
Held as a signature bi-annual fundraising and community event, the Gala honoured 34 years of Way In Network’s legacy. Founded in 1992 as a small migrant women’s support group, the organisation has since grown into a respected and influential network dedicated to women’s empowerment, community service, and charitable giving.
This year’s anniversary theme was inspired by the opal, Australia’s national gemstone, symbolising the diverse journeys, cultures, and strengths of Way In sisters, each unique, yet united in brilliance and purpose.
The evening featured a full program of performances, speeches, presentations, and fundraising activities, including music and dance performances, the 34th Anniversary “Together We Shine” commemorative video, a fashion showcase titled “Opal Spectacular”, as well as auctions and raffle draws, culminating in a vibrant celebration of community and connection.
Way In Network President Ms Jessie Xiao CA opened the evening by welcoming distinguished guests, sponsors, and members, reflecting on the organisation’s journey and its enduring values of compassion, service, and empowerment. She emphasised that leadership within Way In Network is defined not by position, but by service, highlighting the importance of sisterhood, mutual support, and collective strength. She paid tribute to the vision of Founder, the Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM JP, the guidance of Honorary Advisor Florence Chau JP, the contributions of past presidents, and the ongoing dedication of committee members who continue to advance the organisation’s mission. “Real change does not happen in isolation—it happens when we stand together,” she said, reinforcing the Gala’s theme “Together We Shine”.
In her address, the President also reflected on key achievements over the past 32 months, including $144,000 raised for charitable and emergency relief initiatives, 23 community events delivered, and seven Women Empowerment Seminars. These initiatives continue to strengthen Way In Network’s commitment to empowering women through education and support across health, financial literacy, legal awareness, wellbeing, safety, and personal development.
Guests of Honour and keynote speakers included:
- Mr Jason Yat-Sen Li MP, State Member for Strathfield, Assistant Speaker, representing the NSW Premier, the Hon. Chris Minns
- Mr Mark Joseph Coure MP, State Member for Oatley, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, representing the NSW Leader of the Opposition, Ms Kellie Sloane MP
- His Excellency Consul General Wang Yu, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney
- Mr Ricky Chong, Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Sydney, Government of the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China
- Cr Robert Kok, Councillor, City of Sydney, representing the Lord Mayor, Cr Clover Moore
All speakers commended Way In Network for its 34-year legacy of service, recognising it as one of the oldest Chinese Australian women’s associations in Australia. They acknowledged its longstanding contribution to community cohesion, migrant integration, and its role in providing a platform for women to give back to society. Speakers also highlighted the organisation’s significant achievement of raising over $4 million across its history, representing decades of impact, lives supported, and hope restored.
A standout moment of the evening was the 34th Anniversary AI video tribute presented by Founder and Life Honorary President, the Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM JP, honouring the organisation’s journey, members, and enduring legacy of service. She expressed her appreciation for the current leadership under President Jessie Xiao and congratulated Event Chair Daisy Lam on the successful delivery of the Gala.
The evening also featured dynamic performances by the New Journey Band, dance performances by Sydney Ballroom Dance, and a fashion showcase featuring young male and female models presenting opal jewellery from Rex Opal. A highly successful auction of nine premium items, conducted by renowned auctioneer Michael Pallier, further contributed to the evening’s fundraising success.
Donated by Mr. Ricky Char, Bid by Mr. Warren Lam
Part of the proceeds from the evening will support Way In Network’s ongoing initiatives, including the Women Empowerment Seminar Series & the strengthening of the Way In Emergency Fund Reserve for disaster relief locally and internationally. The remaining proceeds will support key beneficiaries CanRevive and TOGA, both organisations provide essential services to individuals and families impacted by cancer, including counselling, patient support, wellbeing programs, education, and research funding.
A highlight of the night: 350 raffle tickets sold in just half an hour after the MC’s opening announcement! A heartfelt thank you to every kind guest for your generosity and enthusiastic support.
At the end the evening, a total of $80,000 was proudly presented to CanRevive and TOGA on the night. Following the event, additional generous pledges were received by ABC Tissue Products Pty Ltd jointly with Henry Ngai Australian Charitable Foundation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Event Chair and Vice President Daisy Lam, who encouraged guests “Do not refrain from doing good, no matter how small. Kindness is not measured by its size, but by the willingness to act, light is not defined by its intensity, but by its ability to come together.” She extended heartfelt gratitude to all Way In sisters, volunteers, sponsors, guests, and supporters whose generosity and dedication made the Gala a resounding success.
As expressed in the event’s guiding message, Way In Network continues to stand as a symbol of hope and unity:“From the legacy of those who came before us, to the young leaders who will follow, it is our shared responsibility to keep this light alive. Together We Shine.”
Special Sponsor特別贊助：
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney
香港政府駐悉尼經濟貿易辦事處
Platinum Sponsors白金贊助：
Advisory Centre for Australian Education 澳洲留學移民中心
Australia Xinhui culture & products Pty Ltd 澳洲新會文化產品有限公司
Horizon Asian Dining – Yum Cha & Live Seafood | Cabramatta 八滿閣
Lakeview Long Jetty – Strata Titled Over 55’s Residences
National Auto Glass Supplies
Urban Stellar
Silver Sponsors銀贊助：
Australian Chinese Jockey Club 澳華賽馬會
Ettason
Chinatown Physio – Rosanna Ng
Rotary Club of Chatswood International
Sunsolis Legal
Sydney Implant Institute
Auction Sponsors拍賣品贊助：
Coco Zhou
Crown Dragon龍景軒 & Warren Foodie Group阿林美食
Diamond Territory Restaurant 御宴 & 古月龍山
Jenny Bay Diamond
Kweichow Moutai贵州茅台
Missoni
Rex Opal Jewellery 卓麗歐泊
Ricky Char
Taste of Shunde 順德味道
Donors慈善捐款：
Australian Chinese Charity Foundation Inc.
CP Blossom Trading Company
Lisa Harris
Dr Richard Ho & Queeny Pun
Ellie Wei Ling Huang
Elaine & Vincent Kong
Kong’s Australia
Dr Michael Tse
Amy Ng
Elaine Ng
譚溢鴻居士及潘冰嫦夫人
Selina Wong CPA JP
Wine Sponsor酒類贊助：
Penfolds
Snack Sponsor食物贈品贊助：
多多Torto
Binggrae
Auctioneer拍賣師:
Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty – Michael Pallier
Event MC 晚會主持:
Nicole He & Ronald Chan
Supporting Community Organisations & Corporates社團支持:
Alley Creative Pty Ltd
Arnold Developments Pty Ltd
Australia Foshan Association
Australia Guangzhou General Association Inc.
Australia Shunde Association of Commerce Inc.
Australian Chinese Community Association of NSW
Australian Chinese Charity Foundation Inc.
Australian Chinese Medical Association Inc.
Australian Chinese Restauranteur Association
Australian Fujian Association
Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation
Australian Nursing Home Foundation
Australian Shenzhen Association Incorporated
Australian Zhuhai Association Incorporated
Chinese Parents Association – Children with Disabilities Inc.
Differently Abled People Associations Inc.
Goodwin Property Group
Haymarket Chamber of Commerce
Hong Kong Australia Business Association NSW
Kids4Kids Empowerment Inc.
Lions Club of Sydney Chinese Inc.
Lions Club of Sydney Harmony
Lions Club of Sydney Pacific Inc.
Lions Club of Sydney Sunny
Lions Club of Sydney Waratah
Rotary Club of North Ryde
Shunde Association of Australia Inc.
Special Children Services Centre
St. George Community Alliance
Sydney Jiangmen Wuyi Business Association
Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty
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