Information from NSW Police Engagement & Hate Crime Unit

2025 NSW Flood Disaster Appeal

Way In Network Supports NSW Flood Relief with $20,000 Donation to The Salvation Army in Hurstville

To support recent flood relief and post-disaster recovery in New South Wales, Way In sisters donated $20,000 to The Salvation Army on 25 June 2025. The funds will be used to assist communities and families affected by flood, providing emergency supplies, temporary shelters and psychological support in the disaster-stricken areas.

At the cheque presentation ceremony, President of Way In Network Ms Jessie Xiao presented the donation cheque to Mr Gary Masters, representative of The Salvation Army in Australia. In her speech, Jessie stated:

“Way In Network has been committed to build a supportive network for immigrant women settling in Australia for over 33 years. As a long-established charity organisation rooted in Australia, we have always fuelled by a passion for aiding others and committed to community giving. This partnership with The Salvation Army is a wonderful opportunity to put that mission into practice.

What’s truly touching is that it took just one week to raise the $20,000 donation from our sisters, which showcases the compassion and efficiency of Way In Network. We hope this donation will be able to assist those affected families and communities.”

Jessie also gave special thanks to Honorary Advisors Ms Annie Tang and Ms Linda Tang for attending in support, as well as Vice President MS Eugenia Lieu and Treasurer Ms Shelly Wang for their dedicated efforts during the fundraising campaign.

“It is through everyone’s effort and teamwork that we were able to deliver this meaningful support in the most efficient way. We stand together and show the power of unity and care.”

Mr Gary Masters, expressed heartfelt thanks for the generous donation from Way In Network:
“I was both surprised and moved to see the donation amount rapidly increased from the initial $13,000 to $20,000 within just one week. These funds will be used directly in the areas affected by the disaster, providing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and temporary shelters for individuals and families. The kindness shown by Way In sisters will be very helpful for the community.”

Way In Network has consistently upheld its social responsibilities, stepping forward in times of community crisis. Jessie emphasised, “We will continue to monitor the needs of the disaster affected areas and call on more compassionate individuals to join in this meaningful charity cause, working together to help affected people rebuild their homes.”

Donation List:

  • Jessie Xiao
  • ⁠Lisa Harris 
  • Ellie Huang 
  • Nicole He
  • Linda Tang
  • Annie Tang 
  • Eugenia Lieu 
  • Shelley Wang 
  • ⁠June He 
  • Rosanna Ng 
  • Anny Chan
  • ⁠Mandy Van 
  • Sandy Tung 
  • Elaine Kong 
  • Sue Luo 
  • Maggie Lo 
  • Cindy Li 
  • Jennifer Cheung 
  • Gabbie Kwok 
  • Cherry Chau 
  • ⁠Queeny Pun 
  • Polly Chan 

Blooming with Love: Mother’s Day Luncheon

On Monday 12th May 2025, Way In Mother’s Day Luncheon was held at NSW Parliament House.

We had 20 sisters joined this special Mother’s Day tour at NSW parliament house, enjoyed Mother’s Day celebration and learnt about the Australian political system from our founder and Hon Life President Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM, our very own first Chinese Australian parliamentarian.

In 1988, she was elected as the first Chinese born Member of Parliament in Australian history. She served in the New South Wales Parliament for four terms and retired in 2003. She served as Chairman, Vice Chairman or member of the Upper House committees and three terms Vice-President of the Legislative Council. She was the Co-founder of the NSW Parliament Asia-Pacific Friendship Group. She was also elected to the Board of Governor in the University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University Council, and Council of the University of Technology, Sydney.

Thank you Helen for being our special speaker today and sharing insightful knowledge on how the Australian democratic political system work.

We had also invited Way In Network founding President Christine Ho to attend this event and it was our great pleasure to meet her. Christine shared her stories and insights on the development of our charity commitment. She sent her best wishes to current committee and members and wished that Way In Network to continue assisting new female migrants in settling into Australia and to become an integral part of Australia’s multicultural society.

We are so grateful to have celebrated this Mother’s Day with our founders and sisters, sharing laughter, love and festive cheer. Thank you for our president Jessie Xiao for preparing beautiful flowers for all the attendees and for her great organisation.

ANHF Huang Ying Jung Nursing Home Seniors Luncheon

On 27 March 2025, Way In Network sponsored the Seniors Luncheon at ANHF Huang Ying Jung Nursing Home. Way In sisters’ generous support made this event a success and brought joy to ANHF senior community.

Welcome speech by Jessie Xiao, President of Way In Network.

Certificate of Appreciation from Ada (ANHF).

Celebration for 100th birthdays for some of the residents in ANHF Huang Ying Jung Nursing Home

Cut Pig

Way In sisters choir’s perfomance

Special performance guest – Regina Ma

Way In sisters have donated the decoration items, as well as delicious food, which has directly impacted the lives of the seniors, allowing them to enjoy a special day of fellowship and celebration. 

We are grateful to attend this joyful and meaningful event, sharing laugher and love with the Seniors. A huge thank you to our generous sisters for their donation and great teamwork.

Way In Network and NSW Police Force Celebrate International Women’s Day with Inspiring Morning Tea “Stronger Together”

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Way In Network co-hosted a special morning tea event with the NSW Police Force on Tuesday, March 4 at the Haymarket Local Police Station. The event brought together Way In members, NSW Police representatives, community supporters, media friends and distinguished speakers to honour the achievements of women and discuss the challenges they have overcome in their respective fields. Over 50 guests attended the event on the day.

MC – Ms Nicole He

The event was officially opened by Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman APM, the Hon. Dr. Helen Sham-Ho OAM, Founder of the Way In Network, and Jessie Xiao CA, President of the Way In Network. 

Opening Remarks – Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman

Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman opened the International Women’s Day morning tea with a heartfelt and inspiring speech, highlighting the power and influence of women in both his personal and professional life. He emphasized the strength and resilience of women, lauding their pivotal roles in shaping society. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation of the Way In Network and good work that the organisation has been doing to support migrant women, him & his team are proud to be collaborating with the Way In Network. 

Opening Remarks – The Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho – Founder of the Way In Network

Jessie Xiao – President of the Way In Network

The Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM is an exemplary female leader who made history as the first Asian Australian politician elected in 1988. With a lifetime of dedication to community service, Helen has established numerous not-for-profit organizations and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for her outstanding contributions. Helen expressed her pride in Way In Network’s continued legacy, supporting migrant women and reaching new milestones, including today’s International Women’s Day morning tea. She offered words of encouragement to the committee and members present, acknowledging the progress made and the collective strength of the community.

Jessie Xiao CA, President of Way In Network, was thrilled to collaborate with the NSW Police in hosting this event. She expressed her gratitude to Detective Superintendent Fileman and Senior Sergeant Nathan Carroll and their team for their support in bringing this event to life. Jessie highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, sharing her excitement about the growing impact of Way In Network in supporting and uplifting women. She also took a moment to recognize various VIP guests in attendance, including Grace Li, Associate Dean (Internationalisation) at UTS, and Dr Lu Liu, Senior Lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, who have both contributed to the Way In Women Empowerment Series in the past by hosting exclusive events for Way In members at their respective institutions.

A highlight of the morning was the panel discussion, featuring a dynamic lineup of female leaders:

  • Jessie Xiao CA – President, Way In Network
  • Eugenia Lieu JP – Vice President, Way In Network
  • Inspector Sohryn Carter – NSW Police Force
  • Dr. Maggie Wang – The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman also participated in the panel discussion, where he paid tribute to the significant women in his life – his mother, wife, and daughter – acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the person he has become today. He also spoke passionately about the remarkable achievements of women in law enforcement, celebrating their indispensable contributions to the police force. He proudly referenced the leadership of the female Commissioner, whose empowering presence serves as a beacon of inspiration and strength for all women in the organization. His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of recognising and celebrating the vital contributions of women in all aspects of life.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dilara Nikolovski, Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, the discussion delved into themes of leadership, resilience, and empowerment. All panellists shared their personal experiences, highlighting key moments in their careers, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring women in their fields.

Key topics included:

  • Celebrating Success – Women often downplay their achievements. Panellists reflected on their proudest career moments and the impact of their work.
  • Breaking Barriers – Dr. Maggie Wang shared insights on women’s evolving role in medical research and highlighted breakthrough projects at The Westmead Institute.
  • Empowering Women – Jessie Xiao & Eugenia Lieu spoke about the challenges of leadership and how the Way In Network fosters a supportive environment for women.
  • Women in Law Enforcement – Inspector Sohryn Carter and Leading Senior Constable Catherine Kolokitas discussed their journeys in the NSW Police Force, and the support available for women in the force.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Linda Tang, Honorary Advisor of the Way In Network, thanking all the speakers, attendees & the working committee on both sides that made the event so successful.

Vote of Thanks – Linda Tang (Hon. Advisor – the Way In Network)

The morning tea was expertly emceed by Nicole He, a Committee Member of the Way In Network, attended by dedicated members of the Network & NSW Police, and supported by friends of the organisation including but not limited to the Lions Club of Sydney Waratah, the Lions Club of Sydney Chinese and the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce.

Ms Nicole He and Ms Dilara Nikolovski, NSWPF Multicultural Community Liaison Officer.

This inspiring event reinforced the importance of celebrating women’s achievements, fostering leadership, and encouraging the next generation to pursue their ambitions with confidence. By coming “Stronger Together,” the Way In Network and NSW Police Force continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration in empowering women and creating a more inclusive future for all in the local community.

We thank the following Media Partners:

Australia Chinese Entertainment (TVB Anywhere)

Australia Chinese Daily

Media Today Group

Sydney Impression

2CK Media

Ovideo Media

Polaris Media

2025 Way In Chinese New Year Celebration Party

Way In Network held Chinese New Year Celebration Party on the 12th February 2025 at Sunny Seafood Central Park Restaurant, celebrate the Year of Snake and Lantern Festival.

We appreciate for the effort of doing a lot of preparation works by the management committee.

MC – Mandy Van and Stella Su

Welcome speech – Way In Network President Jessie Xiao

Toasting speech – The Honourable Dr. Helen Sham Ho OAM and Hon. Advisor Florence Chau JP, accompanied by Ms Jessie Xiao and Ms Eugenia Lieu

We are so grateful that families and friends could be here to celebrate Chinese new year with us and share in our good cheer.

Way In sisters choir, led by Ms Lisa Harris

Dance performance by Mrs Rosanna Ng and Mr Wilson Ng.

Song performance by Way In long term supporter Mrs May Ng and Mr Ken Ng.

Song performance by Ms Regina Ma to celebrate Lantern Festival which is also Chinese Valentine Day and her anniversary day.

As our tradition of every gathering party, we have also celebrated the birthday for January, February and March sisters.

Thanks for all the lovely gifts supported by all the above sponsors.

Special thanks to Ms Milly Yang for turtle herbal jelly gifts for every guest, to Ms Mo Yu to support Good Fortune Centre Pieces and to Ms Linda Tang (Shaw and Partners)’s sport caps.

Vote of thanks by Vice President Ms Eugenia Lieu

The night was full of fun, laugh and love. Thanks for everyone who joined us in making the Chinese new year so memorable. Thank you sisters for your teamwork, your performance, donation of prizes and photos etc. We wish everyone a successful year ahead.

Annual General Meeting 2024 & Christmas Celebration Dinner

On 23 November 2024, Way In Network has hosted 2024 Annual General Meeting and Christmas party at Emperor’s Garden Restaurant.

Welcome speech by Way In Network President Jessie Xiao.

This year’s Annual General Meeting have been prepared by committee members for few months, a full package of AGM documents have been sent to all members by post before the commencement of this meeting. This include 1. 2024 AGM Email Notification; 2. 2024 Financial Statement; 3. 2024 AGM Agenda; 4. 2023 AGM Minute.

In the meeting, Way In Network Treasurer Zihan Wang presented 2024 financial reports and Chinese secretary Faith Tan presented this year’s member activities report. Founder and Honorary President Dr. Helen Sham Ho OAM assisted to amend a number of procedural issues in normal practice, as well as raised some request and her hopes which could better help the management of our organisation.

This year’s Christmas celebration party is after the Annual General Meeting. It was a fantastic blend of a yearly review and festive cheer.

Appreciate certificate to Chinese Classical Prose by Elizabeth (Zihan Wang’s daughter).

Appreciate certificate to Ellie Huang for supporting Christmas accessories.

MC – Nicole He

Appreciate certificate to Florence Chau for organise Christmas gifts.

Appreciate certificate to Event Officer Stella Su.

Appreciate certificate to Milly Yang and Elaine Kong for Christmas gift support.

Appreciate certificate to Regina Ma for singing performance and her support to Way In event over years, as well as appreciate certificate to Faith Tan (Urban Stellar Pty Ltd) for her great support.

Huge thanks to Stella, Florence and Ellie for their donation of red pocket money as game prize and the gift from Jessie as best dress catwalk prize.

Thanks for everyone who joined us in making the day so memorable. Thank you sisters for your teamwork, your performance, donation of prizes and photos etc. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a successful year ahead.

Way In Network’s “Stories of Enchanted Wisdom” Book launch

Way In Network held its book launch at Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces on 2 November 2024 for its inaugural photographic Book “Stories of Enchanted Wisdom”. More than 70 guests attended including its members, community leaders, charity partners and media.

MC – Ms Polly Chan

The Life Honorary President of Way In Network, Dr. Helen Sham Ho OAM, and the President of the Way In Network, Jessie Xiao, first welcomed the guests. Jessie said,” In celebration of the Way In Network’s 32nd Anniversary, marked by the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, we are delighted to unveil our inaugural Collectable Photographic Book, “Stories of Enchanted Wisdom “. Since its founding, Way In has evolved from a modest women’s migrant support group into a respected not-for-profit organization. With the success of this year’s fundraising efforts, we are excited to extend our support to AGCF again. In 2016, Way In as AGCF’s ambassador funded the AGCF/Way In Network Research Fellowship across 3 years, we hope to support more research in this much-needed area.

I express my deepest gratitude to you, our readers. Your time and generosity are invaluable. I hope these stories resonate with you, and that you will share them with your loved ones. We look forward to hearing your stories in the future!”

When asked why she came up with the idea of ​​this Photographic Book, Linda Tang, the Project Head said: “In the past 32 years, Way In Network has attracted many outstanding female members and close charity partners. I have always had a vision to publish a photographic book that reflects the beauty of women from the inside out; this book can record the rich and magnificent portraits of each lady, capture their outer beauty to inner strength, and the unique journey they have gone through, and pass on their enchanted wisdom to inspire others and the new generation of women.”

The photographer responsible for this project is the internationally renowned Andy Cheung, who used his expertise in capturing moments of athletes to capture the vibe and most touching expression of each lady.

The 20 Way In members and outstanding women who participated in the shooting and writing of their stories include Helen Sham Ho, Florence Chau, Annie Tang, Linda Tang, Jessie Xiao, Judy Chan, Polly Chan, Jennifer Cheung, Eliza Chung, June He, Rita He, Ivy Ho, Ellie Huang, Josephine Lam, Eugenia Lieu, Maggie Lo, Sue Luo, Rosanna Ng, Brenda Xiao and Milly Yang.

The above-mentioned ladies who participated in “Stories of Enchanted Wisdom” and also attended the book launch, had appeared on stage to share their life reflections and shooting experience.

This book launch had also raised fund from sponsors, donors and book sale. Way In Network had donated in this event AUD 10,000 to the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, which was received by Professor Neville Hacker, founder of AGCF. Way In Network has served as the Asian Ambassador of AGCF for many years and had donated AGCF research funds for three years.

In addition, the book launch had also invited three former Miss Hong Kong, Maria Chung, Joan Tong and Christina Siu, who happened to be traveling in Sydney, and held a Aus -Hong Kong discussion forum with Way In Network representatives Jessie Xiao, Annie Tang, Elsa Shum,  Lisa Harris, Rita He and Rosanna Ng. Exchanges and discussions between women from the two places on women’s empowerment, women’s status, and the work  of women’s charity groups.

The text album “Stories of Enchanted Wisdom” is priced at $128. If you would like to purchase, please contact Way In Network email:info@wayinnetwork.org.au.

Way In Network had expressed its heartiest gratitude to below for the successful book launch:
Corporate Sponsor:
Shaw and Partners
Kaolin Porcelain Surfaces
Dynasty Karaoke
Exceed and Excel Financial Services

Personal Sponsor:
Annie Tang
Faith Tan & Rita He
Ellie Huang

Donors:
Queeny Pun
Maggie Lo
Elaine Kong
Dr Michael Tse
Elsa Shum
Stephen Ng
Davy Kong
Milly Yang

Way In Women Empowerment Series – Running Business in Australia

Way In Network proudly hosted the October seminar “Running Business in Australia” as part of the Women Empowerment Series on 4 October 2024 at the UTS campus.

We were privileged to feature two outstanding speakers: Dr. Grace Li, Associate Dean (Internationalisation) and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, UTS, alongside the esteemed lawyer Zihan Wang.

This seminar was an excellent opportunity for anyone keen on navigating the Australian business landscape.

MC – Queeny Pun

Way In Network 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

On 20 September 2024, Way In Network has hosted Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at Handpicked Cellar Door. It was a wonderful evening of Food, Wine, Performance and Networking.

Event MC- Nicole He

Jessie Xiao, President of Way In Network, welcomed all the guests for attending this cultural event. She expressed gratitude to gifts and mooncakes supported by Ms Wang Shuyu, Cultural Counsellor of the Consulate General of China in Sydney and Mr Hu Yang, Chinese Consulate.

A group of kids have been invited to this event to enjoy the stunning music and dance performance and experience traditional festival atmosphere. They also received special festival gifts to take home.

Appreciation Certificate for Dr. Ho and Rosanna Ng for Way In Woman Empowerment Seminar- Your Body Your Health.

Erhu performance by Yifei Li (Kelly)

Singing performance by Tianyi Wu (Jasmine)

Cello performance by Pui Ying Huang and Sung Him Huang

Solo dance by Claire Shu from Mulan Dance

Solo Dance by Ellie Zhang from Mulan Dance Performance

Appreciation certificate for Mulan Dance

Duo dance by Chenyang Wu and Dorethy Wan from Wulan Dance

Special thanks to Handpicked Wine, DMG Fine Wine and Moutai for delicious food, great wine and beautiful venue support.

As the tradition of gathering, Way In sisters also celebrated birthday for all September birthday sisters and shared yummy cakes.

The night was filled with love, happiness and connections. Wish everyone a happy mid-autumn festival.