Archive for category: Recent Events

On Sunday, 9th of November, Way In Network held our traditional event – the seniors luncheon at Taste of Shunde in Hurstville, aiming to uphold and promote the traditional Chinese virtue of respecting and caring for the elderly. This event was attended by more than 120 seniors, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Our sisters arrived at the venue early, began distributing gifts ahead of time, and warmly welcomed the elderly guests as they arrived.

MC Nicole He announced the start of the event and expressed gratitude to the following sisters and friends for their generous donations of table prizes.

枱奬編號：

No. 1. Lisa  利是 $10 x 12

No. 2. ⁠Dominic Pak 茶葉x 12

No. 3. ⁠Jessie table prize x 12

No. 4. ⁠順德味道超市購物券$10              

No. 5 Faith 順德大良蹦沙x12

No. 6 Daisy 陳皮及陳皮醬禮包x 12                        

No. 7 Milly六星級和田玉棗 x12.                     

No. 8 Ellie x 12                                   

No. 9  Anny Chan x12 保暖杯                    

No 10 Elaine x 12

Faith Tan from Urban Stellar donate 120 㠶布袋 bags

Way In Network President Jessie Xiao had welcome speech and stated that, after carefully considering post-pandemic health and safety factors, we decided to once again hold seniors banquet at a restaurant this year, hoping to encourage seniors to step out and enjoy some joyful moment together. She said,

“This is our second seniors luncheon since the pandemic. We hope to host similar events in more areas across Sydney in the future, spreading joy and care throughout the community. Today’s success would not have been possible without the teamwork of our committee and members. I’d like to especially thank Vice President Rosanna Ng, Honorary Advisor Florence Chau, Event Project Officer Stella Su for all of the wonderful planning works they have done, as well as member Sue Luo and the staff of Taste of Shunde for their warm hospitality and strong support.”

The MC introduced The Honourable Dr. Helen Sham Ho OAM, our Founder & Honorary President, noting that although she is in her eighties, she remains active and deeply involved in community activities. Dr. Helen Sham Ho is also the former NSW Legislative Council Member; in her speech she emphasised that passing on the spirit of respect for the elderly has always been one of Way In Network’s core missions. She noted that the event received strong support from members and volunteers, filling the banquet with love and blessings.

“Seeing our seniors leave with smiles and happiness is the best recognition we could ever receive.” she said.

Sam Luo, President of the Shunde Association and owner of Taste of Shunde, expressed his delight in supporting Way In Network seniors’ event, thanking the association for its long-standing dedication to the community and continuous efforts to enhance the wellbeing of the elderly.

The entertainment program were wonderful and diverse. Way In Choir, led by General Affair Officer Lisa Harris, performed the classic song “Love Is All Around” (萬水千山總是情), earning enthusiastic applause.

Longtime supporters Anthony Cheung and Regina Ma also performed several heartfelt songs, further enlivening the atmosphere.

In addition to a sumptuous meal, our members prepared numerous gifts and surprises — seniors aged 90 and above received special red packets, while a lucky draw offered more than 60 prizes, bringing joy and excitement to all.

Thanks to the following donors for their generous gift contributions.

抽奖礼物編號：

1-2. Stella x 2

3-4. Faith x2

5-6. Rosanna x2

7-8. Felicia X 2

9-10. Daisy Lam x 2

11-12. Connie x 2

13-22. Lisa  $20 利是 x10      

23-24. Ellie x 2

25-26. Queeny Pun x 2

27-31. June x 5

32-33. Nicole x 2

34-35. Rita Ho x2

36-37. Gabby Kwok x 2

38-39. Eugenia Lieu x 2

40-43. Lucy Shun x 4

44-45. Sandy Tung x 2

46-48. Elaine Kong x 3

49-50. Florence x2 紅包$20

50-60. Maggie Lo x8红包$50; 2x $100 ( another 8x$50 for red pockets for over 90)

61-63 橡樹灣湖海度假莊園$500 Room Vouchers x3

At the close of the event, Vice President Rosanna Ng delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all members and volunteers for their dedication and encouraging everyone to continue upholding the spirit of caring for the elderly and promoting this cherished Chinese tradition.

Way In sisters contributed both financially and through their efforts. The list of donors is as follows:

1. June He
2. Mandy Van
3. Maggie Lo
4. Sandy Tung
5. Elaine Kong
6. Milly Yang
7. Faith Tan
8. Coco Zhou
9. Cindy Li
10. Sue Luo
11. Karen Borda
12. Ellie Huang
13. Rosanna Ng
14. Lisa Harris
15. Gabby Kwok
16. Florence Chau
17. Felicia Hon
18. Jessie Xiao
19. Stella Su
20. Nicole He
21. Connie Lam
22. Eugenia Lieu
23. Jennifer Cheung
24. Daisy Lam
25. Anny Chan

Special thanks to Maggie Lo for her generous donation of $1,000 to provide red packets for seniors aged 90 and above.

Way In Network will continue to organise similar events in the future, striving to bring more warmth, care, and happiness to the elderly in the community.

Way In Network held 2025 Annual General Meeting on 21 September 2025 at Emperor’s Garden Restaurant, and proudly elected the new committee for the 2025–2027 term.

Before the announcement of new committee for the 2025–2027 term, the 2023–2025 Committee members carefully check all the nomination forms that they have received.

Congratulations to Jessie Xiao, re-elected as President, and to our newly elected committee:

 • Vice Presidents: Daisy Lam & Rosanna Ng

 • Secretary (English): Mandy Van

 • Secretary (Chinese): Faith Tan

 • Treasurer: Shelley Wang

 • Public Officer: Shelly Sun

 • Committee Members: Florence Chau, Lisa Harris, Felicia Hon, Gabby Kwok, Stella Su, Nicole He, June He, Ellie Huang, Milly Yang, Queeny Pun & Jacques Wong

President Jessie Xiao said she was truly humbled and honoured to be entrusted once again to serve as President of our incredible network. Thank you all for your continuous support and belief in our shared mission. While the last term came with its challenges for her as a young leader, it was also filled with growth, resilience, milestones & true friendship, none of which would have been possible without the collective strength and dedication of our committee & the wider Way In community.

A heartfelt thank you to our founder and Life Honorary President, Helen Sham-Ho, as well as our respected past presidents Lavender Tsim and Florence Chau, for their presence at today’s AGM and their continued guidance.

We are also deeply grateful to Lucy Shun, Shinta Taylor & Linda Lam for joining us. 

Treasurer Shelley Wang presented the 2024-2025 Financial Report and Audit Report.

Returning Officer Connie Lam.

To the 2023–2025 Committee—thank you for your dedication and contributions, which laid a strong foundation for the future of our network.

Here’s to the new term ahead—continuing our mission with passion, purpose, and unity. Together, we are stronger!

Special thanks to committee member Ellie Cheung for donating beautiful pin to Way In as gift to our members.

At the end of AGM, all the attendees celebrated for September birthday members.

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.

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