CAF New Committee Meets Members at Appreciation Dinner for Year of the Horse

The Chinese Australian Forum (CAF) hosted a special Appreciation Dinner and Lunar New Year Celebration in Sydney on 18 February 2026, bringing together members, supporters and community partners to welcome the Year of the Horse and reflect on the organisation’s ongoing work.

The evening served as both an expression of appreciation for those who participated in CAF’s Annual General Meeting in December 2025 and an opportunity for the newly appointed committee to connect with members in an open and collaborative setting.

In her address, CAF President Vanessa Chan reflected on the organisation’s more than 40-year history and the importance of its continued role in today’s environment.

“Having grown up with the Chinese Australian Forum, this period in Australian history feels uncomfortably like those times that gave birth to our organisation,” she said.“A time when organised racism is on the rise, multiculturalism is under attack, immigration debates are weaponised, and ethnic communities are targeted and scapegoated.”

Ms Chan emphasised the need for a strong and principled voice, noting that “we need a strong, clear and brave voice that challenges these things when we see them,” and called for greater efforts to recognise and amplify the contributions of Chinese Australians.

“We need a voice that celebrates and amplifies the historic, cultural, economic, sporting, academic and political contributions that Chinese Australians have and continue to make to our country,” she said.

Looking ahead, she underscored the organisation’s direction: “We must and will be brave, disciplined, strategic and impactful,” adding that CAF will continue to build on its experience while exploring “new, contemporary ways of working” and strengthening collaboration across communities, organisations and government.

The event also marked the first formal engagement between the 2026–27 CAF Committee and members following the AGM. The new committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community connections, working collaboratively across sectors, and supporting meaningful civic participation.

CAF also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing committee members, including Jimmy Bai, Anthony Chang, Joyce Yuan and Dawei Zhang, and expressed appreciation to all candidates who stood for election at the AGM, noting the strong level of participation as a significant moment in the organisation’s development.

The evening reflected both continuity and renewal, with attendees reconnecting, exchanging ideas and reaffirming a shared commitment to unity, inclusion and active civic participation.

Looking ahead, CAF will continue to build on its legacy by fostering dialogue, supporting community voices and contributing to a more inclusive and cohesive Australian society.