CAF Mourns the Passing of Patrick Voon

Mr. Patrick Voon

Chinese Australian Forum 

President 2011 – 2013 and Life Member

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patrick Voon. 

On behalf of Chinese Australian Forum I extend my deepest sympathies to his beautiful wife Patricia and daughter Alison.

Patrick Voon was a life member of the Australian Chinese Forum (CAF) serving as President 2011-2013 and holding various roles including, most recently, Treasurer. He was a leader, a mentor and a friend to the Australian Chinese Forum and the community we serve. 

In addition to organising a range of very successful public events, during his period as President:

• Patrick led the CAF complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission against Mr John Laws and Radio 2SM Pty Ltd, alleging racial hatred under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 leading to an apology and conciliation process.

  
  

• Patrick wrote to the then Premier of NSW, Barry O’Farrell MP concerning comments by a member of Parliament against multiculturalism.  In response, Mr O’Farrell confirmed his government’s commitment to promote and strengthen multiculturalism in NSW.

  
  

• He led the CAF campaign to urge voters of Randwick City Council to support candidates who would protect the Heritage Listed La Perouse Chinese Market Gardens, which were under serious threat from a proposal extension to Botany Cemetery. 

  
  

• Patrick addressed the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice ‘Inquiry into Racial Vilification Law in NSW’, Public Hearings at NSW Parliament House in 2013. The core findings eventually triggered a complete overhaul of how hate crimes and vilification are handled in NSW through a series of key legislative changes.

  
  

Through his passionate advocacy for multiculturalism Patrick has made a substantial impact in the NSW community and leaves a tremendous legacy with CAF and the broader Chinese Australian community.

Quick with a smile, a generous and patient mentor and a tenacious leader. 

Patrick you will be missed. 

Please find below the funeral service details shared with the community.

Our sincere condolences to the Voon family and loved ones.

Vanessa Chan

President

Chinese Australian Forum

25 May 2026