On September 11th, Consul-General Fang Xinwen attended “Chinatown Connect 50: Multicultural Business Awards Gala Dinner” organized by the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinatown Memorial Archway and delivered a speech. Christina Zhao, President of Melbourne Chinatown Business Association; Dr Anne Aly MP, Federal Minister for Small Business/ Multicultural Affairs/International Development, Representative of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese;  Natalie Suleyman MP, State Minister for Small and Family Business/Trade, Tourism and Investment/Veterans, Representative of the Victorian Primier Ben Carroll; Dave Sharma MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs(video message); Jess Wilson, Leader of the Opposition of Victoria(video message), Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, City of Melbourne，many state MPs and city councillors, representatives of the Chinese Masonic Society and the Chinese community, and over 200 guests attended the event. Deputy Consul-General Liu Dongyuan of the Consulate -General accompanied the attendance.

In his speech, Consul General Fang congratulated on the 50th anniversary of the completion of the iconic memorial archway of Melbourne Chinatown, highly praised the glorious history of Chinatown spanning over 170 years, and its historic contributions to the cultural and economic life of Melbourne and Victoria. He strongly affirmed the tremendous contributions made by Australian Chinese to the economic prosperity and multiculturalism of Australia, and their important role as a bridge in the friendship, exchanges, and cooperation between China and Australia.

The VIP guests who delivered speeches praised the iconic role of Chinatown in multiculturalism and the contributions made by Chinese people to the local economy, culture, tourism, and social development. Officials from Victoria and the City of Melbourne both expressed that they would provide more funding and support for the future protection and development of Chinatown.