On September 11 and 12, Consul General Fang Xinwen attended charity dinners hosted respectively by the Melbourne World Friendship Association of Fuqing and the Australia Hui An Association to raise funds for post-disaster reconstruction following the major mudslide in Gyirong, Xizang, and flood relief efforts in parts of Fujian Province.

Federal MPs Carina Garland and Gabriel Ng, along with various state MPs and city councillors, attended the event. Other distinguished guests included Mr Chen Yunguo, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Victoria, Mr Li Zongqing, President of the Melbourne World Friendship Association of Fuqing, and Mr Zhang Jianyang, President of the Hui An Association. Deputy Consul General Liu Dongyuan and other officials from the Consulate General attended the events.

Consul General Fang briefed attendees on the Chinese government’s active efforts in disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction following the major mudslide in Gyirong, Xizang, and other disasters, and expressed appreciation to people from all sectors of the local community for their care and support for those affected.

He said that the charity dinners brought together support from all sectors of the community, demonstrating strong support for the affected areas as well as the deep bond of overseas Chinese with their hometowns and their commitment to giving back to society. He encouraged the Chinese community in the consular district to continue upholding the traditional Chinese virtue of generosity and compassion, actively participate in charitable and community initiatives, give back to society, demonstrate a positive image of the Chinese community, and make new contributions to promoting friendship between the peoples of China and Australia.

According to statistics, the two charity dinners raised more than AUD 40,000 (approximately RMB 220,000) for disaster-affected areas in Xizang and Fujian. The funds will be used to support relief and post-disaster reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.