The Chinese Association of Geelong has been operating for over 10 years and currently has over 200 members.
The early history of Chinese Australians involved significant immigration during mid-19th century due to the gold rush. Since the advent of Multiculturalism as a government policy in the 1970’s, many Chinese from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines) have immigrated to Australia.
After the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, the Australian Prime Minister of the day, Bob Hawke, allowed students from mainland China to settle in Australia permanently. Since then, immigrants from Mainland China and Taiwan have arrived in increasing numbers.
The community objectives of the Chinese Association of Geelong are to:
To represent a voice on behalf of the Geelong Chinese community.
To provide an infrastructure for Chinese families and individuals.
To assist Chinese families and individuals in being integrated into the Australian society.
To promote and maintain the Chinese language, culture and traditions in the Geelong community.
Traditional Dress: Qipao, Zhongshan Uniform, etc.
Traditional Symbol: The Celestial Chinese Dragon is considered a symbol of the Chinese race itself. Chinese around the world, proudly proclaim themselves “Descendants of the Dragon”. Dragons are referred to as a divine mythical creature that brings ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune.