About the event:

On the night of 2024 February 25th, the Victorian Shandong fellowship association conducted a celebratory ceremony at the Hawthorne Arts Centre. The Successful Board of Directors Dinner on the previous Friday made many of our fellow Shandong people anticipate the event on Sunday.

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/WB0g-2DC209C_eaNOrFflQ

• 20+ guests of influence
• 100+ participants
• 10+ performances from our participants

The event was hosted by the VSDA, with 1847 and Caiding Financial serving as major sponsors, and the Sisterhood of Australia’s Art Association providing performance support. Several other sponsors contributed to the success of the evening. Before the gala commenced, a sponsor exhibition took place, providing businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products and services to attendees. This exhibition also served as a valuable networking platform, enabling the Shandong community to connect with a variety of local enterprises.

The gala was graced by prominent figures, including:

• Consul General Shi Gang and Consul Song Chongsheng from the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne.
• State and Federal Government representatives such as Jess Wilson, Aiv Puglielli, Philip Liu, and several others.
• Leaders from Shandong-based organizations and Shandong Association chapters in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and Canberra.
• Representatives from various local Chinese community groups in Victoria and Tasmania.
• Special Messages and Video Tributes:
• Several government officials and organizations sent video messages or letters of support:
• Federal MPs Mr. Keith Wolahan and Ms. Carina Garland.
• State MPs such as Paul Hamer, Meng Heang Tak, and Nicole Werner.

Numerous local Chinese organizations from Shandong and Australian cities like Qingdao, Jinan, and Yantai expressed their support for the event.

The evening featured a variety of performances, starting with an opening drum performance, followed by a Pipa dance, classical jazz dance, and several other cultural showcases by the Sisterhood of Arts Academy.

There were also songs, recitations, and performances by the Melbourne Star Art Troupe, including traditional Chinese dance and contemporary performances such as Waltz and Modern Classical Dance.

Poetry recitations like "The Song of the Same Song" and Shandong dialect performances from the local community added a personal touch, creating a deep connection to the Shandong roots of many in the audience.

The grand finale saw a powerful rendition of “My Country” by Deng Huamin (a renowned 76-year-old soprano), which deeply resonated with attendees, evoking both nostalgia and pride in their heritage.

The event was led by four charismatic hosts, three of whom were from Shandong, and they guided the guests through the evening's festivities. Their energy and enthusiasm set the tone for a lively, engaging experience.

The interactive segments included sponsor speeches, awards ceremonies, and a lucky draw, all of which kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

The use of live streaming and photography by Old Cow Photography and Hezi Media allowed the audience both at the venue and online to enjoy various perspectives of the event.

The night was filled with joy, camaraderie, and gratitude as guests celebrated the success of the VSDA's formation and its commitment to helping the Shandong community. The group photo at the end of the event symbolized the unity and support shared by all attendees.

The event was not just a celebration but also a practical demonstration of the VSDA's mission to serve the community and foster cooperation and growth.

The VSDA’s public platform (WeChat and other media channels) will continue to showcase stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and additional highlights from the gala, providing ongoing support for sponsors, businesses, associations, and friends within the community.

The VSDA aims to become a key platform for networking, promoting local businesses, and building connections within the broader Victoria Shandong community.