On the afternoon of October 25, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) launched its 40th-anniversary celebrations with a grand kick-off ceremony at Chung Wah Hall, bringing together distinguished guests from across the community. The event welcomed the Premier of Western Australia, local government leaders, heads of non-governmental organisations, and representatives from service agencies—all united to celebrate CWCC’s remarkable achievements over the past four decades.
The ceremony opened with a unique introduction by CWCC’s virtual AI hosts, “Ah Chung” and “Ah Wah.” Ah Wah shared how, back in the 1980s, the Chung Wah Association established a “Welfare Committee” to support new Asian migrants. This small beginning has since evolved into today’s CWCC, helping countless immigrants build confidence and thrive in their new homeland. Ah Chung then recounted CWCC’s journey from a modest operation with one full-time social worker and limited government funding to an established organisation with 168 employees and over 900 clients.
In a remarkable visual presentation, the virtual anchorperson Ah Chung and Ah Wah appeared before CWCC’s Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs, connecting Perth’s North and South of the river and symbolising the bridge CWCC has built between the past and future. As a pioneering organisation in the aged care sector that has adopted AI technology, CWCC showcased its adaptability and commitment to innovation, resonating deeply with attendees.
The Premier of Western Australia praised CWCC for its significant contributions to the immigrant community and its employees’ dedication to cultural integration and care for seniors and people with disabilities. He highlighted the importance of diversity in Western Australia, with CWCC embodying this spirit. Dr. Ting Chen, President of the Chung Wah Association; Theresa Kwok, CWCC’s CEO; and Esther Cheng, Chairperson of the CWCC Board, also delivered inspiring speeches, celebrating CWCC’s mission, accomplishments, and community support while looking ahead to future growth and innovation.
In a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside CWCC’s senior clients and volunteers, the Premier and other guests marked the beginning of a new chapter in CWCC’s commitment to serving the immigrant community. To commemorate the occasion, CWCC presented guests with gift boxes, including a special 40th-anniversary publication capturing CWCC’s history, service milestones, and community stories. This keepsake edition will soon be available on CWCC’s website—stay tuned!
Since its founding, CWCC has been driven by the vision of “creating a better community for all.” This commitment has been at the heart of its services for forty years. Looking ahead, CWCC will continue to uphold this vision, advancing cross-cultural collaboration and embracing innovative initiatives to foster community unity and build a more compassionate society.