A unique organisation in the Vietnamese Diaspora in both size and diversity of services.
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Incorporated , formerly, Australian Vietnamese Women’s Welfare Association, has been serving the community since its establishment on January 15th, 1983
Despite changes in technology and society, our core mission has stayed the same, which is a testament to the enduring relevance of our work. We remain committed to our goals and look forward to continuing to serve our community in the years to come.
We offer a wide variety of programs and support to meet the unique needs of our community.
We believe that this diversity is what makes us stronger and better able to serve those who rely on us. Whether you're seeking assistance for yourself or a loved one, you can trust that our organization is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to all.
1983
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association , formerly Australian Vietnamese Women’s Welfare Association (AVWWA) was founded by Mrs. Cam Nguyen when she invited 15 women to attend the inaugural meeting on 15th January 1983. Among the founding members, were Ms. Thanh-Kham Tran-Dang and a young student now Professor Nathalie Nguyen, author of several books on the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese Diaspora.
It took the founding members nearly six months to finalise the constitution and strategic directions of the organisation. It was agreed that AVWWA was to be apolitical and its mission was to serve the Vietnamese community in Melbourne. Our mode of operation was to be that of an Australian organisation, fully incorporated with public benevolent status, providing services at the highest quality standards
1983
1990s
In the first 17 years, the organisation was feeling its way in the difficult tasks of increasing membership, developing leadership, finding funds and recruiting staff.
2000s
In 2000s, we witnessed a marked development of the association with the annual budget and range of services increasing steadily from year to year. In May 2004, the then president Cam Nguyen agreed to become the CEO. The annual income immediately crossed the $1 million dollar mark in the following financial year 2004-2005.
In 2007, the word “welfare” was dropped from the name of the organisation, not because it was no longer involved in providing welfare services but because the range of projects encompassed so many other services apart from welfare ones.
The vision “ of a harmonious society …” was presented and approved at the 2007 Annual General Meeting while the values of “Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Compassion & Excellence” and the mission “to help individuals and families know their rights, responsibilities, improve their health, happiness and well-being” were adopted at the 2008 AGM.
In the same year, In 2008, AVWA celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception in Queen’s Hall, attended by the Premier John Brumby, ministers, MPs & community leaders. A bilingual book “A home of many rooms” written by Dr Catherine Earl and funded by the School of Communications, Culture and Languages of Victoria University, is an oral history of the development of the organisation in its first 25 years. According to Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, the book, a substantial 333 page work with numerous illustrations is an “invigorating history” “which cheers and encourages those who are struggling now with the same issues of sexism, racism and cultural prejudice. It deserves to be widely read”.
2000s
2010 - 2019
Our revenue doubled to over $2 million in 2009 - 2010, doubled again in the following five years to over $4 million, in 2015 and reached $12.5 million in 2018 - 2019.
In February 2015, having outgrown our Footscray office in Nicholson St, we moved to a newly bought and outfitted office in Braybrook, opposite the Central West Plaza and located close to the centre of Melbourne West where 50% of Vietnamese Victorians live. At the request of the Vietnamese councillor of the City of Greater Dandenong, Cr Loi, we opened an additional office in Springvale to service South East Melbourne which a quarter of Vietnamese Victorians called home but was very much under-serviced
In 2017, Innovation was added to the list of core values. A block in Parsons Avenue, Springvale was bought a year later and was developed into a service hub.
2022
In August, Nicky Chung took on the role of CEO
Cam Nguyen was appointed the President of AVWA in November.
2022
2023
AVWA’s newest Springvale flagship facility was officially opened by the Premier, Daniel Andrews
AVWA new brand launch. The apricot blossom is the inspiration of the AVWA logo, its five petals represent five blessings—Joy, Luck, Longevity, Prosperity and Peace.
2024
December: AVWA introduces its home meal delivery service, delivering in its first year, 21,386 meals to help people from all backgrounds remain well and independent in their own homes.
2024
2025
Marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese refugee settlement in Australia.
2026
AVWA’s newest Thomastown office was officially opened in January, providing much needed services to the 15,000 or more Vietnamese in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
2026
Our Future
AVWA’s Amplify Plan Strategic Roadmap 2026 - 2028: Bridging Generations and Communities with Care, Culture, and Excellence
“Lá lành đùm lá rách.” The whole leaf shelters the torn leaf.
Innovating new ways to reach the people who need us, when they need us
“Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao.” One tree cannot make a hill, three trees together make a high mountain.
Working powerfully together to deliver powerful outcomes
“Tốt gỗ hơn tốt nước sơn.” Good wood is better than good paint.
Working alongside our community, every step of the way
Communicates and acts in a way that promotes trust and honesty
Accepting, valuing and honouring others' works and ideas
Actively promotes equity, diversity and inclusion at AVWA
Acting with empathy, love, and care in their work, to alleviate difficulties for others.
Delivers exceptional achievement in their position or contribution at AVWA
Collaborating with others to present, develop and implement viable innovative ideas
A harmonious society in which everyone, irrespective of age, gender, skills, abilities, ethnicity & religion, feels valued, is motivated and empowered to contribute.
To assist individuals and families, our mission is to help them to know their rights, responsibilities, options and opportunities, to realise their full potential and to improve their health, happiness and well being
To provide a framework for mainly Vietnamese women to collaborate and learn to lead and operate a not-for-profit organisation to assist the settlement and harmonious integration of refugees and migrants of Vietnamese and other backgrounds in Victoria.
To help Victorians, irrespective of age, gender, religion or ethnic background, obtain the information they need, know their rights, responsibilities, options and opportunities, realise their full potential and improve their health, happiness and well-being.
To provide high quality education and training services to the disadvantaged people in Victoria including the unemployed, the educationally disadvantaged, the aged and people with disabilities.
