MEDIA RELEASE: AVWA CELEBRATES DOUBLE MILESTONE WITH OFFICIAL OPENING OF THOMASTOWN HUB

Thomastown, Victoria – The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) has officially inaugurated its newest permanent location at 7 Wall Street, Thomastown, with a ceremony that carried dual significance: marking the expansion of critical services into Melbourne’s north and celebrating the organisation’s 43rd anniversary.

Yesterday’s official opening brought together dignitaries, community leaders, members, staff and volunteers to celebrate a journey that began more than four decades ago.

AVWA Founder and President, Cam Nguyen OAM, reflected on the organisation’s humble origins during her keynote address. “Today is a very special day... It marks the 43rd anniversary of the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association,” said Mrs. Nguyen. “We were fifteen women and we made the decision to start the Vietnamese Women's Association... with the mission of providing services to the most disadvantaged members.” 

Ms Nicky Chung, CEO of AVWA, highlighted the strategic importance of the new site. “With the addition of this Thomastown office, we now provide full metro coverage, complementing our existing locations in Braybrook in the West, Springvale in the Southeast, and Richmond located centrally,” Ms. Chung said.

The event featured powerful endorsements from state and local government representatives who recognised AVWA’s professionalism and scale. Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, State Member for Thomastown, praised the organisation as a model for the sector:“I can see that other organisations that want to partner and learn from you because of what you've built here... a strong workforce that really provides such vital services.” 

Eden Foster MP, State Member for Mulgrave, highlighted the organisation’s unique ability to bridge generations:“From every age range you are connecting with our Vietnamese community. So credit to you for doing that with cultural understanding, cultural respect, and being able to connect community members with one another.”

Trung Luu MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Police and Criminal Justice Reform, noted the extraordinary growth of the non-profit:“Starting with a group of ladies over 43 years ago with only a few hundred dollars of grant, now into an organisation... with turnover of over $50 million annually... that is a milestone for any language, any communities across the world.” 

Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox, Mayor of the City of Whittlesea, welcomed the association with warmth and humour, acknowledging the high local demand for their services:“It's great that you have offices over in Springvale and Braybrook and Richmond... and now we're in the north. Where have you been? You should have been here a long time ago.” 

The ceremony also featured a moving address regarding a student from the Reconnect program. After facing significant personal challenges including unemployment, family violence, and a battle with cancer, the support from AVWA helped her regain her mental health and confidence to build a brighter future.

The new Thomastown hub is now open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, offering services across five program areas:

• Aged & Disability Services (Home care, home meal delivery, social support)

• Training & Vocational Services (Training in Aged, Disability and Child Care)

• Family & Children Services (Playgroups and Tutoring)

• Health & Community Wellbeing Services (Counselling Services)

• Cultural & Language Services (Cultural advisory)

Media Contact

Nicky Chung

CEO

Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone number 0475 871 589

For more information about AVWA please visit https://avwa.org.au/en/

AVWA

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of Vietnamese community members. AVWA has 435 employees, 4 offices in Victoria, and five program areas – Family and Children Services, Training and Vocational Services, Aged and Disability Services, Health and Community Wellbeing and Cultural and Language Services. AVWA strives to address the unique needs and challenges faced by Vietnamese Australians and foster a supportive community environment.

Photos

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