Media Release: AVWA Marks 50 Years of Vietnamese Australian Refugees with Successful Thrive 2025 Celebration
Media Release: AVWA Marks 50 Years of Vietnamese Australian Refugees with Successful Thrive 2025 Celebration
Be part of this historic celebration as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future!
Richmond, VIC - March 3, 2025
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) proudly commemorated the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese refugees arriving in Australia with its Thrive 2025 event on Saturday, 1 March 2025.
Held at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island, the event brought together community members, veterans, and distinguished guests to honour the sacrifices of Australian Veterans and celebrate the vibrant multicultural fabric that unites us all.
Pictured: Attendees gathered at the Thrive 2025 Celebration
Attendees enjoyed an inspiring day at the breathtaking Bass Coast, Bunurong Land. The atmosphere was electric as community members, veterans, and guests united in a display of shared heritage and collective pride.
Distinguished guests included
• General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) and Lady Lynne Cosgrove
• Hon Julian Hill, MP, Federal Member for Bruce, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
• Dr Daniel Mulino, Federal Member for Fraser, Chair of Standing Committee on Economics
• Russell Broadbent, Federal Member for Monash
• Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, State Member for St Albans, Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth
• Hon Ingrid Stitt MP, Member for Western Metropolitan, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs
• Jordan Crugnale, Member for Bass
• Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chair Victorian Multicultural Commission
• Commissioner Oanh Thi Tran, Fair Work Commission
• Cr Rochelle Halstead, Mayor Bass Coast Shire
• Duy Nguyen, President of VCA-VIC
• Dat Van Dang, President of Vietnamese Veterans Association
• Tammy Nguyen, CEO, Bruce Mildenhall, Chair, Vietnamese Museum Australia
• Ngoc Tien Pham, President of Vietnamese Naval Association
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The presence of these distinguished guests added significant gravitas to the celebration, as their insightful contributions through speeches and personal narratives not only honoured the past but also inspired hope for the future. Their participation underscored AVWA’s unwavering commitment to preserving our cultural legacy and promoting unity within the community. The event was supported by the Victorian State Government and the Victorians Veterans Council.
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Hon Julian Hill MP, Federal Member for Bruce, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs noted the sensitivity of anniversary of the Fall of Saigon for Vietnamese refugees and Veterans “The anniversary carries with it loss sadness and melancholy for many comrades fallen, the homeland's lives left behind, journeys made across the sea. But 50 years on is also a time to celebrate the remarkable contribution to Vietnamese Australians to our nation. Thrive 2025 is apt, because the Vietnamese community is thriving.”
Mr Hill also recognised the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, “Providing this place of recognition and remembrance, for keeping the story of Australia's military history alive and making accessible to all Australians. It is a fitting venue for today's celebrations.”
Pictured: Hon Julian Hill MP at Thrive 2025, commemorating 50 years of Vietnamese contributions at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.
Pictured: Held at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, the event honoured the sacrifices of Australian veterans and celebrated the multicultural fabric that unites us all.
“Today has been one of the most memorable days of my life. I dedicate this day to my courageous and hardworking parents, who made the life-changing decision to come to Australia in 1979. It has been wonderful working with the National Vietnam Veterans Museum. Together with our AVWA team, we have been able to bring 300 people together to reflect on the service of the Veterans, their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of many refugee parents, to ultimately the success of the Vietnamese community.” – Nicky Chung, CEO of AVWA
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1. Storytelling & Performances:
The engaging storytelling sessions offered profound insights into the remarkable journey of Vietnamese refugees over the past five decades, leaving the audience inspired by the enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage on display.
The talented musical artist, Hoai Phuong, delivered an awe-inspiring performance that captivated everyone in attendance. Her uplifting voice resonated throughout the Vung Tau Room of the Museum, touching the hearts and spirits of all who were present.
Pictured: Hoai Phuong captivated the audience with a soulful performance, celebrating the beauty of traditional Vietnamese music.
Pictured: The AVAC Traditional Dance group honoured Vietnamese heritage with a graceful and captivating performance.
Pictured: Journey Speakers – Professor Tien Kieu and Ms. Liem Kieu – exemplified the resilience and enduring legacy of the Vietnamese refugee experience, sharing their powerful insights through their presence and storytelling.
2. Community Engagement:
The highlight of the event was the final performance by the Hoa Lu Scout group, who presented a rendition of the traditional story "Một Mẹ Trăm Con – The Primordial Ancestors of the Vietnamese People." The Scout group had camped at the grounds of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, dedicating time to prepare for this remarkable performance.
Every guest was enthralled, with many laughs and sighs of joy filling the room.
Pictured: The Hoa Lu Scout Group’s final performance brought Một Mẹ Trăm Con to life, celebrating Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Pictured: Writing competition winners speech and awards, presented by Hon Natalie Suleyman MP & Hon Ingrid Stitt MP
Pictured: Community leaders and distinguished guests mark 50 years of Vietnamese settlement, expressing gratitude to Vietnam Veterans, the Australian Government, and the people of Australia for their support.
Pictured: AVWA leadership and guests reaffirm their commitment to community service and positive change as the Vietnamese community continues to enrich and honour Australia.
Looking Ahead, AVWA Plans to:
Building on the success of Thrive 2025, AVWA remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering and uniting our community. Our future initiatives will celebrate cultural heritage and drive innovative programs that honour our past while inspiring the future. AVWA will continue to forge connections between organisations and community groups, fostering collaboration with emerging communities.
About AVWA
The Australian Vietnamese Women's Association (AVWA), established 42 years ago, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and empowerment of Vietnamese community members. With over 420 employees across Victoria, AVWA provides a range of services including aged and disability care, playgroups, vocational training, and counselling services. AVWA operates five key program areas: Family and Children Services, Training and Vocational Services, Aged and Disability Services, Health and Community Wellbeing, and Cultural and Language Services.
Media Contact Nicky Chung CEO Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Inc. Email:
Media Contact
Nicky Chung
CEO
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Inc.
Email:
Phone: 0475 871 589
