On 16th June 2016, ACCA held the launching ceremony of the “Healthy Living Community Programme” at its Western Centre in Parramatta, attended by over one hundred seniors and guests.

Ms Shirley Chan, the President of ACCA delivered the opening speech. She firstly expressed her appreciation to the guests presented to support the programme who are: the Hon Alex Hawke MP, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer (Guest of Honour); Mr Paul Garrard, Board Member of Parramatta Leagues Club; Ms Julie Owens MP, Federal Member for Parramatta; Dr Geoff Lee MP, State Member for Parramatta; Ms Julia Finn MP, State Member for Granville; Mr John Chedid, former Lord Mayer of Parramatta; Mr Michael Beckwith, Liberal Candidate for Parramatta. She also acknowledged ACCA’s 42 years of dedication and commitment on Australian Chinese community service and looked forward to promoting healthy living through a series of activities and classes (e.g. Tai Chi and Kung Fu) of the the “Healthy Living Community Programme” to the communities. At the end, she paid tribute to the donor of the programme – Parramatta Leagues Club for their generous donation of $10,000, and wished all seniors have a healthy and long life to enjoy.

All the guests made their speech after, paying tribute to the sacrifice and effort the seniors have made to make Australia a prosperous and peaceful country. The seniors are role models and treasure of the society. The guests also acknowledged ACCA’s “Healthy Living Community Programme” which creatively provides activities combining cultural appreciation and healthy exercise, and hope the programme can promote healthy living for not only Chinese community but all other communities.

Dancers from ACCA dance group then performed a beautiful Chinese cultural dance, followed by Tai Chi exercise moves demonstrated by Tai Chi master Mr William Ho.

The ceremony ended with group photo and lunch buffet.