At 6:00 pm on Saturday, 7 March 2026, the Landmark Restaurant in Sunnybank was brightly lit and filled with excitement as the Grand Opening Gala Dinner for the CFAQ Community Centre was held. Organised by the Chinese Fraternity Association of Queensland (CFAQ), the event welcomed more than one hundred community members, political representatives and community leaders who gathered to celebrate this special milestone.
The evening officially commenced at 6:00 pm, with MCs Lewis Lee OAM and Shirley Mak guiding the program. The event began with a traditional Acknowledgement of Country, paying respect to the Traditional Owners of the land.
Following this, the Brisbane First Chinese Scout Group led the audience in singing the Australian national anthem, showcasing the younger generation’s sense of pride and cultural confidence.
CFAQ President Maria Hong delivered the opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the strong support from the community. This was followed by congratulatory speeches from several distinguished guests, including Federal Member for Moreton Julie-Ann Campbell MP, Member for Maroochydore Hon Fiona Simpson MP, and other representatives such as Cr Steven Huang, James Martin MP, Katherine Li, Peter Low and Peter Zhuang. Each acknowledged the importance of the CFAQ Community Centre in strengthening community connections and preserving cultural heritage.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a variety of vibrant performances. Member Yang Yang presented the energetic Xinjiang dance Huli Matang, which received enthusiastic applause. The Brisbane First Chinese Scout Group then performed the classic Australian folk songs Waltzing Matilda and Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree, reflecting a beautiful blend of cultures.
Yuki Hoe and Xiandi Liu followed with a multilingual song medley featuring the Hokkien song Hao Ni Jiu Lai, the Cantonese classic Legend of the Hungry Wolf, the Mandarin pop song Look at My 72 Transformations, All the Way With You, and finishing with Daoma Dan, bringing the atmosphere to a lively high point.
During the dinner, a charity auction hosted by Lewis Lee OAM generated an enthusiastic response from the audience. The excitement continued with a lucky draw, filling the room with laughter and celebration as guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening together.
The event concluded at 9:30 pm in a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Through this gala dinner, the CFAQ Community Centre not only showcased its commitment to serving the community and preserving cultural traditions but also laid a strong foundation for future community initiatives.
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Photos courtesy of https://www.meipian.cn/5kkj4834
