Newsletter
Dear Members and Friends,
The Riverboat Postman Cruise – 24th March 2025
We had a fantastic turnout for the Riverboat Postman Cruise on Monday, 24 March 2025, with 37 attendees! Traveling to the Hawkesbury River was a breeze thanks to the convenient train access to Hawkesbury River Station.
Despite the cloudy skies and a few showers, spirits were high and everyone enjoyed a wonderful day on the water. A great time was had by all!
BRIGADOON - Annual Highland Gathering
5 April 2025 | Saturday | Bundanoon
A total of 43 participants joined in the celebration of Scottish heritage and culture at the vibrant BRIGADOON – Annual Highland Gathering on Saturday, 5 April 2025. The weather was picture-perfect—sunny and warm, setting the stage for a truly memorable day.
Festivities began at 9:00 am with a colourful Street Parade along Erith Street, featuring 25 Pipe Bands, Clans, and Floats. The energy continued at the Oval with a stirring Opening Ceremony, led by the Chieftain of the Day, and an awe-inspiring Massed Pipes and Drums display involving over 500 participants.
The program was packed with entertainment:
Scottish Country and Highland Dancing
Individual Pipe Band performances
Southern Highlands Kennel and Obedience Club demonstrations
The Fiddlers Tent with lively traditional music
Swordplay – a thrilling theatrical fencing and combat performance
The Kilted Dash, blending humour with athleticism
Australian Highland Heavy Weight Championship, showcasing strength and skill across five intense events
The Bundanoon Stones, where the mighty Kilted Warriors impressed with feats of strength and stamina
The day concluded with a powerful and moving Massed Pipes and Drums finale, accompanied by the haunting sound of the Lone Piper, leaving all in attendance with a lasting sense of awe and tradition.
Attendees also enjoyed exploring a wide variety of food and gift stalls, making it a full day of culture, music, fun, and community spirit.
3hr Scenic River Cruise
Monday, 26 May 2025 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | $30 per person
Step back in time and retrace the historic journey of Bass and Flinders, who in 1796 explored Port Hacking aboard the tiny 8-foot-long Tom Thumb II. Now, in comfort and style aboard the M.V. Tom Thumb III, you’ll enjoy a relaxing 3-hour cruise through the stunning upper reaches of the Hacking River—one of Sydney’s most pristine waterways.
Cruising through hidden bays, inlets, and down to the open expanses of Port Hacking and Bate Bay, you'll take in breathtaking views of the Royal National Park, learn about the area’s rich history, and see Aboriginal sites and their cultural meanings. From early European settlements and deer farming, to NSW's first fish hatchery, the live commentary by our experienced crew brings the past to life.
Enjoy morning tea onboard, and feel free to BYO lunch to enjoy during the cruise.
Tour Details:
🗓Date: Monday, 26 May 2025
🕙Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
📍Meeting Point:
9:00 am at Central Station (Eddy Avenue exit) to catch the 9:20 am train to Cronulla
OR meet directly at Cronulla Station at 10:06
am
🎟Cost: $30 per person
☕
Includes morning tea | 🍱 BYO lunch
👥Participants: Limited to 40 people
📝Register & purchase tickets through
our office
⏳Closing
Date: 19 May 2025
The cruise departs from the public wharf at Tonkin Street, Gunnamatta Bay, just a short walk from Cronulla Station. Please note: limited parking is available for cars and coaches.
Dongguan Youth Summer Camp
July 14 – July 24, 2025 | Ages 13–18 | $450 AUD per person
We’re excited to share that the 2025 Youth Summer Camp, jointly organized by the Guangdong Federation of Overseas Chinese and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Bureau of Dongguan, will be held in Dongguan, China from July 14 to July 24, 2025.
Our Association and Chamber of Commerce have secured 8 spots for youth participants aged 13 to 18. Young people with basic Chinese communication skills are welcome to apply—first come, first served!
Camp Highlights:
Cultural exchange with peers from multiple countries
Interactive Chinese language and cultural activities
Hosted in the vibrant city of Dongguan, in southern China
Important Details:
💰Cost: $450 AUD per person
✈️Departure City: Guangzhou (participants must arrange their own travel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport)
🛡Travel Insurance: Must be arranged individually
📅Dates: July 14 – July 24, 2025
🎤Language Requirement: Basic Chinese communication skills
This camp is co-organized by our Association and the “Hello! Chinese” All Australia Recite Organizing Committee.
📞To register or for more information, contact:
Teacher Danqing at 0451 177 678
Limited places available—don’t miss out on this unforgettable international
cultural experience!
Bowral Tulip Festival 2025
Tuesday, 16 September 2025 | 7:15 am – 3:30 pm | $10 per person
Celebrate spring in full bloom at the Bowral Tulip Festival, a cherished tradition in the Southern Highlands that began in 1961 thanks to local resident Ada Corbett. What started with just 500 tulips on a quiet corner lot has blossomed into an annual event featuring 100,000 tulips in dazzling colours and varieties, drawing thousands of visitors to Corbett Gardens each year.
Join us for a day trip to experience this floral spectacle!
Event Details:
📅Date: Tuesday, 16
September 2025
🕖Time: 7:00 am –
3:30 pm
🎟Cost: $10 per
person
🍽Lunch: Not included
– BYO lunch
👥Participants:
Limited to 30 people
📝Registration Deadline:
10 September 2025
🚉Meeting Point Options:
Meet at Central Station (Eddy Avenue exit) at 7:00 am to catch the 7:27 am train to Bowral
OR meet directly at Bowral Station at 9:56 am
Enjoy a peaceful walk among the blooms, explore local stalls, and soak in the charm of Bowral during one of its most beautiful seasons.
👉Register and purchase tickets through our office to secure your spot.
Let the tulips brighten your day—don’t miss this floral celebration!
Yunnan (Kunming) 15 days Tour (Details refer to attached itinerary)
19 October – 2 November 2025 | All-Inclusive | Max 34 Participants
We are delighted to offer an unforgettable 15-day tour to Yunnan, China, a journey rich in cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and authentic local experiences. With no shopping stops, this all-inclusive trip is designed to let you fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Yunnan—stress-free and worry-free.
🗓 Tour Dates:
Start: Sunday, 19 October 2025 – Kunming Changshui International Airport
End: Sunday, 2 November 2025 – Kunming Changshui International Airport
💰 Tour Price:
13,280 RMB per person
Includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and guided tours in Yunnan
Twin-share hotel accommodation (Single supplement applies if needed)
👥 Group Size:
Maximum 34 participants
Priority will be given to members
🧳 What’s Included:
All transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and guided cultural tours within Yunnan
No shopping detours – our focus is entirely on culture, history, nature, and exploration
👤 Tour Leader:
Wu Yingpei (吳英斐)
📞 137 7208 2932
💳 Payment Information:
Please remit/transfer the full amount to one of the following accounts:
BENEFICIARY:
XI’AN NEW CITIC INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CO. LTD
開戶名稱:西安中鑫信國際旅行社有限責任公司
Address:
2-21609, Building 5, Zhongmao Plaza, Nanguanzheng Street, Xi’an, China
地址:陝西省西安市碑林區南關正街中貿廣場5號樓2單元2106
BENEFICIARY BANK:
Evergrowing Bank Xi’an Branch
銀行:恆豐銀行西安分行
Bank Address:
No. 545 Erhuan South Road East Section, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
地址:陝西省西安市碑林區南二環東段545號
Account No. (RMB): 8029 1001 0122 8046 52 (人民幣帳號)
Account No. (HKD): 6105 0101 1001 0000 0331(香港元帳號)
Swift Code: HFBACNSD110
📌 Note: Flights to/from Kunming are not included. Participants are responsible for their own international flights.
📞 To register or for more details, please contact our office. Spots are limited—secure yours early!
We have arranged with a local Travel Agent who can assist you to arrange flights from Sydney to Kunming via Hong Kong or any cities in China. Please contact them directly
Sydney Travel Agent: MountainView (afta 12695), ATAS travel accredited A12277 Cathy Lee 0406 998 388; Email: mviewinvt@telstra.com
You can pay your annual membership fee and activities tickets directly into the Goon Yee Tong bank account in future. Here’s the bank details:
Account Name: Goon Yee Tong Limited
BSB: 012 071
Account No.: 4566 80809
Reference: Member Name, Member Number & Description of Activities
A reminder of the deadline for HSC Scholarship Application for this year is 30 November 2025
Goon Yee Tong Limited
President, Justin Chan
18 April 2025
2025 Event Schedule
|
![]() 19 January 2025 10am 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM)Members attend AGM in person . |
![]() 10 February 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) To be held at Zilver Chatswood |
![]() 24 March 2025 The Riverboat Postman
CruisePlease refer to the latest newsletter fo r details. |
![]() 5 April 2025 BRIGADOON - Annual Highland
GatheringPlease refer to the latest newsletter for details. |
![]() 13 April 2025 Ching Ming Festival TributesThe President and Directors will attend the Ching Ming Festival worship service. Members are welcome to attend. |
![]() 26 May 2025 3hr
Scenic River CruisePlease refer to the latest newsletter for details. |
![]() 14 - 24 July 2025 Dongguan
Youth Summer CampPlease referto the latest newsletter for details. |
![]() 16 September 2025 Bowral
Tulip Festival 2025Please refer to the latest newsletter for details. |
![]() 30 September 2025 Mid-Autumn (Moon) FestivalDetails TBC. Members are welcome to attend |
![]() 19 October - 2 November 2025 Yunnan
(Kunming) 15 days TourPlease refer to the latest newsletter for details. |
![]() 9 November 2025 Chung Yeung Festival TributesThe President and Directors will attend the Chung Yeung Festival worship service. Members are welcome to attend. |
![]() 30 November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM)Members attend AGM in person |
2024 Event Schedule |
![]() 28 April 2024 10am 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM)Members attend AGM in person . |
![]() Cancelled Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon) Cancelled due to financial pressure & it is hard to find a new venue. |
![]() 14 April 2024 Ching Ming Festival TributesThe President and Directors will attend the Ching Ming Festival worship service. Members are welcome to attend. |
![]() 10 September 2024 Mid-Autumn (Moon) FestivalDetails please refer to the latest newsletter. |
![]() 20 Septemberber 2024 Australian Museum TourA visit to the Australian Museum is the perfect day out for families, kids and young people. All members are welcomed to attend. Details please refer to the latest newsletter. |
![]() 29 September 2024 SymposiumMeet the board of directors to strengthen communication. All members are welcomed to attend. Details please refer to the latest newsletter. |
![]() 6 October 2024 Farm Cruise and Pearl Grading TourDiscover the untold story of the Australian Pearl. Details please refer to the latest newsletter. |
![]() 20 October 2024 Chung Yeung Festival TributesThe President and Directors will attend the Chung Yeung Festival worship service. Members are welcome to attend. Details please refer to the latest newsletter. |
![]() 8 December 2024 10am (Adjourned to 19 January 2025) 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM)Members attend AGM in person . |