Newsletter

18 APRIL 2025

Latest 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:

Bank: ANZ Bank

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