Victor Chang Community Service Award

Ms Hua Mei Ruan

Ms Hua Mei Ruan receives this award for her work with the Australian Federation of Chinese Organisations and the Australian Chinese Immigration Association.

One of her notable achievements was to, almost single-handedly; convince the Federal Government to increase the intake of migrant parents by fifty percent. As a migrant parent herself, she is passionate about this issue and recognises well the benefits of this programme to Australia.

Professional artists from China are another group of immigrants to greatly benefit from Ms Ruans voluntary service which provided them with a platform and many opportunities to showcase their skills. Their performances opened the eyes of the local Chinese and the wider communities to the new culture of China. She believes the appreciation of the arts greatly increases mutual understanding across the community.

Ms Ruans broad-based work in youth and culture includes organising Chinese schools, English classes, Tai Chi classes and performances such as Shanghai Opera.

She has shown initiative, courage and wisdom in making valuable and significant contributions to the community, despite her initial lack of English language, making her an outstanding role model for the younger generation