Box Hill Hawks Celebrate Multiculturalism at Lunar New Year Celebrations Dinner
On January 31st, the Box Hill Hawks successfully hosted our third Lunar New Year Celebrations Dinner, welcoming nearly 140 distinguished guests from politics, business, and multicultural communities. The evening showcased the club’s commitment to diversity, community engagement, and strengthening ties with the Asian and broader multicultural communities.
Distinguished Guests & Key Speakers
The event featured an esteemed lineup of guests, including:
Government & Political Leaders
– Chinese Consulate Representatives: Ms. Zeng Hui, wife of the Consul General of China in Melbourne, and Consul Michael Chen Han
– Deputy Chair Bwe Thay, Victorian Multicultural Commision (Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of VMC, an apology)
– Keith Wolahan MP, Federal Member for Menzies
– Paul Hamer MP, State Member for Box Hill
– Hon. Bruce Atkinson, Former President, Victorian Legislative Council
– Mayor CR Andrew Davenport, Whitehorse City Council
– Richard Welch MP, Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
AFL & Sporting Representatives:
– Andy Gowers, President, Hawthorn Football Club
– Arthur Wu, Former AFL Strategy Team Member & President, Chinese Masonic Society Melbourne Lodge
– Box Hill Hawks Football Representatives in,
– Zane Littlejohn, VFL Senior Coach
– Michael Ericson, VFLW Senior Coach
– Callum Porter, VFL Captain
– Gabby Collingwood, VFLW Player
Speeches & Remarks:
Ed Sill, Box Hill Hawks Football Club President
Welcomed guests and highlighted the club’s multicultural engagement, past achievements, and upcoming ground re-development. Praising Diana Lin’s leadership in strengthening community ties.
Ed also acknowledged Box Hill Hawks Football Club Board of Directors: Vice President Carli Barnes, John Ure, David Schwarz, Jacob Attwood and General Manager, Pat Clancey. As well as Hawthorn Board Members present: Ian Silk and Anne-Marie Pellizzer.
Diana Lin, Director of Box Hill Hawks
Thanked the Hawthorn Football Club Board, Box Hill Hawks Board, coaches, captains, and staff for their invaluable support. She emphasized the club’s ongoing commitment to promoting football within multicultural communities and acknowledged the strong presence of Chinese and Asian business leaders, sponsors, and government representatives.
She specially recognized club Event Coordinator, Emily Mowat, for her outstanding efforts in the preparation of this event.
Ms. Zeng Hui, Chinese Consulate Representative
Explained the Year of the Snake mascot, symbolizing good luck, hard work, and rising success, and extended warm wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
Her vivid speech captivated the audience, sparking keen interest in the mascots and fostering a strong sense of connection and rapport among attendees.
Bwe Thay, Deputy Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission
Highlighted Victoria’s rich multiculturalism and the role of events like these in fostering inclusion and cultural exchange. He credited Diana Lin for her leadership as well as promoted Cultural Diversity Week (March 17–23).
Keith Wolahan MP, Federal Member for Menzies
Drew parallels between the skill, strength, and perseverance required for both lion dancing and football, emphasizing the importance of resilience in both sport and community. He also highlighted the rich history of the Australian Chinese community, underscoring their significant contributions and cultural influence.
Mayor CR Andrew Davenport, Whitehorse City Council
Spoke about the government’s development plans for the region and the importance of increased engagement with the Chinese community through initiatives like the Chinese Community Council’s WeChat page.
Paul Hamer MP, State Member for Box Hill
Emphasized the importance of broader community involvement in football, recognizing the role of inclusivity in strengthening connections. He also praised Diana Lin for her outstanding work, while expressing his pride in being born in the Year of the Snake and his personal connection to the gold and brown colours of the Box Hill Hawks.
Hon. Bruce Atkinson, Former President, Victorian Legislative Council
Praised the AFL and Hawthorn Football Club, particularly Diana Lin’s efforts in embracing diversity. He also commended the Chinese community’s significant contributions to the sport, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and multicultural engagement in Australian football.
Arthur Wu, Former AFL Strategy Team Member & President, Chinese Masonic Society Melbourne Lodge
Recognized the club and Diana Lin’s efforts in strengthening multicultural, commercial, and community connections. He also underscored the importance of government support for multiculturalism.
Strengthening Community Engagement
The Box Hill Hawks continue to expand the reach of Australian Rules Football through key initiatives:
- Engagement with Chinese Schools – Thanks to Principals Xiumei Li and Philip Chui, more students are being introduced to the sport.
- Annual Lunar New Year Celebrations – Bringing together leaders from AFL, ACBC, VMC, Chinese business sectors, and diverse communities to foster stronger connections.
Also in attendance were business leaders, multicultural representatives, and community figures, reinforcing the club’s role in promoting inclusion and engagement:
• Local Councillors: Cr. Peter Allan, Cr. Kirsten Langford, Cr. Nicky Luo
• Jill Morgan AM, National Deputy Chair of FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia)
• Jessica Billimoria, Head of CultureVerse Victoria, along with Rebecca Song and Miko Hernandez
• ACBC National Board member Laura Mattiazzi (National CEO, Tom Parker an apology)
• Lisa Anderson, President and Russell Donovan, General Manager of Box Hill Golf Club
• Laura Qin, CEO of Ausfocus Media
• Philip Liu, President of Asian Multimedia Newspaper
• Li Haiying, Australian Chinese Daily Newspaper
Chinese Commercial and Community Presidents:
• Derrick Chen and his committee from FCA, including Community Presidents Ying Du, Anthony Lin, Gaochao Fu, Gordon Zhou, Xiumei Li, Henry Lin, Diane Feng, and Xiaoli Xu
• Bihong Wang, President of ABAW (Asian Business Association of Whitehorse)
• Simon Qian, President of the Australian Shanghai Business Association
• Charles Qin OAM, Kate Richie, leading interpreter for the Federal Cabinet
• Jimmy Li, President of CCCAV
• Marc Xu & Raymond Gu, Presidents of ACWA
• Charles Zhang, President of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat
Club welcomed Multicultural Community and Commercial Leaders:
• Dr. Bruce Wong, representing the Cambodian community
• Sunny Duggal & Manjit from Community Response Australia, representing the Indian community
• Harpreet Kaur, from the Indian community,
• Mohit, representing the Indonesian community
• Huss Mustafa from the Australian Turkish Assistance Foundation, representing the Turkish community
Their presence highlights the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year and encourages greater multicultural understanding.
Acknowledging Club Supporters
Table Sponsors
Ed Sill, Matthew Wheelton, Derrick Chen, Jacky Zhang, Simon Qian, John Huang, Dr. Bruce Wong, Paul Hooper, Diana Lin, Stephanie Zhang
Event Sponsor
Pettavel Winery – Lily Wang, which also provided wine for the Australian Prime Minister’s anniversary celebration.
Key Club Partners & Mustang Members Supporters:
• John Stonemart Memorials – Jacky Zhang (First Asian Major Sponsor, 2023)
• Fenjiu International – Choiphy Zhao (Second Asian Major Sponsor, 2024)
• Budget Car & Truck Rental – Matthew Wheelton (Major Sponsor, 39th year)
• Foot Solutions Australia – Dr. Bruce Wong
• Tobin Brothers – Paul Hooper
• Robinson Gill Lawyers – Anna Robinson & Rachael McKendrick
Special Thanks to the Performers
• CCCV Lion Dance Troupe – Minh Le & Team
• Beiling Chen – Electric Violin
• Willow Guo – Chinese Lute/Pipa
• Aiqin Fan – Face-Changing Performance
Lucky Draw & Auction Supporters
• “Year of the Snake Mascots – Si Sheng Sheng” (Gift from Chinese Consul General Mr. Fang Xinwen and Ms. Zeng Hui)
• Fenjiu Zhuyeqing – Fuja Fenjiu, Choiphy Zhao
• 2x 100% Australian Made Wool Quilts – donated by Merinokomf
• Nissan Z Drive Weekend Voucher
• 2x Box Hill Golf Club Voucher’s
• 2020 Hawthorn Football Club Entire Squad Signed Guernsey
Looking Ahead
The Box Hill Hawks Football Club Lunar New Year Celebrations Dinner showcased the power of sport in uniting communities. As the Box Hill Hawks continue to grow, we remain committed to fostering multicultural inclusion, strengthening partnerships, and building meaningful connections.
A heartfelt thank you to all guests, sponsors, and the Hawks family for making this celebration a success—the club looks forward to an exciting year ahead!
