CLTANT Delegation Attends the 24th Anniversary Celebration of Melbourne De Jiao Association (ZCK)

On 31 May 2026, the Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of the Northern Territory (CLTANT) was honoured to attend the 24th anniversary celebration of the Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society (ZCK) in Melbourne, with Chairperson Mr Jian Wu and Secretary Mr Jinyi Wu representing the Northern Territory Chinese education community at this significant multicultural gathering.

Established in 2002, ZCK is the Melbourne chapter of De Jiao, or the “Teaching of Virtues,” an organisation dedicated to promoting moral education, intercultural understanding, and world harmony through its guiding philosophy grounded in the De Jiao Xin Dian. Its enduring mission is encapsulated in its powerful guiding principle: “Rejoice in the success of others. For it prevents resentment and imparts hatred against others, leading to a more harmonious society.” This philosophy is not only aspirational but deeply embedded in the organisation’s wide-ranging activities, all of which contribute to strengthening social cohesion in Australia’s diverse multicultural landscape.

The anniversary celebration provided a vivid and inspiring example of multiculturalism in action. Representatives from a wide spectrum of Chinese community organisations, as well as leaders from other ethnic and cultural groups, gathered together in a shared spirit of unity, mutual respect, and celebration. The presence of the President of the Melbourne Chinese Federation highlighted the strength and interconnectedness of Chinese associations across Victoria, while the diversity of attendees—from different linguistic, cultural, and faith backgrounds—demonstrated how events such as this transcend individual community identities to foster broader intercultural dialogue. The seamless interaction between these groups illustrated that multiculturalism in Australia is not merely symbolic but actively lived through meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Throughout the evening, a series of speeches and cultural presentations created an atmosphere that was both celebratory and deeply reflective. The Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne delivered an address that resonated strongly with the audience, emphasising the importance of cultural exchange, moral development, and the strengthening of ties between communities. Her speech, alongside those of various community leaders, captivated attendees and underscored shared values such as harmony, respect, and collective responsibility. These speeches were not only ceremonial but carried strong emotional and intellectual impact, leaving a lasting impression on all present. In addition, the CLTANT delegation had the valuable opportunity to meet and engage in meaningful discussions with the President of the Melbourne Chinese Federation. This exchange provided an important platform for sharing perspectives on community development, cultural engagement, and the role of Chinese organisations within Australia’s broader multicultural framework.

ZCK’s long-standing commitment to community engagement was also evident through its extensive program of activities, which extend well beyond anniversary celebrations. Initiatives such as the Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program aim to instil ethical values in younger generations, while events like Multicultural Christmas, Chinese New Year celebrations, and Lanterns for All bring together people from diverse backgrounds in shared cultural experiences. Participation in Cultural Diversity Week and World Interfaith Week reflects the organisation’s dedication to fostering dialogue across cultures and faiths, while regular activities such as Tai Chi sessions and Eco Enzyme workshops promote wellbeing and environmental awareness within the community. These ongoing programs illustrate how ZCK’s philosophy is translated into practice, building sustained connections and nurturing a sense of belonging across cultural boundaries.

For the CLTANT delegation, the celebration was not only an opportunity to observe but also to engage actively with community leaders and representatives from various organisations. Mr Jian Wu took the initiative to connect with attendees from different cultural and organisational backgrounds, exchanging ideas on community building, education, and cultural collaboration. These conversations reinforced the importance of establishing strong networks between organisations and highlighted the role that community events play in fostering trust, understanding, and cooperation across diverse groups. The engagement extended beyond formal introductions, developing into meaningful discussions on how similar initiatives could be adapted and implemented in the Northern Territory.

The experience provided valuable insights for CLTANT, particularly in understanding how multicultural events can serve as effective platforms for strengthening community cohesion. The diversity seen at the ZCK celebration demonstrated that when different organisations come together with a shared vision, they can create a vibrant and inclusive environment that benefits all members of society. This model of collaboration is especially relevant for regions like Darwin, where multicultural communities are growing and where there is significant potential to further develop interconnected community networks.

Mr Jian Wu reflected that the event offered a compelling example of how Chinese community organisations can play a broader role within Australia’s multicultural framework, not only preserving cultural heritage but also actively contributing to social harmony. He expressed a strong intention to bring these experiences back to Darwin, exploring ways to build stronger partnerships between local organisations and to cultivate a more dynamic and inclusive multicultural environment. Similarly, Mr Jinyi Wu emphasised that such events highlight the importance of community organisations as spaces of belonging, learning, and mutual support, particularly for new migrants adjusting to life in Australia.

The 24th anniversary celebration of ZCK ultimately showcased the transformative power of diversity, demonstrating that cultural differences, when embraced and celebrated, can become a source of strength and unity. For CLTANT, the visit was both inspiring and instructive, reinforcing its commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and collaboration within the Northern Territory. By drawing on the successful practices and philosophies exemplified by ZCK, CLTANT aims to contribute to the ongoing development of a more connected, inclusive, and harmonious multicultural society in Australia.