For the first interview in this series, I caught up with Young Victorian of the Year Wesa Chau for an insight into her life and the causes she is passionate about.
What do you do?
I am currently employed at ADEC – Advocacy, Disability, Ethnicity, Community – a non-profit organisation empowering people with disability from ethnic communities. My role there is a Direct Services Manager to oversee client services, including advocacy, respite and group activities. I also sit on the board of Immigration Women Domestic Violence Service.
I was a founder for the Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS), and current Honorary President. Since 2002, AFIS has been working to help bridge the gap between international students and the wider Australian community. Through AFIS, I was invited to be a member on the Overseas Student Experience Taskforce in 2008, and is now also on the Board of Management of the Victorian International Education Industry Group.
As part of AFIS’ project, in 2004 we ran a project with the Student Youth Network (SYN) called Mirchi Sushi Crab, a platform for international students to voice their stories, concerns, enjoyments on radio, and through that learning and developing some new skills.
In recent years, I also help establish the Chinese Community Council of Australia Victoria Chapter, a peak advocacy body to represent the interest of the Chinese community in Victoria and to assist in raising awareness of Australian politics among people of Chinese descent.
A few years back, I was a Councillor of 3ZZZ Melbourne Ethnic Community Radio, the largest ethnic community station in Australia, helping to shape the station. I was also a presenter at the station for about 4 years on the Chinese language program.
Currently, I’m the Assistant Secretary and Youth Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, a peak body representing the interests of ethnic communities. In addition to that, I'm on the Board of Management of the Immigrant Women Domestic Violence Service.
Other organisations I’m involved in: North East Melbourne Chinese Association, University of Melbourne Alumni Association (Asia).
What made you go on this path?
Fate is the short answer. When I was studying at University, I never thought I would go down this path. I was studying Software Engineering and Commerce (combined degree) at the time, and naturally thinking of pursuing a career in businesses. I was at the time part of the Chinese Culture Society, and through that saw the struggles of international students and a group of us thought we can do something together to assist international students – at a time when no one was interested in international student issues. One thing then led to another and I'm now working in the community sector on a full time basis.
Are there any projects you are looking to get into in the future?
My interest is to determine ways to create a harmonious community through respect of diversity (in culture, religion etc…). Looking to get involved in projects that facilitate the cross-cultural communication. If we can get this right in Victoria, we can be a world leader on a global scale, to show the world that harmony can be achieved through working together.
Tell us about winning the Young Victorian of the Year award.
It is exciting to have people recognising the commitment to my work in the community.
What's your background?
I come from Hong Kong, migrated here in 1989.
What makes you laugh?
Lots! I laugh all the time. Laughing is a great way to relief stress for me.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Myself – I mean this in the sense that I couldn’t live without my integrity – to be true to myself.
What was the last book/movie that you read/saw?
Toy Story 3
What’s one thing about yourself most people wouldn’t know?
Practicing sound healing with crystal singing bowls. They’re a set of bowls made of quartz crystal that sings when you rub its rim. It is a form of energy healing. A great relaxing tool for me and others.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Asian Australians?
Asian Australians need to start voicing our concerns a lot more. Currently not many are doing it, and sometimes could not get the ears of people who make decisions. Therefore we miss out.
What’s your favourite memory about growing up Asian in Australia?
Going to the music house every lunch time with a group of friends during high school. We started an all girls band at school and was very enjoyable!
What advice would you give to young Asian Australians at achieving their goals?
Never give up! If you don’t give up, there is still hope, if you also give up, the hope is gone. We need hope to achieve our dreams! There will always be challenges, dark times, sometimes even failures, and it is only through overcoming them you achieve.
You can find out more about ADEC here. Thank you Wesa for your time and for giving us the chance to know more about you.
Click here to read other interviews in the Know Your Asian Australians series
