Multicultural Events Round off the Year

 

The #OurEastwood photo competition 2015 encouraged amateur photographers to take photos of something Eastwood, such as a place, a person or events, in order to promote community pride in the suburb.  Now in the second year of its running, this year's competition attracted a record number of entries, with more than 80 photos submitted.  

 

The winner this year was Denistone local Mr Peters Zangari, whose simple photo of his daughters sitting by the street, eating their ginger bread man while a smiling local woman walks past, won the judges over. Second place was awarded to Eastwood local Yeo Keng Yong, and third place to Jason Koh, editor of Korea Times who often doubles as the newspaper's photographer at local events. 

 

The annual dinner, held at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club was attended by over 100 local multicultural community leaders and representatives from local, state and federal governments, including Minister Victor Dominello MP, Damien Tudehope MP, John Alexander MP (who serves as AAAB patron), Ryde Mayor Jerome's Laxale, councillor Craig Chung, councillor Justin Li, former AAAB presidents Hugh Lee OAM and Brad Chan.  

 

AAAB President Danny Yap said "The annual dinner is a chance for old friends to catch up, and for new friends in the community to meet." He thanked the association's sponsors which included the Commonwealth Bank, Tracy Yap Realty, Banna Property Group and Feng Hua Chinese School.

 

The gathering enjoyed music performances from Eastwood Plaza busker Bao, young performers from Eastwood Has Talent Contest Joshua Ng, Julie Zhang, and Justine Zhang.  Retiring Ryde councillor Justin Li made some light hearted observations about the habits and lifestyles of Eastwood people, as part of the new Humans of Eastwood project publishing personal stories from Eastwood locals, modelled on the popular Humans of New York concept.  

 

Founded in 2007 as a peak body of multicultural community groups and leaders, AAAB aims to promote cultural harmony and cooperation in the Bennelong electorate.  In addition to the photo competition and annual dinner, AAAB also organises the Harmony Cup, a soccer competition between Ryde Police, Chinese and Korean soccer associations.