SYDNEY, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ten Chinese-Australian youths from public and private sectors have become the recipients of the 2018 Golden Wattle Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.
The winners, in fields ranging from public services, arts and sports, academia to business, received the biennial accolade in a ceremony at the University of Sydney in the New South Wales (NSW) state capital at weekend.
The 10 winners of the 2018 awards are: Li Jing, director at international development at South Australia state's Department of Trade, Tourism and Investment; Maggie Jiang, associate professor in international studies and director at the Confucius Institute, University of Western Australia; Dan Yang, partner/head of China practice (Australia) for law firm Ashurst; Yu Tao, professor of civil engineering and head of postgraduate studies, University of Wollongong; Nancy Jian, CEO of Chemist Warehouse China division; Livia Wang, founder and director of Access Marketing and Communications; Eric Gao, founder and CEO of BMY Group; Renee Zhao, partner at accounting and advisory firm ShineWing Australia; Francesca Hung, Miss Universe Australia 2018/19; and Jason Phu, lecturer at the University of New South Wales, art and design.
The founder of the awards, Forest Gan, who is also president of the Australia-China Youth Business Council (ACYBC), said at the event that "no matter where we come, we all have one dream: push for friendship between Australia and China through generations."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a congratulatory message to the event, lauding the many Chinese-Australian contributions to the country and the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. The passion, courage and leadership of those recognized by the awards help fuel Australia's economic growth and competitiveness in a fast-changing world, he said.
The Golden Wattle Awards, named after Australia's national flower, is supported by the Australia-China Parliamentary Friendship Group and given to Australian citizens or permanent residents under 40 years old with Chinese heritage.
"We thrive in our respective fields and shine ... We admire, complement and support each other to succeed as a group," said award winner Li.
"All these are not possible without the Golden Wattle Awards which bring us together, encourage us to make our contributions more visible and build a stronger Chinese community in Australia."
Zhao dedicated her award to the people who migrated to Australia recently or generations ago, carrying "the raw passion of bridging the Australian and Chinese business cultures and economies."
Luminaries who attended the ceremony included the NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello; and Craig Laundy, member of Australian federal parliament. Laundy also chaired the panel for the awards.
The winners were chosen from a list of 20 nominees through a process that lasted half a year, including more than 200,000 online votes as well as specialist reviews and recommendations.
Award organizers also held a charity auction at the event to raise funds to help farmers affected by one of the state's worst droughts this year.
