Last week’s Ladies’ Luncheon in the Wardroom gave us the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the Western Australian Chinese community.
Kaylene Poon has been a tireless advocate for Australia’s Chinese community for more than thirty years and talked about the early days when Chinese groups worked their way south from Darwin. While most went to the Eastern States, a small group settled in WA, making their mark in market gardening.
Surprisingly, Kaylene acknowledged that she does not speak Chinese. Her father told her that if she could not handle Cantonese and Mandarin effectively then she should not try to speak the language at all!
The issue of racism was raised. Kaylene pointed out the easy relationship between Chinese workers and the indigenous community in mining centres on the one hand, while pointing out that in the early days any citizens mixing with Chinese were treated with suspicion by the authorities, often arrested for minor infringements.
“Sojourners to Settlers” was indeed a revelation. Thank you, Kaylene Poon!
September’s Ladies Lunch is going to transport our group to Araluen Botanic Park for lunch at Avocados. Places are limited, so book early. The coach leaves the club at 9:15am, so members are asked to arrive at 9:00. Scheduled return to the club is 4:00pm.
Tuesday 13th September 09:00 AM
Cost: $65 per person
bookings are essential by Friday 9 September 12 PM
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