Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Community organisation

Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Address: c/-Chinese Museum, 22 Cohen Pl 3000 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.cafhov.com/

Likes: 662

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Community organisation

24.01.2022 Very proud to let you all know that our fabulous book Journeys into Chinese Australian Family History has been shortlisted for the Victorian Local History Awards. Thank you to our editor and contributor Sophie Couchman - without your guidance and hard work this book could never have happened! And thank you to all of the contributors - your being willing to share your stories and knowledge has made this possible. For more information on how to purchase, visit our Website ww...w.cafhov.com/publications or buy online from blurb: https://au.blurb.com/b/10238635-journeys-into-chinese-austr

23.01.2022 A fine report from our ABC's Luke Wong, focussing on the work of Dr Juanita Kwok on the historic Chinese presence in Bathurst, NSW.

23.01.2022 Great work Kate Bagnall

23.01.2022 The gradual ending of the transportation of British convicts to the eastern Australian colonies began in 1839. In response, wealthy landowners began to seek oth...er sources of cheap labour. The first large-scale migration of Chinese was the result. "Some 3,000 Chinese men and boys came to Australia from Amoy now known as Xiamen, in China's eastern Fujian province in the 1840s, to work as shepherds across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland." Here is the story of one indigenous Australian's search for the story of her Fujianese great-great-grandfather, featuring additional research by Dr Sandi Robb amongst others.

22.01.2022 Sounds like a very interesting read...

22.01.2022 Family History Month is nearly done and dusted! Its not exactly how we had planned to celebrate....! CAFHOV had planned another of our amazingly successful Family History days, but of course it was not to be. Instead, we have been sharing with you some of our past member presentations. Enjoy this excellent presentation by Michelle Lau focussing on the life of Mary Chen. https://vimeo.com/355809944

21.01.2022 Three years ago, an exhibition in Ararat Australia's only town founded by Chinese immigrants by a group of Australian artists commemorated the Chinese herit...age of the Victorian goldfields. 'Hope: From Robe to Riches' told the story of the lone woman amongst fourteen thousand Chinese men who trekked 400km from the South Australian coast to Victoria's goldfields in 1857, as imagined by artist Joanne Sullivan and her anthropologist mother Norma, a specialist in China and South-East Asia. Seven videos illustrating the creation of her paintings can be viewed on Joanne Sullivan's YouTube channel 1. www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_n0FPtFuE 2. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFakcA4mmcE 3. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRC_PWvfhdU 4. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5sThusxAQ 5. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTimz9YqpE8 6. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFWClrV7e9M 7. www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXRVXDYjgzA The original ABC story from 2017 ('Racism, bandit attacks, bravery: Art celebrates Australia's Chinese history') can be seen here https://www.abc.net.au//victorian-goldfields-chine/8635786

21.01.2022 CAFHOV was thrilled to have Ely Finch, linguist and consultant Chinese Language translator, as a guest speaker at our CAFHOV AGM. Many may be familiar with Ely's work as translator of the novel "The Poison of Polygamy". Understanding the role of language is a key part of understanding your Chinese Family History. We were able to record his talk on Zoom - please enjoy! https://vimeo.com/477811222

19.01.2022 Hi! Is there anyone out there who can translate this? I believe it is from a jewellery box

19.01.2022 This may have been posted before but if you havent read about William Ah Ket, he is worth reading about!

18.01.2022 If you recognise these people, let us know!

18.01.2022 Conflict at Lambing Flat: Memory, Myth & History

17.01.2022 CAFHOV is delighted to have received a Commendation in the 2020 Victorian Community History Awards for 'Journeys into Chinese Australian Family History' edited by Sophie Couchman (https://prov.vic.gov.au//f/files/VCHA%202020%20Booklet.pdf). We are honoured to have our collective work recognised by the history community and to have our book sit alongside so many very fine histories. Copies of our book are available via our website (http://www.cafhov.com/publications/) and Blurb online bookshop (https://au.blurb.com/b/10238635-journeys-into-chinese-austr) where you can read a sample of the booko for free. You can also buy copies in person at: Chinese Museum , Golden Dragon Museum , Royal Historical Society of Victoria, and National Library of Australia

17.01.2022 A post from James Sing: Does anyone know who this family may be? My grandmother, Maud May Gee Kee from Far North Queensland, was sent down to Melbourne to stay with this family. Her older brother, Jack Gee Kee knew them and decided to send her to them so that they may give her a Western education (she was born in Cairns in 1900 but spent most of her childhood back in Canton). Apparently the family were devout Methodists, and because of them, my grandmother also became one. Th...ey may even be relatives of the Sing (real name Ho) or Gee Kee (real name Tam) families. This photo was taken in Melbourne in the 1920s.

16.01.2022 Family History Month is nearly done and dusted! It’s not exactly how we had planned to celebrate....! CAFHOV had planned another of our amazingly successful Family History days, but of course it was not to be. Instead, we have been sharing with you some of our past member presentations. Enjoy this excellent presentation by Michelle Lau focussing on the life of Mary Chen. https://vimeo.com/355809944

16.01.2022 A suggestion from our of our CAFHOV members on a worthwhile exercise during the lockdown, which can help make more records available for all Chinese-Australian researches: -- Feeling a little bored from cabin fever?... Need a little stimulation? Want to do something purposeful with Chinese Australian Historical records? Like to examine real Certificates of exempting from Dictation Test? Why dont you consider doing so transcription work with the Real Face of White Australia. Transcribe records that document the lives of ordinary people living under the restrictions of the White Australia Policy. https://transcribe.realfaceofwhiteaustralia.net This is an ongoing project to extract structured data from identification documents used in the administration of the White Australia Policy. There are 3 tasks but you dont have to do all three. Task 1 is the easiest and you get to look at real certificates and view photos and handprints. Task 2 is more challenging with transcription but fun Task 3 is simple by verifying other peoples work. The commitment is very low. Spend 3 minutes or 3 hours. It is up to you. No login required. There are plenty of helpful instructions if you are unsure. I found this task to be quite enjoyable during my life in lockdown and when the weather is unpleasant. Have fun. Terry

16.01.2022 This could be worth checking out! https://www.riverineherald.com.au//echuca-historical-socie

15.01.2022 CAFHOV celebrating Family History Month during this lockdown period by sharing some of our past member presentations with you. Enjoy the fascinating research journey of our Vice President Terry Young, along with his research partner, nephew Alan To, as they explore the history of their ancestor Willie Dark and trace his footsteps all the way back to his home village in China. https://vimeo.com/444458142

14.01.2022 Delighted to have the opportunity to write a piece for the Sept issue of the Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc's Ancestor magazine with some tips on research...ing your Chinese ancestors. It focuses on Victorian records but much is applicable elsewhere too. I've tried to go a bit beyond what is already available online. See more

13.01.2022 Thanks Margaret Ricardo for sharing. https://www.sbs.com.au//uncovering-the-forgotten-stories-o

13.01.2022 Squadron Leader Roy Goon trained 200 RAAF pilots before he was accepted into the RAAF himself. Ballarat born Goon was one of the first Australians to make flyi...ng his career. In the mid-1930s he fought with Chinese Nationalist forces against the Japanese. Returning to Australia, he was employed training pilots for the RAAF. At the outbreak of war, Goon was keen to enlist, but Australian rules meant that he couldnt join because he was not substantially of European descent. Goon was so keen to serve, he considered moving with his family to Hong Kong so he could join the RAF there. One day at Essendon Airport, he spoke with the Minister for Air, James Fairbairn, about his situation. The minister pushed for Goon to be admitted and he became the first Chinese Australian in the RAAF. He rose through the ranks to squadron leader. In June 1943, he flew the first intercept against enemy aircraft by an Australian designed and built Boomerang fighter from RAAF Learmonth, Western Australia. The military records note his contribution, Squadron Leader Goon displayed conspicuous leadership and devotion to duty and was at all times an inspiration to all personnel under his command. Hear more about this story from Roy's son Chris Goon, and others on the ABC Radio Melbourne Conversation Hour today at 11am. https://www.abc.net.au//the/the-conversation-hour/12537066 #VictoriaRemembers #VPDay75 #chineseaustralian #chineseanzacs #multiculturalism #TYFYS Chinese Museum ABC Radio Melbourne Photo of Roy Goon in RAAF uniform Photo of Roy Goon at Royal Victorian Aero Club, next to his father Frank Shum Goon (Photographs from CHINESE ANZACs EXHIBITION, Museum of Chinese Australian History.)

12.01.2022 #anzacday2020 We have so far identified 269 Chinese Australians who fought for Australia in WW1 and 1260 Chinese Australian soldiers in WW2. They are not just b...rave individuals - many of them were actually fighting as a family, together they fought with their siblings and cousins. . . Image: Four brothers from the Langtip family of Tarraville Victoria enlisted in 1916. They were given consecutive enlistment numbers and served in the same Regiment. The Regiment served in the Middle East Campaign including the Battle of Beersheba, an iconic Australian victory. Prior to the war, this family was running a profitable market garden and were widely embraced by the community. . . These Chinese ANZAC's stories along with others' are part of a Chinese Museum touring exhibition that is currently touring around Australia. Please contact the Museum if you are interested in staging this exhibition. Our dedicated researcher, Professor Edmond Chiu continues to work on this significant research project. . . During this unprecedented time, it is important to again recognise that Chinese Australians along with other multicultural communities are a deep and significant part of this country. (Photos supplied by Dorothy Langtip) . . #lestweforget #chineseanzacs #chineseaustralians #multiculturalism #standtogether #australianhistory #anzacspirit #anzacsday

12.01.2022 To celebrate National Family History Month, CAFHOV would like to share some of our member presentations with you. Share in Mark Hillyer's thrilling journey of discover as he digs into his family's mysterious Chinese ancestor. https://vimeo.com/355807338

12.01.2022 No.35. Brief Sojourn in your Native Land

10.01.2022 This week is book week! The perfect time to delve into some Victorian Community History Award shortlisted books - such as these. See the full list of books and ...other projects on our website: https://prov.vic.gov.au//grants-a/community-history-awards Many of the books shortlisted can be found for sale online and at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria bookshop. See more

10.01.2022 The upshot of our current lockdown is that we may find ourselves with more time for research! Here's a few contemporary eBooks specific to our interest area that are available from the State Library of Victoria. They can be downloaded as PDF files and are generally available for 1 to 7 days, though some are unrestricted. You need a State Library login/barcode. Thanks Mark Hillyer for sharing...... Sophie Couchman; Kate Bagnall [Editors] (2015) - Chinese Australians: Politics, Engagement and Resistance http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER3230175 Min Zhou [Editor] (2017) - Contemporary Chinese Diasporas (includes chapters on Australia and Cuba) http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER3713583 Joanna Boileau (2017) - Chinese Market Gardening in Australia and New Zealand http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER3559262 John Fitzgerald (2006) - Big White Lie: Chinese Australians in White Australia http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER2956485 Lucille Lok-Sun Gan; Chan Kwok-Bun (2012) - The Chinese Face in Australia http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER2957265 Erika Rappaport (2017) - A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER3638087 Michael Williams (2018) - Returning Home with Glory: Chinese Villagers around the Pacific, 1849-1949 http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER3715550

09.01.2022 This is well worth watching - some good tips here.

08.01.2022 Last year CAFHOV ran a highly successful crowd-sourced project to create an index of three registers of Victorian CEDT applications held by the National Archives of Australia (Melbourne) (http://www.cafhov.com/chindex/). We are now thrilled to announce that the next stage of the project - to present the data in searchable form on our website for all to use - is being supported by a Public Records Office Of Victoria Victorian Local History Grant (https://prov.vic.gov.au/round-...18-recipients-2019-2020). This will allow us to undertake the programming needed to publish it as a searchable database on our website and develop some visualisations of the data. We will also be developing materials to help people understand the significance of the registers for their research and doing further work to check and 'clean' the data. We're looking forward to getting in touch with communities researching Australia's early 20th century Indian, Muslim, Japanese and Syrian histories to help check the spelling of names! See more

06.01.2022 On 17 March 2020, the #ChineseMuseum temporarily closed its doors to the public to help ensure the safety of our staff and visitors and to help flatten the curv...e in Victoria. With restrictions easing, we have re-opened our doors and started welcoming back visitors on weekends from the 27th of June. Many of our staff continued working during this period of the temporary closure. For example, our Curatorial team carried on with looking after over 8,000 objects that are in our collections. They ensured that appropriate environmental conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, and UV levels, were maintained while the building was closed. Objects were also regularly inspected for insect activities. One of the simplest and safest methods that museums use to kill insects is by using a freezer. Insects are killed when objects are placed in a freezer for at least seven days at -20 C or lower. Pictured here is one of our Curatorial team members putting a circa 1850 Cantonese-English phrasebook inside an acid-free polyethylene envelope before returning it the collection room, and using a special brush to remove dust from precious textiles. Taking excellent care of the objects in our collections, no matter what our circumstances may be at the time, is one way of fulfilling our mission to preserve and present #Chineseculture and #Australianhistory in order to recognise and celebrate the identity of #ChineseAustralians. #MuseumFromHome #multiculturalism #museumlife See more

05.01.2022 Chinese Family Historians of Victoria are celebrating Family History Month by sharing some of our member talks with you. Watch more Family History Stories at http://www.cafhov.com/our-m/cafhov-family-history-day-2019/... Watch Discovering Andrew Pang at: https://vimeo.com/445082463

05.01.2022 This looks like a helpful resource. Thanks Margaret Ricardo for sharing this link.

04.01.2022 August is National Family History Month. To celebrate, CAFHOV are sharing with you some of our member presentations. Enjoy this presentation from Our 2019 Family History Day by Yvonne Horsefield and Noella Bull... https://vimeo.com/355530796

03.01.2022 From Jacqueline Maley's article in today's Anzac Day edition of 'The Sydney Morning Herald' "[O]ne of the veterans photographed by Sydney photographer Nichola...s Fiennes, who wanted to create a project to mark Anzac Day in this years unusual circumstances... [is] 95-year-old WWII veteran Gilbert Jan, who wanted to join the army, but found it would not admit men of Asian descent. He enlisted in the RAAF instead, and became a radio operator. "In 2004, Mr Jan was awarded a medal in the Order of Australia for service to the Chinese community, particularly on behalf of Australian ex-servicemen and women of Chinese descent." You can read the full article here https://www.smh.com.au//love-and-war-veterans-cling-on-to-

03.01.2022 "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We w...ill remember them" On this Anzac Day, discover the story of Ballarat brothers Samuel and Hedley Tong-Way who enlisted in World War One. They were the sons of John and Mary Tong-Way who migrated to Ballarat's goldfields in the 19th century Discover more https://bit.ly/3eOCcuw

03.01.2022 #chineseanzacs Have you wondered about what life was like after returning from the frontline? The comradery between Australian servicemen regardless of cultura...l backgrounds minimised discrimination while in service. However, for many Chinese Australian soldiers, their returned-home lives told a different story to their fellow Aussies. Many of them struggled to re-join civilian society, and their Chinese heritage again became a barrier in Australian society. After trying their hands at various careers, some of them would still die of relative poverty and obscurity. . . Photo1: Private William Edward (Billy) Sing DCM, who was known as The Assassin during the war was highly awarded for his services to Australia. He is believed to have shot over 150 enemy soldiers with his formidable sniper skills in Gallipoli. Although Billy was a brave fighter at the frontline, he was not duly recognised in civilian life and died a poor man. (Australian War Memorial . . Others thrived after going back to civilian life and gained recognition in their chosen professional field. For example, Samuel Tongway (Photo 2)became headteacher at several Victorian regional schools. (Chinese Museum Colletion . . #lestweforget #chineseaustralian #onemillionstories #multiculturalism #australianhistory

01.01.2022 An interesting read...

01.01.2022 DANNY LOWES MARKET GARDEN. Mr Mee Young Lowe and his wife Mrs Mary Lowe, who were both born in Canton, China arrived in Stawell in 1910 and set up a market gard...en in O'Callaghan Street. After their deaths in 1941 and 1949, their three sons, George, Sam and Danny carried on with the business. After the death of his two older brothers Danny carried on with the business. Stawell residents developed a habit of going to "Danny Lowes" to buy vegetables, freshly taken from his market garden. The market garden became the meeting place for local and district people, particularly on Saturday mornings, when Danny's gracious and cheerful attention to their needs was greatly appreciated. "Danny" was one of Nature's Gentlemen. Danny passed away in May 1984 aged 86 years. We do not have any photos of Danny Lowes Market Garden, only this painting. If anyone has a photo and is willing to donate to the Society it would be very much appreciated. Artist: P.O'dare