Trees to symbolise ongoing Chinese connections

LAST Saturday saw the Chinese Consul General in Melbourne, Xinwen Fang, make his first official visit to regional Victoria.

Mr Fang was in Ballarat to take part in the planting of two golden larch trees at the Barkly Square gardens in Ballarat East.

The trees were donated by horticulturist and nurseryman Kevin Moneghetti and planted to symbolise the contribution of early Chinese settlers to the Ballarat community.

During the goldrush, many Chinese people arrived in Robe, South Australia and walked to the Victorian goldfields.

Mr Fang said he was impressed by their efforts and that he hopes to learn more about Chinese history in Ballarat.

“I am deeply impressed by the hard-working Chinese forefathers and the ancestors as well,” he said.

“They did everything out of their own two hands.”

As part of the trip Mr Fang also visited Bendigo last Sunday and said he hoped the trip strengthened connections between China and regional areas.

“My duty here is to promote the relationship between Chinese provinces and Victoria and Tasmania and help the locals to live in better harmony and to foster a bigger, stronger and more dynamic relationship,” he said.

“I will do what I can fulfill this mission.”

Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the planting of the trees celebrates the impact the Chinese community has had in Ballarat for more than 170 years.

“We have such a long relationship with the Chinese that dates all the way back to the goldfields,” he said.

“To have remained and embedded themselves into our community to be able to celebrate many of those significant achievements is really profound, it’s something that we don’t want to forget about.”

Cr Hudson also said it was important to acknowledge the difficulties faced by many members of the Chinese community in getting to the goldfields.

“It’s also about not being afraid to talk about some of those times when there was harsh treatment of the Chinese,” he said.

“Many got off the boat at Robe and walked to the goldfields to be able to come in search.

“Think of that in a modern-day society, turning up there with all of your belongings, your luggage on your back and then walking 500 or 600 kilometres.

“And yet they came and did it and were still so generous in wanting to bring that Chinese spirit into community life.”