Mr Simon Tang, Mayor Samantha O'Toole, Graham Perrett MP, Mr Lewis Lee OAM, Dear friends:

Good afternoon!

In 1848, more than 300 Chinese made their extraordinary journey to Darling Downs from Xiamen to look after 450,000 sheep. They overcame unimaginable difficulties, made great sacrifices, and eventually laid to rest here.

Their name may not be known. All of them, however, bear a same name: Chinese!

Thankfully, the St George Chinese Community Memorial Committee (SCCMC) discovered, recorded and commemorated their stories, which allows people to glimpse the history of early Chinese settlers in Australia from the Amoy shepherds.

Today, we gather here to pay respects to the elders. For this meaningful cause, SCCMC has made enormous efforts. Strong support also comes from the Balonne Shire Council, Mr Graham Perrett MP and all walks of life in Queensland, including the Chinese community.

On behalf of the Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane, I would like to compliment your efforts and work. Everything you have done makes this moment so special.

As the pioneers of Australia, the Chinese community should not be forgotten for their contributions.

As Chinese Consul-General in Brisbane, I have visited Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and other places. Not surprisingly, I have seen traces of Chinese settlement in early days in the regions. 

In fact, the first batch of Chinese left their hometowns and travelled across the ocean and arrived at this land more than 200 years ago.

Since then, the Chinese in Australia have carried forward the traditional virtues of diligence, courage, solidarity and friendship of the Chinese nation, and have taken root in Australia, integrated into the local community, contributed to the development of the economy, society, culture and other fields.

The Chinese community’s history is part of Australia's multiculturalism, rather than distinguish itself from it.

Cherishing this history, commemorating this history and inheriting this history will enable people to better understand the past, present and future of Australia.

 Chinese community, as an bridging link between China and Australia, have played a unique role in promoting China-Australia friendship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, constructive cooperation in various fields over the past 50 years have achieved fruitful results and brought remarkable  benefits to the peoples of both countries.

I am sure the Chinese community would continue to carry forward the spirit of being the pioneer, builder and contributor of Australia, and actively speak out loud the history and stories of the Chinese community, so that the people-to-people friendship may continue to thrive.

Thank you for your kind attention!