---News compiled by the Chinese Embassy in Australia, June 3, 2008---

On Monday night June 2nd, over 270 people from various Chinese Community Organizations and their friends in ACT and the neighboring cities launched China Earthquake Appeal Fund Raising Dinner at the National 83 Restaurant in ACT.

The dinner was also attended by H.E. Mr. Zhang Junsai, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Hon. Jon Hargreaves, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and his wife, Nic Mankin, Director of Office of Multicultural Office, Kaye Hogen, Chair of the red Cross ACT, and Steve Pratt, MLA.

Ambassador Zhang delivered a speech and expressed gratitude to the Australian governments and the people for their sympathies and donations to the quake-affected people in China. "The situation in Quake stricken areas are still crucial due to the gravity of the quake which measured 8.0 on Richter scale and that over 9,000 aftershocks occurred since May 12th with several aftershocks measuring 6.4 on Richter scale", he said. "The Chinese governments and the people are making great efforts in the relief work and the reconstruction of the quake-hit areas, and with the support from domestic and international communities, the people in China will challenge the difficulties and strive to rebuild better homes for the victims. "

A total of A$ 23,400 Dollars was raised at the event, which will go to the Special Relief Account set by the Chinese Embassy.

Besides, another A$50,000 Dollars was announced by Hon. Jon Hargreaves as the donation to China's Sichuan Province from ACT Government through Red Cross ACT. He expressed sympathy and support for the people in quake-hit areas and spoke highly of the efficient handling of the rescue by the Chinese governments and the army. He also wished China a successful resettlement of the quake-afflicted people. At the dinner, the Chair of the Red Cross ACT MS Haye Hogen also addressed and gave an explanation on the appeal for China by Red Cross ACT. Mr. Steve Pratt, MLA also spoke at the event expressing his sympathy and support for the people in China's Sichuan Province.