On March 5th, 2009, the Chinese Embassy and Red Cross Australia jointly organized a reception to update on VIC Bushfire Appeal 2009 and Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008. Over 70 attendants from ACT, NSW, and MEL gathered at the Chinese Embassy from 5:00PM to 7:45PM that day. Most of them are Chinese Australians from ACT and NSW, and some are from diplomatic corps, Australian NGOs, governments and Parliament House.

The Chinese Ambassador thanked the Australian people and various governments for their generous donations to Sichuan Earthquake Appeal, and said that the Chinese people’s hearts are with those suffered from the bushfire in Victoria.

Mr. Michael Raper, Director of Services and International Operations of Australian Red Cross also made a speech to update on the Sichuan Earthquake Appeal and VIC Bushfire Appeal.

In order to support the VIC Bushfire Appeal 2009, silent auctions and donations on the spot were made, and a total of A$61,560Dollars were raised on the event.

The Chinese Embassy donated 12 arts & crafts for the charity sales. Other things for Charity sales were offered by several companies and shops based in Sydney such as China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Christian Dior Couture Australia, and DFS Galleria. A famous Chinese Calligrapher Mr. Wu Jiagui from Beijing was also present and donated his calligraphy art for the charity sales. The Chinese communities pledge to make more efforts in support to the VIC Bushfire Appeal 2009.