When Cam Nguyen founded the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association they were 17 women with one mission – helping disadvantaged people in the community, no matter who they were.
They applied for more than 50 grants. The first they received was just $200.
Now, on their 40th anniversary, their impact is community-leading, generating $25 million every year for programs that make a difference.
The AVWA provide counselling, training, home care, and were instrumental for the community through the pandemic. Their reputation precedes them. They’re the gold standard in support, and today are helping new generations of migrants on their quest to mirror what they’ve built.
If you’re in Naarm, come down and see the exhibit at the Immigration Museum honouring everything the AVWA have accomplished over the last 40 years.
And to Cam, Than and Ngoc – thank you for inviting me to speak at your celebration, and for showing us what’s possible.