April 2023 Newsletter
Hi everyone,
How time flies! Term 1 2023 is finished. I hope you all enjoyed your Tai Chi experience with us as much as we have enjoyed your company. We take this opportunity to welcome new and experienced students, plus students from other schools who have joined us this year. We value your participation.
Over recent years, we have worked hard to ensure our school has the best team of instructors in Victoria and Tasmania. It is our privilege and duty to provide you with the most professional training possible. We make every effort to assist you in achieving your goals, whether they are related to improved health, relaxation, or physical fitness. TCA is here to help you in any way we can.
With the effective control of COVID-19, this year, we have already held more events than in 2022. Workshops and demonstrations celebrating Australia Day and Chinese Near Year have been enjoyed. Tai Chi is held at Federation Square and Prahran Square every Tuesday morning. As the year progresses, please access our web page for information regarding other special additions to our training program.
Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world. Almost half of the current population was either born overseas or has at least one parent who was born overseas. We come from every culture, race, faith, and nation, but we are defined not by race, religion, or culture; instead, we select the best from each culture for our own good, like Tai Chi and Health Qigong, which has proven to be beneficial to both our mental and physical health. This is an excellent example of a harmonious nation embracing its diversity.
To celebrate cultural diversity, TCA has participated in the following events:
2023 Australia Day Celebration
For almost 20 years, TCA has been involved in Australia Day Celebrations. This year the Victorian Government made some changes to enhance this celebration. The Kings Domain Garden celebration was replaced by the Open Day event at Government House. TCA was honoured to be invited to join the 2023 Flag Raising Ceremony on the Western Lawn, hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO, Governor of Victoria and Mr Anthony Howard AM KC.
Tai Chi was one of the four sports/exercises, the others being bocce, croquet and blind tennis selected for the 2023 Celebration. Hundreds of people stopped to watch or join us practising Tai Chi and Health Qigong. It was a pleasant surprise when HerExcellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO, Governor of Victoria joined us early in the afternoon. She was kind, friendly and elegant. She talked with us about her experience ofTai Chi whilst living in Hong Kong and the benefits she gained from practising it. She emphasised how the colour of tai chi has added to Australian multiculturism. We were then honoured to have her join us for some Tai Chi andHealth Qigong practice.
A huge multi-cultural celebration, it was a chance for all students and interested members of the public to join TCA for a Free Practice Lesson. Many people enjoyed the opportunity. We added flavour and diversity to the traditional Australian way of celebratingAustralia Day. Thanks to the organising committee for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate Tai Chi and Health Qigong. We look forward to returning next year.
2023 Chinese New Year Celebrations – the Year of the Rabbit
Chinese New Year 2023 fell on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. It is the most important day in Chinese culture, just like Christmas Day is to many in the West. TCA proudly took part in many celebration activities across Melbourne, such as Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Tyakuwala Cultural Festival in Deniliquin, NSW
Tyakuwala – To feast, to celebrate (Wamba Wamba). This festival was held within the homelands of the Wamba Wamba/Perrepa Perrepa Peoples, who recognised the unique and diverse cultures within the Edward River Council community in and around the Kolety (Edward River). It was held in the Waring Gardens on the 14th and 15th of January, 2023.
Health Qigong in Tokyo
Prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, in 2019, TCA hosted the 8th World Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange and the 4th World Health Qigong Scientific Symposium in Melbourne. More than 300 participants worldwide attended. Many competed, caught up with old friends, made new ones and had fun. We are pleased to announce that the same event will be held from 31 July to 5 August 2023 in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. Please join me to participate in the Tournament, attend the Scientific Symposium or just simply watch the Tournament and tour exotic Japan. It is a great opportunity not to be missed. Please let me know if you are interested, and I will provide more detailed information as it is provided.
The importance of combining TCA Tai Chi with Relaxation Music
Many students have enquired about the TCA music for the Tai Chi and Health Qigong Forms and general warm-up/relaxation exercises we play in class. All the TCA CD’s have been professionally recorded and duplicated to the highest standards and are beautifully presented. They make ideal gifts for friends and family and are a great resource for your own practice. Individual CDs are $25, and a set of 4 CDs is $80.
Congratulations to all students for your successful completion of Term 1, and we look forward to your continued learning and practice next term.
Master Han Jin Song
Chief Instructor
Tai Chi Australia
PO Box 59, Glen Iris, 3146.
Tel/Fax: (03) 9889 9999
Mobile: (0415) 99 33 99
Web-Site: www.taichiaustralia.com.au
