The 2022 Filial Piety Family Forum promoting stability and harmony within the extended family was held on Sunday 27 November at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with four families recognised for their contribution to their community and society.
The theme of the forum was “Honour and Respect in the Extended Family.” and more than 70 people attended the program in person while over 30 participants joined by Zoom from Australia and overseas.
The forum, sponsored by the Chinese People’s Federation for World Peace (CPFWP) Australia, was co-organised by the Auburn Asian Welfare Centre (AAWC), the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP).
The aim of the forum was to highlight the significance of filial piety as the universal family value and the pillar in the extended family relationship.
The practice of filial piety promotes stability and harmony within the family, society, and nation where the virtue of filial piety transcends culture, nationality, and religion.
The program commenced with a prayer from Very Reverend Silouan Vea from the Ecumenical Orthodox-Catholic Mission. Four-time mayor of Auburn, Emeritus Mayor Le Lam, delivered the welcoming remarks.
Mayor Le Lam is also the chairperson of the Auburn Asian Welfare Centre (ASWC) that aims to help all peoples of Asian backgrounds to achieve successful settlement and a quality of life in Australia.
During the forum session, three presentations were given from the Aboriginal, Chinese and Greek perspectives.
Mr Michael Jarrett, an Aboriginal language teacher from the department of education living in Nambucca Heads, NSW highlighted the importance of kinship among the Aboriginal people.
Professor Shirley Chan who teaches Chinese Studies, Languages and Cultures at the Macquarie University shared that family is where we find true happiness and peace.
Mr John Adamedes, an Australian-Greek, shared the characteristics of the Greek family tradition and values comparing it with the contemporary living in Australia.
2022 Model Filial Piety Family Awards:
The highlight of the program was the presentation of the 2022 Model Filial Piety Family Awards to four families who embody filial piety and live together in the extended family.
These four families have made significant contributions to their community and society:The four awardees are listed in the following:
- Michael Jarrett (Father) Amanda Leigh Jarrett (Daughter)
- Thuta ChitSwe and Wah Wah Aung
- Ziaul Ahmad and Mehar Ahmad
- Qing Hui Huang Family – 黄庆辉家庭
The awards were presented by Mr Soon Teck Lim, president of CPFWP Australia.
Each of these families gave beautiful testimonies of their lives which highlighted how they live to honour and respect their parents in the extended families.
The heart of filial piety to the parents have been passed on from generation to generation. As parents sacrifice for their children, the children grow and learn to make sacrifice back to their parents.
Mr Yutaka Yamada, UPF Oceania Chair, delivered the heartfelt closing remarks through a video message.
The program also included musical performances from the youth and congratulatory remarks from Dr Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta and well wishes from members of the local community.
The program ended with a lucky draw and refreshment.
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