Vietnamese artists and community leaders are making remarkable strides to promote arts and culture within the Vietnamese Australian community, showcasing the significant contributions and nurturing talent among youth. One key figure is Dang Kim Ngoc, who has dedicated nearly half a century advocating for women's roles and community building since arriving in Australia as a refugee with her family in 1978.
At 80 years old, Ngoc continues to inspire as she leads a project aimed at honoring outstanding Vietnamese refugee women, set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese community's settlement in Australia come 2025. "I want to collect stories from Vietnamese Australian women about their settlement journeys to keep them as records of the Vietnamese community's history here," Ngoc expressed during the year-end party introducing her initiative.
This project has garnered support from figures like Tri Vo, the NSW State Member for Cabramatta, who recently presented Ngoc with the Certificate of Merit for Community Recognition due to her tireless contributions. Vo's acknowledgment highlights the significance of Ngoc's work and its role in fostering community connection.
Meanwhile, Mona W. Goubran, another pillar of the community, has been tirelessly nurturing artistic talent among youth for decades. Known as both a sculptor and community educator, Goubran founder the Creative Art School 15 years ago, spurred by parental requests for more arts education opportunities for children, particularly those from Vietnamese backgrounds—a group she feels immensely privileged to work with.
Located in Bankstown, which has a large Vietnamese student population, Goubran courageously champions arts education, valuing the encouragement parents provide to their children. "Parents are very encouraging of their children studying art, and I appreciate this," she noted. This support creates an environment where children can flourish artistically and develop important life skills.
Goubran also reflects on the broader impact education has on young individuals. "I feel I have done good for the community and for the children as they are the future generation," she stated. Her commitment extends beyond just teaching; she sees the importance of instilling discipline, confidence, and respect through the arts.
Assisting her at the Creative Art School is her partner, Sam, who has built good rapport with younger students. "Sam is very good with younger students; he knows how to communicate with them," Goubran praised, pointing out their complementary teaching styles—Mona takes on older students, challenging them to explore techniques and concepts, whereas Sam's friendly approach resonates well with younger learners.
Together, they have cultivated not just talents but also close bonds with their students, often bringing back alumni to assist with teaching. The school exemplifies how art can bring people together and shape lives positively, providing future generations with the foundation for success.
The recent initiatives taken by figures like Ngoc and Goubran signify more than just personal achievements; they reflect the resilience and adaptability of the Vietnamese community within Australia. Their combined efforts not only seek to enrich the community through art but also aim to document and celebrate the Vietnamese experience as part of Australia's diverse cultural fabric.
Through projects like the one led by Ngoc, which archives stories of resilience and adaptation, and the continuing art education spearheaded by Goubran, the Vietnamese community is forging its identity within the greater Australian narrative. This emphasis on arts and culture promotes not only self-expression but also honors the heritage of those who have paved the way for others.
Both women exemplify the power of community—highlighting the significance of connecting through shared experiences and traditions. Their dedication to nurturing talent and preserving history reflects the heart of the Vietnamese Australian narrative, showing the importance of cultivating not just artists but future leaders.
These initiatives not only enrich the local culture but also set the stage for future generations to appreciate and build upon the legacy of their predecessors. The Vietnamese community, with support from leaders like Ngoc and Goubran, continues to thrive, proving the ancient adage: out of diversity grows strength.
