On a very hot day on 23 November 2024 around 110 people filled the Shangri-La Inn in Forest Hill for our annual Banquet. As a break from tradition, the Banquet was held at lunchtime on a Saturday.
There was good representation of centres from across Melbourne, all the way from Werribee to Mornington. A delicious eight course Banquet luncheon was served, something to surely satisfy everyone, with the restaurant providing very generous servings of all dishes.
There was great opportunity to savor the meal and to socialise with everyone before the formalities began. Senior Master Chin Min thanked Senior Instructor Noel Schmidt who he had invited to act as MC for the proceedings and announced that Noel had recently retired from the Air Force at a senior level after many years of distinguished service.
The Masters presented Promotion Certificates to Yvonne Schmidt (Mornington, Armadale) to the position of Senior Instructor, and to Graham Sullivan (Werribee) to position of Instructor – announcing that both promotions were very well deserved.
Congratulations to two members of the newest centre at Mornington with Martin Cook and Rob Harris receiving certificates as new trainee instructors. Welcome to the instructors team and we hope you enjoy your journey.
Members from the College performed at the recent Wushu, Tai Chi, Qigong Association (WTQA) Festival in October. The Masters presented all performers with 'Certificates of Appreciation' for their participation and excellent promotion of some College routines.
We then moved on to one of my favourite parts of our Banquets each year, the demonstrations by the Masters. This year Grand Master Eng Chor performed the Wild Goose Qigong and Senior Master Chin Min performed the Dao Yin Qigong. Over the years I’ve noticed that every time they perform at a park lesson, training session or banquet, you could hear a pin drop. Nobody makes a sound as we watch the Masters demonstrate their years of skill.
The day seemed to go very quickly, with people catching up with those from other centres they hadn’t seen for a while. It was overall a great day and I’m sure people left feeling good and very full after such a lovely meal, many looking forward to the new Tai Chi year in 2025.
Bronwyn Campbell,
Trainee, Doncaster East
Updated: 24 March 2025
