Category: News Update
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A Cultural Journey to Sydney
Queensland Authors Attend the Sydney Launch of Volume Five of Too Blue to Be True – Days in Australia
On the afternoon of 5 August 2026, the launch of Volume Five of Too Blue to Be True – Days in Australia, a bilingual Chinese-English book series documenting the stories of contemporary Chinese migrants in Australia, was held at the Theatrette of Parliament House in New South Wales.
The 164-seat venue welcomed more than 200 guests. The event was so well attended that many audience members stood throughout the entire two-hour program.
The launch was hosted by Professor Han Jing of Western Sydney University. Speakers included Ms Gu Zheng, President of the Australian New Arts Federation; Mr Tang Peiliang, Editor-in-Chief of Too Blue to Be True – Days in Australia; and the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism.
Launch of Volume Five of Too Blue to Be True – Days in Australia Among the many guests was a delegation of Queensland authors who had flown from Brisbane especially for the occasion. Their presence deeply touched those attending and added a distinctive splash of colour to the event. When the host invited them to stand and be introduced, the audience responded with thunderous applause, while the delegation members’ golden scarves shone brightly across the auditorium.
The delegation comprised Liu Xiaoying, Gang Wei, Shi Hong, Jiang Qunyi and spouse, Yang Xin, and Xia Xiaoyan and spouse.
Members of the delegation pose for a photograph with renowned Chinese-language writer Dr He Yuhuai and Ms Gu Zheng, President of the Australian New Arts Federation. 
Several contributing authors were invited to the stage to share their stories. During the launch, contributing authors including Gang Wei, President of the Queensland Chinese Photographic Society, and Shi Hong, President of the Queensland Chinese Doctors Association, were invited to the stage. They introduced their own contributions and recommended and commented on other outstanding works featured in the book.
That evening, guests gathered for dinner, during which a warm birthday celebration was also held for five friends born in August.
Celebrating the birthdays of five people born in August Since submissions opened for Volume Four, Liu Xiaoying’s initiative has inspired the formation of a remarkably close-knit writing group in Queensland. Volume Five once again features 11 works by Queensland authors.
On the evening of 4 August, members of the Queensland delegation arrived at the Travelodge Hotel in Hurstville after their long journey, wearing golden scarves symbolising the signature colour of Volume Five. Ms Gu Zheng, the project’s chief coordinator and President of the Australian New Arts Federation, had been waiting for their arrival. Overcome with emotion, she embraced each member of the delegation with tears in her eyes.
Editor-in-Chief Tang Peiliang was equally moved, remarking that amid the slight chill of winter, this touch of gold brought an immediate sense of warmth.
Visiting New South Wales Parliament House. Over the following days, in addition to attending the book launch, the Queensland delegation took part in a wide range of cultural exchange activities. They visited NSW Parliament House and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and joined a themed visit and discussion entitled “The Tower of Babel” at the home of renowned artist Shen Jiawei. They also attended a lively readers’ forum in Kogarah and were interviewed by Ms Zhao Rong for the community livestream program Impressions of Australia.
Renowned artist Professor Yang Xifa and his wife also prepared a sumptuous hotpot banquet especially for the delegation. Hosts and guests raised their glasses, talked and laughed together, and shared a warm and unforgettable evening.
Listening to artist Shen Jiawei discuss his paintings during a visit to his home. 
Sharing drinks and lively conversation at the home of artist Professor Yang Xifa. 
A toast to Too Blue to Be True – Days in Australia! 
Visiting an exhibition by artist Chen Jun. 
Editor-in-Chief Tang Peiliang, President Gu Zheng and Ms Zhao Rong thoughtfully organised activities for the delegation, provided transport and took care of every detail throughout the visit. As delegation member Gang Wei observed, this book has not only preserved our stories but also created many more unforgettable memories. It has reunited old friends and transformed strangers into friends through their shared sentiments and aspirations.
The delegation received a warm welcome wherever it went. Editor-in-Chief Tang Peiliang, President Gu Zheng and Ms Zhao Rong carefully arranged the delegation’s activities and extended thoughtful hospitality and care throughout the visit.
This cultural journey across a thousand kilometres will, like the rings of a tree, become deeply embedded in the memory of the Australian land.
Written by Gang Wei
Photos: Yang Xin, Gang Wei