Story of resilience and hope

“I WILL never forget how I drove through Grantville during the fires on Saturday, February 2, 2019,” Nicky Chung recalled.
“My car was loaded up with my personal belongings, ready to set up shop, to start my new gig at the Desal in Wonthaggi.
“I distinctly remember that one side of the highway had closed. I was driving slowly past a group of resting firefighters, who I am sure were thinking, “you might’ve picked a better day!”, but gave me a friendly smile and wave, nonetheless. This was probably the start of that warm sense of community you get in the Bass Coast.”
For Nicky, home became San Remo after that day. A home she has provided respite foster care from since July 2020, and a home from which she has become an active member of the Bass Coast community, as Deputy Chair of Bass Coast Health, a Board Member of South Coast FM, and President of the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi.
For four years prior Nicky had worked in Melbourne’s CBD.
“I am by no means a city slicker. People can tell I am not a Melbournite, I drink freeze-dried coffee and am always poorly dressed for the weather!” Nicky laughed.
“I was born in Vietnam. My family and I left after the war, arriving in Australia in 1979 as refugees. I grew up in Perth and then lived in Sydney after finishing my Psychology degree at university.”
After university, Nicky headed over to England for five years before coming back to Australia where she lived in Brisbane, Cobar, Karratha, Moranbah and finally in Melbourne.
“My work has taken me to so many amazing places in Australia. Karratha, where I was for two years was pretty interesting. I worked for an Algae company as their HR Manager.
“On site in my high vis and steel cap boots, working out of an airconditioned donga,” Nicky smiled. 
“We grew algae prolifically in the hot sunny conditions, harvesting hundreds of kilos a day. The algae was then converted to biodiesel and omega 3 oils for vegans.
“I still think that algae is the future. It was interesting work, and an interesting place because it was during the mining boom and the population was quite transient. The locals were not quite as open arms like folks in the Bass Coast.”
Between her multiple board hats, Nicky’s full-time role is CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association which employs over 300 staff, whilst providing health, wellbeing and community care services to migrants in the Victorian region.
“Since starting as the CEO, where 99 per cent of our employees are bilingual Vietnamese, who choose to work for a not-for-profit, I have had a chance to think more deeply about cultural diversity and inclusion, and what impact it can have in the broader community context. 
“There is a uniqueness about the care and services that we offer because of our cultural connection, and shared experiences with our clients. It’s what sets us apart from our competitors. We enable people to seek care and counselling services, such as gambling help, alcohol and other drugs, family violence, as it is provided in language, and provided by people who understand the Vietnamese culture.
“Inclusion is now about understanding the barriers such as stigma that prohibit some families and individuals from seeking help when they need it. I hope by speaking about it often and loudly, we can help all people access the help and support they need, when they need it, in a way that will genuinely meet their needs.”
Nicky was also recently awarded Melbourne Business School’s Community Services Award after completing her Senior Executive MBA.
“I can really see now how incredible my parents are,” Nicky said.
“They literally left everything they knew behind to get on a boat with their four kids, all under six years old, for the chance of a better life. They’d just went through a war and then life in a refugee camp.
“I think the Vietnamese have shown themselves to be resilient and highly resourceful. My folks worked tirelessly, which meant us kids were at home by ourselves most of the time, which might not happen these days.
“We learnt about Australian culture through Neighbours and Home and Away, but my values, the ability to grow strength out of adversity, and leading with courage were definitely learnt through my parents.
“I probably should tell them that at some point. I wonder if they know how much they have influenced who I am.”
As for Nicky’s greatest contribution.
“Most people would say that being a respite foster carer would be my biggest contribution, but I think that my greatest contribution is being a blood donor. I know that the blood donations actually save lives directly. I love that the bus comes to Wonthaggi quite often to give us the chance to make a difference.”
Nicky is a guest speaker at the Bass Coast Shire’s International Women’s Day event on March 9 at Phillip Island Winery. Tickets available at basscoast.vic.gov.au/explore/whats-on/events/international-womens-day-2