Alister Henskens SC MP has congratulated Turramurra resident Dr Leng Tan, who  received the Community Hero Award at the 2019 NSW Women of the Year Awards held at the ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour last week.

Dr Leng Tan is a medical professional who has dedicated her life to helping various disadvantaged groups in Australia and overseas. Leng currently serves as the Emeritus Chairperson of Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) Board of Directors. Through her involvement with Eyes on China, she has also provided free cataract surgeries to people in remote communities in China.

“I extend my congratulations to Dr Leng Tan for her award. Leng is a remarkable woman who embodies true community spirit. Throughout her involvement with CASS, she has worked hard to provide a range of services to meet the needs of the community,” Mr Henskens said.

“Leng’s contributions have had a positive impact on the lives of people living here in Ku-ring-gai and across NSW I am thrilled to see her achievements recognised with this award,” Mr Henskens added.

Minister for Women Tanya Davies said this year’s Awards program attracted an unprecedented number of nominations and more than 9,000 public votes.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government are working hard to progress gender equity for women across the State and we are so pleased the momentum of the Awards has grown year on year,” Mrs Davies said.

“The Awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge women who are using their skills and passion to positively shape our society and inspire future generations. I thank Dr Tan for her contribution.”

The Community Hero Award celebrates heroes and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the community and inspires others to do so. It is one of seven categories in the NSW Women of the Year Awards program.

For event photos, a full list of winners, or more information about other events held during the inaugural NSW Women’s Week (March 3 to March 9) please visit women.nsw.gov.au.

 

Dr Leng Tan

Dr Tan is a medical professional, community leader and humanitarian ambassador with an altruistic volunteering spirit. For over 40 years, her devotion has assisted various disadvantaged groups in the community. Her outstanding contribution to community services earned her the Quong Tart Life Achievement Community Services Award in 2011.

Along with caring for her patients, Leng currently serves as the Emeritus Chairperson of Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) Board of Directors, the Vice Chairperson of Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China and Chinese Youth League (CYL). With CASS she has worked hard to provide family daycare, home and residential aged care and disability services, among many other services, tailored to meet the needs of the community. Today, CASS serves over 2,600 families a week. She also brought together CASS, CYL and Sydney Chinese School in establishing the Elderly Australian Chinese Homes to cater for the needs of Chinese seniors.

With a mission to fight for people’s welfare, Leng has also served as a humanitarian ambassador by volunteering her medical services overseas. Through her involvement with Eyes on China, she has provided free cataract surgeries to people in remote communities. For many years she has joined these annual expeditions, changing the lives of hundreds of people with the gift of sight.