In 2024, the Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne’s Chinatown submitted an application to the City of Melbourne for expansion. The proposal includes increasing the existing building to nine storeys and redeveloping the forecourt by creating a new underground entrance. As part of the project, the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen currently located in the square would be relocated. The City of Melbourne opened the proposal for public consultation two weeks ago. However, those involved in establishing the statue were only informed of these details last Thursday, leaving them until 1 July to provide their feedback.
Many Chinese Australians would likely support the museum’s expansion. Yet there has been little discussion within the Chinese community, and many people remain unaware of the proposal. Perhaps the museum intended to announce the plan only after obtaining planning approval from the City. Nevertheless, because the project involves the use of public land owned by the City of Melbourne—particularly Cohen Place, a public square of considerable historical and cultural significance—it is an issue that should concern every member of the Chinese community.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen is arguably the only leader over the past 150 years who has been universally respected by Chinese people around the world, regardless of where they were born or where they now live. His greatest contribution was overthrowing nearly three centuries of Qing imperial rule, enabling China to move away from autocracy and towards modern democracy. Although Sun did not live to establish a democratic and free China, Chinese communities worldwide recognise that he laid the foundation and set the direction for that vision. It was for this reason that the statue was erected in Melbourne’s Chinatown in 2011 through the joint efforts of Chinese Australians from different backgrounds. The monument has since become an important historical and cultural landmark. It symbolises Melbourne as a multicultural city while recognising the contributions Chinese Australians have made to this land, and it has earned broad support and recognition from Chinese communities around the world.
However, a consultation period of less than three weeks is far from sufficient for the Chinese community to understand, discuss, and express its views on the historical and cultural significance of Cohen Place and its future direction. What is beyond dispute is that Cohen Place belongs to all citizens, especially to the generations of Chinese Australians whose history in this city stretches back more than 170 years. The City of Melbourne should therefore not simply consider how one institution intends to use public land. Instead, it should actively invite the Chinese community into the discussion and allow the square to become a place that tells the story of Chinese Australians’ role in shaping Melbourne’s history and culture.
For this reason, the City should also consider how to support the future development of the square through appropriate public resources and staffing, rather than expecting the Chinese community alone to shoulder the responsibility. The City of Melbourne should assume the role of facilitator, working together with the Chinese community to develop Cohen Place into a lasting symbol of multicultural Melbourne.
Mr. Raymond Chow, Publisher