AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG

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Kanga News Issue 3: Heading into Summer, May 2024

Kanga News Volume 42, Issue 3 - May 2024

A Message from the President

Hello to all.

There seems to be a lot happening around town after a busy April with the excitement of the HK Rugby Sevens, the art shows and later in the month, moving Anzac Day services. We are now looking toward the summer with a mixture or rain and sun, but at least there are many event opportunities in June for you to enjoy. You can see the details and how to register below in this newsletter.

Our OZHK WhatsApp Community: LINK HERE now has twelve groups which you can join and stay in touch for information and updates. Regular announcements will also be made through this OZHK WhatsApp Community Group. We encourage you to join the WhatsApp Community.

The revised date for out Platinum Sundowners is 20 June when we will be celebrating 70 years in Hong Kong. It is kindly hosted at the Australian Consul General’s Residence and tickets are on sale through our website Events Calendar LINK HERE. Please join us for a relaxed casual evening.

We remain grateful to our sponsors because without their generosity and support, it would be hard for us to maintain the day-to-day of the organisation. There are some important messages from them below and I would like to extend a very special “Thank You” to the Odin Mortgage, Oreana Finance and Australian International School Hong Kong for their ongoing commitment to OZHK. This issue also contains a special promotion from our signature event sponsor, Qantas. This year marks the 75 years of Qantas flying the Australia to Hong Kong route.

Congratulations Qantas! Iggy was on board Qantas this week, below.

We continue to strive to be your Great Mate in Hong Kong and we look forward to seeing you at our special Platinum 70^th Anniversary Sundowners on Thursday 20 June 2024.

President

Activites and Events

Anzac Day 2024

Anzac Day Cenotaph photos by Jayne Russell.

Sundowners: First Thursday Each Month

Our May Sundowners was held at Draft Land on Wyndham Street, Central. It’s an inviting venue with a warm vibe and easy access from the street. As a cocktail-on-tap purveyor, it excels in a range of cocktails of delightful creativity, along with beer and wine in the service.

There was an enthusiastic gathering of members, friends and newcomers on Thursday 2 May who were able to enjoy the discount prices and savour the items on the specially created OZHK menu. It was a hearty get-together, so join us on Thursday 6 June at the same place, Draft Land, 63 Wyndham St, Central.

Stay in touch via the OZHK Community Sundowners WhatsApp Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LgQ5BFTeqce24ZSBntskRB

Friday Long Lunch

The Final Friday Long Lunch meets regularly on the last Friday of the month at Trafalgar, 5Fl 54 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai. Join for a relaxed lunch, whether you are time poor or rich, all are welcome.

You can join the long lunch WhatsApp to keep up-to-date with venue and timing info: WhatsApp Chat:https://wa.me.85266819561

The 26 April luncheon group lived up to the name of the ‘long lunch’ with some leaving as others arrived, as the afternoon progressed. Old hands met newcomers and new members. It is an affirming way to connect have some fun.

Mahjong on Monday

Currently we are a group of expat Mahjong enthusiasts gathering to learn, share and challenge each other in the local style of Mahjong (with a small inflection of Western hands and scoring).

We meet on Monday mornings 10am to 1pm at Dynasty Court, Old Peak Road.

Pre-game sign up is necessary to help facilitate table booking and membership of the Australian Association is strongly encouraged.

If you are interested in playing, please contact the Australian Association, www.ozhongkong.com or WhatsApp Chat:https://wa.me.85266819561

Around the Grounds - Sports Roundup

Tuesday Tennis

The Aussie Association tennis group is going strong with around 20 players, depending on the number of courts available, every Tuesday (except PHs) at Victoria Park 9am-11am.

Signup with a meetup account https://www.meetup.com/tennismeetuphongkong/events/calendar/

It’s very popular and fills up quickly with a waitlist but members get priority. We mix up the players after an hour, so it is very social and fun.

We are a very friendly group and enjoy chatting afterwards over coffee. Group coaching clinics are run on Wednesdays 8am-10am by coach Randy, so if you haven’t played for a while or want to work on your strokes/serve, do sign up.

Contact Linda Lee M: 9305 9860 or email hkaussietennis@gmail.com or join our WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/B4x0t1igPvjDtYRqFFVN5O

Aussie Rules – HK Dragons

There has been an action-packed start to the Hong Kong Dragons 2024 season.

While matches, training and tours are a big part of our club camaraderie, the HK Dragons are also fierce competitors when watching team matches on Thursday and Friday nights at Bobby’s Rabble, 46 Wyndham St - we’ll be there with special Dragons deals every Friday of the season. All are welcome to attend.

Looking ahead, we have an annual highlight approaching - the Jim Stynes match against Hong Kong GAA. This international-rules match promises to be a thrilling encounter, combining the best of Australian and Gaelic football.

Important Dates for 2024

May 25th - Inbound Singapore Tour at Sai Kung
August 17th - Shek O Beach Party
August 30th-1st September - Asian Champs, Thailand
September 28th - AFL Grand Final Event

We are always open to new members, whether you're a complete beginner or a returning player. Stay up to date with all the latest information about training sessions, club socials, and game details by viewing the website https://www.hk-dragons.com/shop/ and joining the WhatsApp bulletin.

Any questions or for more information please contact Lucy at +852 9364 0319

Rugby League

Join us this summer as the domestic league takes place every Saturday in July and August at Kings Park 1 (specific times to be confirmed). With three competitive teams battling it out, there will be plenty of excitement and bragging rights up for grabs. If you're keen to give it a try or get involved, we'll be hosting beginner training sessions leading up to the domestic season. Contact Jason at +852 5411 1887 or find us on Instagram @hongkongrugbyleague for more information.

As we look ahead to potential international matches, we are hoping to organise trials for the National Team. To earn yourself an official cap, participation in the domestic competition is required, so don't delay in signing up!

For those who prefer Tag Rugby, we also offer Tag competitions through HKTAG. Join us for fun and social tag sessions throughout the week. Reach out to Jason at 5411 1887 or find us on Instagram @hongkongrugbyleague / @hktag to register.

We are a growing community of rugby league enthusiasts and rely on volunteers to make everything possible. If you're interested in joining us, send us a message - we would love to have you on board.

Touch Football

Social Touch games run 3 times per week - Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at HKFC at 7am. All welcome - we have a great mix of men & women, boys & girls, many nationalities, different sizes, ages and skill levels. Fast and free flowing, with lots of banter.

If you would like to play you may contact either of the Aussies’ details below:
Contact Mulcahy Nick mulcahy.n@gmail.com
Shaun Cochran shaun.cochran@clsa.com

Committee News and Updates

Meet the Committee

Meet Matt Jones - OZHK Sports Coordinator

Matt Jones is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Oreana Private Wealth, a major sponsor of the Australian Association.

Matt grew up in the small country town of Gundagai, NSW, who many may know as the town of the ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’. Although enjoying the country lifestyle, working on the family farm was probably not going to happen. He moved to Sydney to pursue a career in banking and finance and then in 2017 made the move to Hong Kong.

Matt joined Oreana Private Wealth (previously NAB Private) as a financial advisor with a key focus on assisting Australian expatriates to optimise their finances and make the best of their time while working abroad as well as planning ahead for their future.

He enjoys most sports but loves his rugby league. Matt become involved in the HKRL shortly after arriving in Hong Kong, playing in the domestic competition before captaining through to a grand final the following year. He joined the coaching staff for the International 13 for multiple tours playing Japan, Poland and Solomon Islands, later joining the Board to continue to develop the game domestically in Hong Kong.

Matt has always enjoyed the mix of social and corporate life in Hong Kong and is a member of several committees including AustCham and The Australian Association. Matt joined the OZHK committee in 2022 and currently heads up the Sports section, being involved in developing sporting teams and connecting members with different sporting organisations in Hong Kong. He has always enjoyed attending The Melbourne Cup run by The Association.

Since moving to Hong Kong, Matt met his wife Marie and has started his family. He is currently enjoying his spare time with his young family, along with navigating a little step back from his busy social and sporting commitments, in a timely change of focus.

However, Matt remains involved with the Australian Association on the General Committee and is looking forward continuing to support fellow Australians in Hong Kong.

If you would like to connect with Matt for top-tier financial planning and wealth management advice, please reach out to Matt directly here – matthew.jones@oreana.com

Refreshed Activities

Our new WhatsApp Community announcements will provide more immediate notice of forthcoming events, changes and updates. You can communicate via OZHK Community Announcements Group.

Further prompts and reminders will come to you via our WhatsApp Community.

Events and Activities coming next

Use the link to the website to register and participate:

Event	Details and Registration
	Cycle to the Border Saturday 1 June OZHK Website
	Sundowners Thursday 6 June 6:00pm Draft Land, 65 Wyndham St, 6:00pm OZHK Website Whatsapp Group
	Dragon Boat Aberdeen Tours Monday 10 June (public holiday) SOLD OUT.
	Summer Nights Trivia Evening Friday 14 June 6:30pm LOCATION 9/F Staff Centre, Australian International School, Kowloon Tong. (a 3-minute walk from Kowloon Tong MTR Exit A2, and 13 minutes direct from Admiralty MTR station) COST FOR ENTRY + 2 HOURS FREE FLOW $280 for members, $350 for non-members. A cash bar operates at the end of the ‘free flow’ period. Maximum six per team and we can absolutely join up teams if you don't have enough people for a full team. ALL WELCOME (Must be over 18 to attend this event) OZHK Website
	The Helena May High Tea and Tour Wednesday 19 June, 3:30pm-5:30pm A collaboration between WEN HK and OZHK. Wednesday 19 June OZHK Website
	70th Anniversary Sundowners Thursday 20 June 6:30pm Australian Consul General’s Residence OZHK Website
	Annual General Meeting Tuesday 25 June 6:30pm Venue: Ryder Diamonds 9FL, Kimley Commercial Building, 142 Queen’s Road, Central. See the Notice and Agenda: AGM NOTICE All members are invited to attend. Interested in becoming an OZHK Committee member? Email: president@ozhongkong.com vicepresident@ozhongkong.com Open to all members, venue tbc.
	Summer Junk Cruise Saturday 29 June 10:00am - 5:00pm Cost: $1150 p.p. with a registration deadline of 14 June and a minimum of 25pax to guarantee the hire. Register here by Jun 14 Full waiter service and a full day of food service (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks) and free-flow drinks (prosecco, beer, soft drinks, water). As well as excellent on-board dining, water activities and fun are ensured with aquatic equipment included.
	Melbourne Cup 70th Anniversary Edition Tuesday 5 November 10:00am - 3:30pm plus after-party HKJC Happy Valley

Updates from our Sponsors

Australian Federal Budget 2024: A Summary for Expats
provided by Oreana Private Wealth for OZHK Kanga News

On May 12^th Federal Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, handed down the Government’s 3^rd Budget ahead of an election year.
Although not many of the proposals directly impact the Australian Expatriate sector, we have summarised below some of the changes which will be more relevant to you:

Personal income tax cuts
As have already been legislated, from 1 July 2024, the following personal tax rates will become effective:

The 19 per cent tax rate will be reduced to 16 per cent.
The 32.5 per cent tax rate will be reduced to 30 per cent.
The income threshold above which the 37 per cent tax rate applies will be increased from $120,000 to $135,000.
The income threshold above which the 45 per cent tax rate applies will be increased from $180,000 to $190,000.

For comparative purposes, the table below summarises the current and new personal tax rates (not including Medicare levy) going forward from 1 July 2024:

Our new WhatsApp Community announcements will provide more immediate notice of forthcoming
events, changes and updates. You can communicate via OZHK Community Announcements Group.

Further prompts and reminders will come to you via our WhatsApp Community.

No Medicare levy for non-residents
Difference at $180k = $4,050p.a.
Difference at $20k = $500p.a

Strengthening the foreign resident capital gains tax regime
Amendments to the foreign resident capital gains tax (CGT) regime will be made to include CGT events commencing on or after 1 July 2025 to:

Clarify and broaden the types of assets that foreign residents are subject to CGT on.
Amend the point-in-time principal asset test to a 365-day testing period.
Require foreign residents disposing of shares and other membership interests exceeding $20 million in value to notify the ATO, prior to the transaction being executed.

Superannuation

Superannuation remains one of the most tax effective way to save for your retirement. Chief among the benefits is starting a tax-free pension when you reach age 60 and have retired from the workforce.
There are limits to how much one can contribute into Super, as well as the maximum you can accumulate. This includes:

Concessional Contributions: Contributions you can claim as a tax deduction (subject to contribution tax of 15%)
Non-Concessional Contributions: Post tax contributions
TSB: Total Super Balance

HECS/HELP
The government also proposed the following changes for those still paying off their HECS debt:

Reduction in annual indexing of HECS/HELP Accounts
Proposed changes backdated to 2022-23 when the inflation factor was 7.1%
The new indexation factor will be lower than either CPI or Wages Price Index (WPI)

HELP/HECS accounts index annually on 1^st of June

Expatriates are now required to make compulsory repayments on their HECS/HELP debts based on their global earnings, converted to AUD if >AUD$51,550 (Starting at 1%)

Be sure to reach out to the experts at Oreana Private Wealth to ensure all your tax needs are covered.

www.oreanafinancial.com

Click here to learn more

Congratulations to Qantas Airways on 75 years of service between Hong Kong and Australia. OZHK is proud to have Qantas as an Event Sponsor.

Kanga News Connections

If you would like to contribute to the next Kanga News, please drop us a note via the WhatsApp Chat or via our website.

Best wishes until the next Edition in the end of July.

KANGANEWS

Proudly partnering with

OZHK Communities on WhatsApp

A great mate in Hong Kong

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Australian Association of Hong Kong · 18A, Gee Chang Hong Centre · 65 Wong Chuk Hang Road · Wong Chuk Hang · Hong Kong

Past Issues

May 2024	Mega Sport & Event Recap
March 2024	2024 AFL Tipping and Sundowners
February 2024	Good Wishes for the Year of the Dragon
January 2024	2024 Australia Day Events In Hong Kong
December 2023	Seasons Greetings and Christmas Shenanigans from the Australian Association of Hong Kong
September 2023	Melbourne Cup - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
August 2023	Last chance for two free tickets if you renew membership!

ABOUT

The Australian Association of Hong Kong was established to encourage support, have fun and good fellowship whilst naturally creating opportunities amongst Hong Kong based Australians and their friends to get the most out of Hong Kong.

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