Howard Ong - Community Advocate

13/08/2026

A beautiful walk along The Esplanade - Mount Henry Bridge to Deep Water Point. 3.5km return.

The Gunbower Jetty is temporarily closed. This is a decision with big community impact. Should it be repaired ($700k) or dismantled ($100k)?

Have your say. Search "Melville Gunbower survey" or go to: www.melvilletalks.com.au/gunbowerjetty

11/08/2026

Has Mr Albanese been disrespectful to the Japanese PM and women in general?

You be the judge.

For some background, read on ..

In January this year, Australia updated it's biosecurity rules to allow fresh melons to be imported from Japan. The crown melons are highly prized luxury items and sell for USD300 a pair. The gifts were a sign of great respect in Japanese culture.

Former Japanese ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami wrote yesterday, "Prime Minister, please enjoy Japan’s sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman’s anatomy, and instead focus on what our two countries must do together."

Meanwhile, in an official statement, Japan has said the melons were legally obtained in Australia.

09/08/2026

The young generation is our future.

Thank you to all my young friends who took the time to chat with me. Your energy and perspectives reminded me why I advocate and why I volunteer - to build a brighter Australia for you!

06/08/2026

I am sleeping in my car. 😰❄️

This September, I’m taking part in Park for a Purpose 🚙 at Foodbank WA - to help fund a new Mobile Foodbank that reaches people who can’t access traditional relief services.

10 September is the date! Search “Foodbank Park for a Purpose” or learn more here: https://www.foodbank.org.au/park-for-a-purpose-to-funds-a-new-mobile-foodbank/

04/08/2026

WA and Asia: a business partnership that complements each other.

My key takeaways from the WACCC WA-Asia Business Forum:
- Western Australia contributes 45% of Australia’s exports, with Asia taking 86% of WA’s goods in 2025.
- Australia’s share of the world’s investment stock has fallen by a third since 2010.

Australia is a net importer of capital, but investors don’t like uncertainty. To stay competitive, we need reliable, low-cost energy and a competitive tax regime. Otherwise, the risk isn't just capital leaving, it's missing out altogether.

As the Chinese proverb goes: Like paddling upstream, if you're not advancing, then you're falling back.


Crown Perth

02/08/2026

Keeping our foreshore beautiful - a great morning weeding at the Shelley Rossmoyne Foreshore! 😊


Friends of the Shelley Rossmoyne Foreshore

31/07/2026

Western Australia and Vietnam - the best is yet to come!🤝

This week, the WA business community came together for a fun and fruitful networking event hosted by the National Australia-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAVCCI).

Here’s the exciting bit: of all Australian states, WA trades the most with the world; and Vietnam is a huge opportunity on the rise. With trading at $2.8 billion and growing, the possibilities is only limited by our imagination. Plus, WA's close time-zone, geographical proximity, a Perth-Ho Chi Minh City direct flight, and a ready-made pool of 20,000 WA residents born in Vietnam make it even easier to connect!

Huge thanks to President Ky Cao for championing this ever-growing partnership. We’re just getting started!

30/07/2026

30/07/2026

Supporting our battlers❤️

Members of Perth’s business community came together this week to support our battlers - whether they’re facing prostate cancer or the cost of living crisis - at the Business Networking Group’s Christmas in July event.

Did you know 80 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, and around 4,000 die from the disease each year? PCaHELP supports men and their families by promoting the work of prostate cancer support groups across WA.

And on 10 September, Foodbank WA will host its inaugural Park for a Purpose event, to raise vital funds to help those impacted by the cost of living crisis.

29/07/2026

Australia-Singapore: a friendship founded on shared values and trust 🤝❤️

Yesterday evening, Perth welcomed Mr Vivien Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Foreign Minister. There was plenty of food, laughter, and a wonderful chance to reconnect with old friends - including one I hadn’t seen in over 30 years!

As Mr Balakrishnan said, the Australia-Singapore friendship is truly special. Here's to growing from strength to strength - in business, community, culture, and of course, our shared love for satays and durians!