Celebrating 25 Years of Chinese Medicine in Canberra

The Gala Night for Chinese Medicine in the World was held in the beautiful National Museum of Australia on the 2nd of November 2025, marking a milestone moment for our community. Centred around the themes of Energy (Qi), Spirit (Shen), and Essence (Jing), the evening honoured culture, connection, and the 25-year journey of Capital Chinese Medicine serving the Canberra region. Friends, families, supporters, and long-standing clients gathered to celebrate a shared commitment to wellbeing and the continued growth of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Australia. 

The vibrant atmosphere was set by blue and yellow lighting that filled the museum, creating a sense of harmony and connectedness. Guests entered to a carefully curated flow of music representing a collaboration between Eastern and Western artistry. With up to 20 tables of attendees, the environment encouraged conversation, reflection, and the exchange of stories about personal TCM journeys. 

The evening’s focus on Essence, the foundation of life, was expressed through a rich program of performances. Dancing, singing, and instrumental pieces offered a showcase of health, vitality, and cooperation, which are values at the heart of both TCM and the spirit of the night. Martial arts demonstrations from local and interstate performers added further depth, highlighting strength, discipline, and community. 

A particularly meaningful moment was the appreciation of Dr. Wu, one of our most senior practitioners, who has practiced TCM and served her clients for over 60 years. Surrounded by family and many long-term clients, she was honoured with a longevity jar, symbolising the union of Eastern longevity traditions and Western fine art. This celebration of her life’s work invited shared reflection on growth, improvement, and the future of Chinese medicine, which is especially significant as Capital Chinese Medicine stands as one of Canberra’s earliest clinics. 

The gala brought together individuals from education, allied health, therapeutic goods, government, and the broader TCM community. Guests enjoyed opportunities for meaningful interaction; between performances, during shared activities, and throughout moments of storytelling and appreciation. Perspectives on health, medicine, and community enriched the evening and emphasised the diversity of people supporting TCM’s journey in Australia. 

One of the night’s most memorable highlights was the sand art performance, which beautifully illustrated the development of Chinese medicine in Canberra. Through the evolving image of a seed growing, connecting, and influencing its surroundings, the performance symbolised life, renewal, and the guiding values of TCM. This immersive artwork captured the footprints of the past 25 years while inspiring optimism for the years ahead. 

The interactive elements of the gala, particularly the shared singing of unity and commitment, reflected the ongoing cooperation between Eastern and Western cultures and values. Together, attendees celebrated the legacy of Chinese medicine in Canberra and looked forward with hope, determination, and a continued dedication to community wellbeing.