Key Takeaways
- Jack Yang, a tai chi teacher, and his wife Shirley Jin were granted permanent residency visas in Australia after a three-year battle.
- The community of Ballarat came together to support Mr. Yang, forming a committee to advocate for his visa extension.
- Mr. Yang has been teaching free tai chi classes at Lake Wendouree every morning since 2018 and has become a beloved figure in the community.
- The community’s efforts were successful, and Mr. Yang was granted permanent residency, allowing him to stay in Australia.
- Mr. Yang has won several awards for his volunteering, including the 2023 Informal Volunteer of the Year and the 2024 Victoria Multicultural Award and Ballarat Seniors Award.
Introduction to Jack Yang’s Journey
On a December day at 4:30 pm precisely, the prayers of a group of Ballarat residents were answered. Jack Yang, the western Victorian city’s beloved tai chi teacher, and his wife Shirley Jin were granted permanent residency visas. Mr. Yang has been a fixture in the local park since 2018, leading free tai chi classes every morning. He has been fighting for the past three years to stay in Australia, after his visa application was rejected in 2022. Mr. Yang has been on temporary bridging visas ever since. The news of his permanent residency was met with joy and relief, not just for Mr. Yang and his wife, but also for the community that has come to love and appreciate him.
The Community’s Support
Mr. Yang’s students banded together to create a committee solely tasked with keeping the tai chi master in Australia. The community recognized the value that Mr. Yang brings to their lives, and they were determined to help him stay. Jennie Daly, one of Mr. Yang’s students, attends his classes nearly every day. She said, "Just the thought of losing Jack — that early morning tai chi means so much to so many people. A lot of people live on their own, and the tai chi group are the first humans they see for the day." The students formed a committee to advocate for Mr. Yang and his wife’s visa to be extended. The community’s efforts were successful, and Mr. Yang was granted permanent residency, allowing him to stay in Australia.
The Impact of Tai Chi on the Community
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that focuses on balance, strength, and mindfulness. Mr. Yang can be found at Lake Wendouree every morning offering free tai chi classes, rain, hail, or shine. The community has come to rely on these classes, and they have become an integral part of many people’s daily routines. Mr. Yang’s classes are not just about physical exercise; they also provide a sense of community and connection for the participants. The classes have become a lifeline for many people, especially those who live alone. Mr. Yang’s students appreciate his welcoming nature, and he knows everyone’s name, making them feel seen and valued.
Overcoming the Odds
For Mr. Yang, getting a permanent residency was a far-off dream. When his visa was rejected in 2022, he bought tickets to fly back to China. However, his students said, "Jack, if you do not want to go, we’ll help you stay." They found an immigration lawyer to help him, but the chances of success were slim. Mr. Yang’s immigration lawyer said, "Oh, it’s impossible, Jack, the chance is nearly zero, it’s too hard, you cannot get it." Despite the odds, the community’s efforts paid off, and Mr. Yang was granted permanent residency. He was overjoyed and said, "I was thrilled … I immediately stood up and danced. My heart was beating fast, and tears came streaming."
Celebrating the Victory
For the community of Ballarat, Mr. Yang’s visa victory is something worth celebrating. Mr. Yang has invited more than 400 guests to his celebration at Lake Wendouree. He spent two hours sending out invites, including one for Catherine King and the local mayor. Mr. Yang said he would love to become an Australian citizen. He said, "One day, if I really become an Aussie, I will feel so proud from the bottom of my heart — I’d feel so good!" The community’s support and Mr. Yang’s determination have made his dream a reality. He has won several awards for his volunteering, including the 2023 Informal Volunteer of the Year and the 2024 Victoria Multicultural Award and Ballarat Seniors Award.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack Yang’s story is a testament to the power of community and determination. The people of Ballarat came together to support their beloved tai chi teacher, and their efforts paid off. Mr. Yang’s permanent residency is a victory not just for him, but for the entire community. He has become an integral part of the community, and his classes have brought people together. Mr. Yang’s story is an inspiration to everyone, and it shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The community’s support and Mr. Yang’s determination have made his dream a reality, and he can now continue to teach and inspire others in the country he has come to call home.