“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.” - Pericles 

Mandarin Center has had such a major impact on the daily lives of those who call Chatswood home. From the bristling smell of ramen, to the joyful children hugging giant stuffed pandas, and the 80s style Cantonese pop music seeping out of Dim Sum restaurants, it would be a travesty to deprive the local community of such an integral part of their identity, culture and community. 

Built in the 1990s, Mandarin Center has always been a symbol of the Asian-Australian community, allowing many who have sought a better life to set up businesses and livelihoods - something that their descendants will no longer be able to. This proposal by the NSW government will strip away decades of history, hard work and culture, all for what? So a few multi-billion dollar American investor firms can build luxury apartments for the ultra-rich? By allowing this project, over 20 small businesses providing cheap, affordable food to working class Australians will cease to exist, worsening the ongoing cost-of living crisis and depriving hard-working small business owners of their only means of making money. In Chatswood, the average debt needed to start a small restaurant is over $500,000, over six times the average national salary. Ask yourself, is this how we reward our fellow citizens for simply contributing to society? To seize their entire livelihoods, their future, their reward for hard work? Growing up we were taught that hard work pays off, that if we just contribute to society, society would then reward us for our efforts. Perhaps we should have just stayed home.

The demolishing of Mandarin Center will irreparably damage the cultural landscape of Chatswood, removing one of the cornerstones of Asian-Australian presence. As previously stated, the actions of the NSW government and their corporate backers will destroy tens of beloved restaurants, many of which form core childhood memories and stories amongst local residents. Such experiences, whilst intangible, are still absolutely necessary for our future. After all, we are humans, not machines seeking perfection. I truely believe that for Chatswood to remain “The City of Diversity”, Mandarin Centre must stay at all costs.

What you can do :

• Sign this Petition
• Call and/or Email at least one of the people above and notify them about your displeasure on this project. Make sure you appeal to both moral and practical reasons for why Mandarin Center should be kept e.g) Keeping a sense of community and the financial impact to both individuals and businesses.  If you are struggling with writing an email, ask for help from friends or family or edit the statement above to be more personal.
• Don't be rude or use personal attacks
• Spread the Word - Tell friends or family as few people currently know about this demolition, the more that know, the greater chance we have of success. Get them to read and sign this petition, as well as to follow these instructions and then further spread the word. Also Social Media is very useful. If you are extremely passionate about this, you could also print A4 or A3 posters and stick them around Chatswood to urge people to support our cause. 

Links to all Decision Makers below : 

• Tanya Taylor, Independent Mayor of Willoughby City Council,  Email: Mayor@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au , Phone Number:  02 9777 1000
• Tim James,  Liberal Party MP for Willoughby, Email: willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au, Phone Number: 02 9439 4199
• Willoughby City Council, Email: email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au, Phone Number: 02 9777 1000
• Emma Butcher, NSW Contact Manager for the Project, Phone Number:  0282896607