Australia Chin Community – Eastern Melbourne Inc. (ACC‑EM) is a well‑established, community‑driven, non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation dedicated to supporting the Chin community living across Eastern Melbourne. Founded in 2007, the organisation was originally known as the Hornbill Chin Association of Australia (HCAA) and was formed in response to the needs of Chin refugees who resettled in Australia after fleeing persecution, conflict, and hardship in Myanmar (Burma), often via countries such as Malaysia, India, and Thailand.

Since its inception, ACC‑EM has grown to become a central hub for cultural preservation, community connection, and settlement support. The organisation is committed to empowering Chin families by offering a broad range of services including social support programs, youth and family activities, cultural events, sports programs, and educational opportunities. These initiatives aim not only to strengthen community wellbeing but also to promote successful integration into Australian society while preserving the rich heritage, language, and traditions of the Chin people.

ACC‑EM maintains strong collaborative relationships with local service providers such as health services, settlement support agencies, local government, Victoria Police, and State and Federal Parliamentary offices. Through these partnerships, the organisation ensures that its members are well‑supported in navigating life in Australia. It also actively participates in local festivals and community events, fostering representation, inclusion, and cultural visibility within the broader multicultural landscape of Melbourne.

A key part of the organisation’s work includes educational empowerment. In collaboration with the Victorian School of Languages, ACC‑EM offers Chin (Hakha) language classes for students from Years 1–10, ensuring that younger generations maintain strong ties to their linguistic and cultural identity. The organisation also runs major annual events such as Chin National Day, the Sport Programs, the Harvest Festival (THO), English language programs, and periodic music festivals—each serving as a meaningful touchpoint for community unity and cultural celebration.

With thousands of Chin people now calling Melbourne home—particularly in the eastern suburbs—ACC‑EM stands as one of the key community organisations supporting this vibrant and growing population. It is recognised alongside other Chin community bodies nationally, contributing to a network of cultural, social, and advocacy organisations that serve Chin Australians across states and territories.

Mission Statements

Our mission at Australia Chin Community – Eastern Melbourne Inc. (ACC‑EM) is to empower, support, and uplift the Chin community in Eastern Melbourne through programs and services that strengthen social wellbeing, preserve cultural identity, and foster meaningful integration into Australian society.

We strive to:

• Preserve and promote Chin culture, language, and traditions, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.
• Provide social, educational, and community support to enhance the wellbeing, resilience, and capacity of individuals and families.
• Advocate for the needs and aspirations of the Chin community while collaborating with government, service providers, and local organisations.
• Foster unity, participation, and belonging within the multicultural fabric of Melbourne through cultural events, outreach, and community engagement.