Chinese immigrants boost Melbourne's development

No mention of Melbourne's development would be complete without immigration from around the world. That's been a destination for Chinese settlers since the mid-19th century. And the number's still growing. BizChina's reporter tells us how Chinese immigration has contributed to Melbourne's development and how the immigrants have realized their dreams.

Gilbert Lau's day starts busily - working at his restaurant in Melbourne. The sixty-seven-year-old Chinese migrant likes doing everything by himself. The family bistro is not his first business nor the most well-known one. Yet for the retiree, starting up a business is never easy.

Gilbert Lau, Founder of Lau's Family Kitchen

Gilbert Lau, Founder of Lau's Family Kitchen said "It's still hard... You need efforts. You need a team. You need whatever restaurant factor requirements. And it's never easy."

For some customers, it may never occur to them that Gilbert is the founder of Melbourne's and maybe Australia's most famous restaurant -- the Flower Drum. The legend dates from 1975, eighteen years after Gilbert's immigration to Australia from south China's Guangdong Province. That's also when he set a benchmark for standard of service and Chinese cuisine in Australia.

However, all the fame couldn't stop his retirement in 2003. Interestingly enough, he soon found it's harder to take a break.

Gilbert Lau said "When you work for forty some years in the restaurant, suddenly you don't take retirement as what you thought at the first place. In about three years ago, I found this nice little place in St. Kilda. My children showed some interest and support. So we put together."