The Chinese Language

• Chinese is spoken by over a billion people and consists of several mutually unintelligible regional groups.
• Mandarin is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, with about 850 million speakers.
• The Chinese writing system is one of the oldest and most complex in the world.

About Ascot

Ascot is a predominantly affluent residential suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, characterised by large Queenslander homes. Located 7 kilometres (4 mi) from Brisbane, the suburb is well catered for in terms of public transport with many bus and train services departing from Ascot railway station.

Ascot is home to the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses, and is best known for its racing carnivals and for the precinct of Racecourse Road, with its cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and poinciana trees lining the street. Historically, the land was occupied by the Aboriginal Turrbal group. In 1855, pastoralist James Sutherland purchased a large portion of area including Ascot and its surrounds.

In 1882 a railway line was built from Eagle Junction to Ascot for access to the racecourse that had already been established. During World War II, several buildings were used by Douglas MacArthur and the Central Bureau, which had its headquarters at "Nyrambla", 21 Henry Street. Also used was the fire station at 77 Kitchener Road and several other locations in nearby Hamilton.

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