Quong Tart (1850-1903) was a Chinese-born Australian merchant and philanthropist. He was also known as Quong Tart Moy, Quong Tart Mei, or Mei Guangda. All of these variations are Anglicized (written in English) versions of his Chinese name. After immigrating to Sydney, New South Wales, Quong Tart opened several stores and restaurants. He served as a bridge between European and Chinese communities in Australia in the late 1800’s. 
He was born in 1850 in a village near what is now known as southern Taishan, Guangdong Province, China. At age 9, he moved to New South Wales with an uncle. They settled in the rural town of Braidwood. There, he first became known as Quong Tart. He became close with several townspeople from Scotland, who helped him learn English. Quong Tart spoke English with a thick Scottish accent for the rest of his life. He also converted to Christianity. As a teenager, Quong Tart invested in the gold-mining industry around Braidwood. He was rich by the time he reached adulthood.
In July 1871, Quong Tart became a naturalized British subject, as Australia was still under British rule. This status change allowed him to buy and own land in New South Wales. After visiting China to see family and make business connections in 1881, he returned to Australia and established himself as a tea trader. He also opened several tearooms around Sydney. A tearoom is a room or shop where tea, coffee, and light meals are served. In 1886, he married Margaret Scarlett, a British-born Australian schoolteacher. They had six children.
As Quong Tart continued to open tea shops and import goods from China, he became a leading figure in Sydney. After the opening of the Queen Victoria Market Buildings (later known as the Queen Victoria Building) in 1898, Quong Tart established a large restaurant and tearoom inside the shopping center. The restaurant’s popularity increased Quong Tart’s fame in Australian society. He used his business and political connections to work against drug abuse and gambling in the community. Quong Tart also hosted events for many charities, becoming a well-known public speaker.
Quong Tart served as a spokesperson for the Chinese community in Australia. In 1892, he helped found the first Chinese merchants’ association in Sydney. He was recognized for his work in improving Chinese-Australian relations by the Guangxu Emperor of China. Quong Tart was awarded the title of Mandarin of the Blue Button by the emperor in 1894.
Quong Tart was attacked and seriously injured during a robbery of his restaurant in August 1902. He died from complications from his injuries on July 26, 1903.
