His role means that he is often the only person in department meetings who is advocating for essential regional services like maternity care.
But a series of homophobic and racist attacks on Ka Chun and his husband, David Tse, have driven the pair out of their home.
The couple bought a property in Kialla Lakes in 2019, which they hoped to renovate and live in for at least a decade.
“It was a lovely house, it was beautiful,” David said.
“It’s quite sad that we couldn’t settle.”
The incidents began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ka Chun was targeted by pandemic and vaccine sceptics who perceived him as Chinese and for his role as a doctor.
He was even denied service at a supermarket during hours intended for medical professionals only, despite carrying identification.
On December 3, 2022, David and Ka Chun were preparing an early Christmas dinner when a group of about 10 people gathered outside their home.
The group shouted verbal abuse and homophobic slurs.
They ripped up tree stakes, threw them at the house and used them to damage the exterior of the property.
They threatened to kill and petrol bomb the couple.
The incident was detailed in a submission to the Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria, which is due to be tabled by September 1.
The couple believes that they were identified from posts made in a Facebook group.
In October 2025, residents from the area discovered the couple were in a same-sex relationship and began harassing them.
The harassment included property damage, tailgating, ripping down a pride flag, blocking their driveway and threats of violence.
“KC does quite a big job, and it’s hard to come home to that,” David said.
The incidents continued into March 2026, when David and Ka Chun moved out of their home and into a motel.
Despite now having a home elsewhere, Ka Chun has continued his work across northern Victoria, travelling from motel to motel.
“It was quite a shocker,” Ka Chun said.
“I feel like I’m doing the right thing contributing to the community, why is this the recompense?
“If you don’t afford David and me basic protection, we’re leaving, find someone else.”
David understands the realities of homophobic violence all too well.
In 1992, his first partner and high school ‘country romance’, Daniel Kennedy, was murdered in a gay bashing attack in Melbourne while David was away visiting family.
David said the threats against Ka Chun “takes me back to those times”.
“It overshadows your life and runs in your mind,” David said.
“People think that it doesn’t happen now but there’s still incredible violence.
“Straight people don’t get attacked in their home for cooking a Christmas dinner.”
The couple have lived in numerous locations across rural and regional Victoria and said they have not experienced this level of hostility anywhere else and have heard many stories from people in Melbourne who decided to leave Shepparton due to homophobia.
For 24/7 support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If your life is in danger, phone 000.
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