Published Friday, 23 January, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Cultures collide for Chinese New Year
Australian cultures will collide – literally – when members of Queensland’s Chinese community welcome in the Year of the Ox on Australia Day, January 26, 2009.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the joint celebrations of two significant cultural events would reflect our State’s rich and proud cultural diversity.
“Chinese New Year is one of the most popular festivals not only for people of Chinese descent but the broader community as well,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Having the Year of the Ox begin on Australia Day makes it an even bigger occasion,” she said.
“The Ox is the second of 12 animal signs under the Chinese zodiac and people born under its influence posses such characteristics as dependability, strength and determination.
“These are traits Queenslanders can identify with and aspire to.”
Minister Nelson-Carr said Chinese New Year celebrations would continue for about two weeks, with fire crackers and dragon and lion dances providing noise, colour and movement.
“Members of various communities including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Malaysian will fill their homes and businesses with red and gold which are considered the colours of good luck and wealth during the celebrations.
“The red and gold of Chinese New Year accompanied by the green and gold of Australia Day will create a colourful cultural celebration statewide.
“I invite all Queenslanders to get out and celebrate our shared future together on Australia Day 2009 – the first day of the Chinese New Year.
“Kung Hei Fat Choy.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3235 4280
Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the joint celebrations of two significant cultural events would reflect our State’s rich and proud cultural diversity.
“Chinese New Year is one of the most popular festivals not only for people of Chinese descent but the broader community as well,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Having the Year of the Ox begin on Australia Day makes it an even bigger occasion,” she said.
“The Ox is the second of 12 animal signs under the Chinese zodiac and people born under its influence posses such characteristics as dependability, strength and determination.
“These are traits Queenslanders can identify with and aspire to.”
Minister Nelson-Carr said Chinese New Year celebrations would continue for about two weeks, with fire crackers and dragon and lion dances providing noise, colour and movement.
“Members of various communities including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Malaysian will fill their homes and businesses with red and gold which are considered the colours of good luck and wealth during the celebrations.
“The red and gold of Chinese New Year accompanied by the green and gold of Australia Day will create a colourful cultural celebration statewide.
“I invite all Queenslanders to get out and celebrate our shared future together on Australia Day 2009 – the first day of the Chinese New Year.
“Kung Hei Fat Choy.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3235 4280