A colourful celebration of Vietnamese Lunar New Year was held on Saturday, February 15 at Dapto Ribbonwood Hall.
Organisers Teresa Tran OAM and Hong Phong Le OAM said the family event was an important celebration for the Vietnamese community of Wollongong.
“Everyone praised the diverse cultural program,” Teresa said.
“The atmosphere of the festival was bustling, jubilant, energetic, and joyful, showing that the Vietnamese community has always strived to contribute to the Australian multicultural society, which is full of enthusiasm, dynamism, and solidarity.”
The community was welcomed with traditional songs and a performance of the Lion Dance in honour of the Year of The Snake 2025. Firecrackers were set off to ward off bad spirits and welcome good luck.
“Our main purpose in organising cultural events like the Lunar New Year is to empower our Vietnamese members and their descendants to discover and cherish their heritage,” Teresa says.
Once inside, guests were treated to speeches from Teresa, who is the president of the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong, Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown, Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes, MCCI CEO Chris Lacey and Paul Huy Nguyen of the Australian Vietnamese Refugees National Council. The guests took part in an incense-burning ceremony to honour the ancestors of the Vietnamese community.
“If you have a clear sense of identity, it will ignite a passion to succeed in life and make a positive contribution to the country that you are living in,” Teresa said.
“This is an opportunity for us to unite everyone and foster solidarity and sympathy between generations. This is also our Vietnamese Australian community's contribution to enriching Australian culture with diversity and vibrancy.”
The night proceeded with colourful performances and entertainment from community members young and old.
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia after war. Teresa and Phong are in the process of planning some important events for the community to celebrate.
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