Melbourne marks 2014 Chinese New Year celebrations

• Premier celebrates Chinese New Year in Melbourne’s iconic Chinatown
• More than 250,000 people across Victoria identify with Chinese ancestry
• Victorian Coalition Government welcomes opportunity for Victorians to come together and enjoy our diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds

The Chinese New Year, one of Victoria’s most anticipated cultural events, was today celebrated at a number of festivals across Melbourne.

Premier Denis Napthine joined in the celebrations which showcased traditional and contemporary dance, performance and cuisine at an event in the city’s iconic Chinatown.

“I am very pleased to be celebrating Chinese New Year as crowds from across the state embrace ancient traditions, and share in Chinese culture,” Dr Napthine said.

“Right across Melbourne, from Box Hill and Abbotsford to Footscray and Glen Waverley, our Chinese communities are playing host to an array of spectacular Lunar festivities.”

2014 marks the Year of the Horse on the lunar calendar, which represents nobility, speed and perseverance.

“The Chinese community is one of our largest, and most established with more than 250,000 people identifying with Chinese ancestry across Victoria,” Dr Napthine said.

“We also currently have around 50,000 Chinese students studying in Victoria.

“One of the great things about this state is the breadth of our multicultural communities, and I can’t imagine Victoria without the immense contribution of the Chinese community.”

Speaking at an event with Victorian and Chinese business and community leaders, Dr Napthine said that 2013 was an important year for strengthening cultural and economic relationships with China.

“Last year the Victorian Coalition Government led a Super Trade Mission with more than 400 delegates, representing around 300 organisations, and participated in a five-day program of business activities across nine Chinese cities,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Super Trade Mission has been important in generating substantial new opportunities for both Chinese and Victorian economies, including additional exports and jobs for our state.

“Seeing the colour and vibrancy of Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne today, I am optimistic about fostering our strong economic and cultural ties with China now, and into the future.”