The Andrews Labor Government and Study Melbourne will help fund an expanded program of Chinese New Year celebrations across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat to welcome the Year of the Rooster in 2017.
Lion dancing, light installations, a new year countdown, dragon boat demonstrations and a showcase at Queen Victoria Market will feature in the Chinese New Year celebrations throughout Melbourne.
Chinatown, Federation Square, Southbank and Docklands are just some of the areas people can go to join in and catch-up with the festivities throughout January and February.
Events will also feature throughout Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo for the 2017 Chinese New Year Festival, including dragon boat demonstrations and traditional ceremonies.
The Labor Government has a long and proud history of celebrating Victoria's diversity with events like Chinese New Year. The celebrations recognise the state’s rich multiculturalism, encourage visitation and keep local restaurants and entertainment precincts busy.
Victoria and China share a strong historical bond, with Victoria’s Chinese community one of the longest continuous Chinese settlements in any western country and Melbourne home to one of the oldest Chinatown precincts in the southern hemisphere.
China remains Victoria’s number one trading partner contributing an enormous amount to the state’s economy each year, with two-way trade valued at more than $20 billion in 2015.
China is also the biggest contributor to Victoria’s booming international education sector, accounting for almost 30 per cent of all international students studying across the state.
The 2017 Chinese New Year festivities will have a strong focus on engaging the 175,000-strong international student community with events at Eureka 89, Tai Chi, Chinese dance and a home away from home dinner.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“Victoria’s Chinese community has played a central role in development of our state from its earliest days and we’re proud to host celebrations not just throughout Melbourne but our regional cities as well.”
“We value both our strong friendship and economic relationship with China as one of the state's most important and celebrating Chinese New Year 2017 – Year of the Rooster – reinforces that.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“There’s no place to celebrate Chinese New Year like Victoria. This will be a party like no other.”
“The biggest and best Chinese New Year celebrations boost visitation to Victoria – and that means jobs for locals.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020