Patrons at the Moonee Valley racecourse will mark the Chinese New Year with a special celebration race meeting tonight.
The Andrews Labor Government is contributing more than $82,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program, and the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) is providing more than $89,000.
The MVRC will use the partnership to enhance the raceday experience by promoting Chinese culture through song, dance, food, art and craft.
Entry is free and patrons will be treated to a Chinese-themed circus performance by CircaNICA, Chinese fan and dragon dancers and live music by Hong Kong based artist Det Dik. There will also be face painting, street cube art and Asian cuisine food vans.
This year is the Year of the Rooster and Moonee Valley racecourse will be decorated to celebrate the occasion.
Key signage will be marked in English and Chinese, and translators will be located in customer service areas to convey messages in both languages.
Jockeys’ names will be translated into Chinese on their riding breeches, and race books will be printed in both languages. The club will also have a Chinese racecaller to broadcast the Chinese New Year Cup.
The evening’s festivities will conclude with a dragon ceremony and pyrotechnics display on the main straight after the last race.
The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne alone generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be supporting this event which brings together Australian and Chinese cultures through racing.”
“Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success and I’m sure that racegoers will once again flock to this multicultural event.”
Quotes attributable to Moonee Valley Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Michael Browell
“We are grateful for the Government’s support, which will mean we can celebrate the Year of the Rooster in style.”
“We can promise racegoers an amazing night of top quality racing, great Asian food and a feast of Chinese culture.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020