Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Lunar New Year

Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (13:26): Chúc mừng năm mới to the electorate of St Albans and all who have celebrated the Lunar New Year. St Albans is home to the largest Vietnamese community in Victoria, and the St Albans Lunar New Year is held right near here in the beating heart of my electorate. We rang in the Year of the Dragon at midnight at Quang Minh temple. This is one of the biggest festivals for the state, drawing in thousands of local community members. Thank you to Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan and all the incredible volunteers who each year make it bigger and better. I have been excited to be part of many festivals that bring our communities together, from the Lunar New Year celebrations in St Albans to Sunshine, Footscray Park and many other areas of Melbourne. The Lunar New Year celebrations are truly an important time in the community’s calendar. This is also an opportunity to showcase our local communities, from our businesses to arts, music and cultural performances. Melbourne is truly the cultural and events capital of this nation.