Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (09:57): The lunar calendar this year marks the Year of the Horse, symbolising speed, strength, courage, success and progress. For many Australians of South–East Asian heritage, Lunar New Year is a time for celebration and renewal, an opportunity to reflect on the year behind us, to honour, value and share with family and friends and to welcome a new beginning with hope for prosperity and opportunity.

Here in Victoria our Asian communities are spread right across the state. From east to west, from north to south, festivals have been lighting up our suburbs every weekend leading up to the new year, which falls on 17 February. It was an absolute pleasure to join and celebrate, beginning with St Albans Lunar New Year, one of the most vibrant and culturally rich events in the western suburbs. This was followed by the magnificent East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival in Footscray, proudly organised by the Footscray Asian Business Association to showcase the diversity, unity and incredible spirit of the community.

In the past week I was delighted to attend Melbourne’s iconic Victoria Street Lunar New Year festival with my colleague Evan Mulholland, a member for Northern Metropolitan Region, and the Minister for Corrections, Enver Erdogan. It is another highlight that brings together thousands across Victoria. These festivals have become a cherished tradition, not only marking the beginning of a new lunar year but also celebrating everything that makes our community strong. May this Year of the Horse bring you and your family and loved ones health, happiness and success.