WA rings in the biggest Year of the Rooster yet

Saturday, 28 January 2017
 
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• ​Biggest Chinese New Year celebrations yet with free family events
• The Liberal National Government is supporting a $1 million expanded Chinese New Year program, including $64,400 for the annual Perth Chinese New Year Fair

Western Australia will celebrate the Lunar New Year like never before with a program of spectacular events, including dance, fashion, music and Tai Chi, as well as a giant six-metre tall Golden Rooster, huge Chinese lantern display and historic photographic exhibition at Elizabeth Quay.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the Liberal National Government supported this year's $1 million expanded Chinese New Year program with a focus on developing tourism and education links with China and neighbouring countries.

"The Lunar New Year has always been one of the most popular celebrations on WA's cultural calendar and this year's festivities will be even bigger than ever," the Minister said.

"There will be something for everyone with performances, activities and exhibitions for the whole family across the city, Elizabeth Quay, Northbridge and Bunbury.

"As part of the program, Western Australia will also welcome delegations from China of key opinion leaders, students and teachers to experience the best of our State's education and tourism offerings.  Forums and conferences will bring together leaders and innovators in the creative, fashion, science and technology industries, building on already significant collaborations between Western Australia and China in these sectors."

This year's festivities will have special significance as 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China and the 30th anniversary of WA's Sister State relationship with Zhejiang Province.

"I would like to thank the army of local bilingual volunteers who have put their hands up to ensure the expected 8,000 extra visitors from China get the most out of their visit, including those at Perth Airport who will personally greet these important arrivals," Dr Nahan said.

"I also thank the Chung Wah Association for its strong support of this year's expanded program and encourage everyone to visit http://www.cny.wa.gov.au to find out what's happening and join in the celebrations.  I'd like to wish everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai for the Year of the Rooster."

Fact File

• About 16,000 people born in China live in WA and about 80,000 West Australians have Chinese heritage
• In 2015-16, about 47,000 Chinese tourists visited WA, spending more than $244 million
• China has been WA's biggest source of foreign students since 2003, with more than 37,000 Chinese students starting studies in WA in 2015