Sydney is one of the great global cities and wonderful place to welcome in the New Year.
Whether it is the 1st of January and our spectacular fireworks on Sydney Harbour, or several weeks later our celebration for the Lunar calendar, Sydney has a diverse, rich and harmonious community welcoming in their New Year. I would like to extend a happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate. Welcome to the ‘Year of the Dragon’.
Lunar New Year is a culturally significant holiday, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the summer. For our local Chinese community this traditional celebration is steeped in history and symbolism. The changing from winter to summer represents renewal, growth, and new beginnings. This transition parallel’s broader themes of life cycles, transformation, and the recurring nature of existence. This philosophical reflection encapsulates the hope for a brighter, prosperous future, echoing the sentiments embedded in the Dragon’s symbolism of power and vitality.
The year of the dragon symbolises strength, courage and good fortune. It is the only mythical creature in the zodiac, and its presence there signifies a year of unyielding spirit. I hope everyone in our community will approach their year with such spirit!
While I relish the opportunity to celebrate the many cultural and national events, we have in Willoughby I am concerned about how some in our community that want to ignore and cancel our own national day. I was shocked and disappointed by the decision of North Sydney Council to cancel its Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, which marks a deviation from historical tradition. Citizenship ceremonies are a source of pride for our community, symbolising unity, cultural inclusivity, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our newest citizen’s. There is no greater privilege than doing this on our national day. What is particularly confusing is that North Sydney Council has no problem promoting and celebrating other nation’s national days. Why is our own national day not given appropriate recognition? Our community deserves to have our great and unifying traditions continued. Welcome to all our new citizens and thank you for choosing to call Australia home.
