Hundreds of people turned out for Bayside Council's vibrant Lunar New Year Festival at Cahill Park, Wolli Creek, gathering along the riverside to celebrate and welcome the Year of the Horse in spectacular style.
Ms Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Member for Barton, joined Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall and Councillors to officially open the festival with the traditional and symbolic "dotting of the eyes" ceremony - a moment believed to awaken the lion and bring good fortune, prosperity and energy for the year ahead.
The lively, family-friendly evening transformed Cahill Park into a colourful celebration of culture and community. Visitors of all ages enjoyed thrilling amusement rides, bustling market stalls, and a delicious array of food trucks serving authentic street food from across Asia. The festival atmosphere was further brought to life with vibrant cultural displays, traditional lion and dragon dances, live music and dynamic performances that reflected the rich cultural diversity of Bayside.
The festival, hosted by Bayside Council in partnership with Aussie Night Markets, was rescheduled by one week due to wet weather, but the delay only heightened anticipation as the community turned out in large numbers to celebrate under clear skies.
Mayor Edward McDougall said
"It is wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate in the Year of the Horse at our annual Lunar New Year Festival in Cahill Park."
"It is an incredible opportunity to showcase the cultural wealth of our diverse, multicultural community that helps make Bayside such an incredible place to live."
