Blacktown City Council will be celebrating Lunar New Year this year in a COVID-safe, decentralised way.
In past years, spectacular celebrations have been held at the Chang Lai Garden at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. This year, residents can ring in the Year of the Ox simultaneously at Blacktown City Council's five leisure and aquatic centres.
Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Riverstone Swimming Centre, Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, and the Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton will each host Lunar New Year celebrations on Sunday, 28 February.
Decked in the spirit of Lunar, the centres will host activities between 1pm until 4pm including lion dancing, live cultural performances, free craft workshops, food stalls, and roving performers.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM, said he was excited for all that the Year of the Ox would bring.
"Blacktown City is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia with our residents representing 180 nationalities and speaking 182 languages," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"It gives me great pride and joy to be Mayor of a great city where we have the opportunity to celebrate the many cultures which observe the Lunar New Year.
"Last year, Council cancelled the fireworks display out of respect for the victims of the tragic bushfires, this year due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 our celebrations will again be different.
"Council will ensure we welcome the Year of the Ox in a way which is fun, family-friendly, and COVID-safe for everyone."
Residents wishing to attend the celebrations will have to register ahead as there will be a limit of 500 people at each venue. Entry is covered by the normal centre entrance fee or membership.
Council is also looking for Asian martial arts, cultural or performance groups to perform at the celebrations.
Event details – Blacktown City Lunar New Year celebrations, Year of the Ox
When: Sunday, 28 February, 2021, 1pm to 4pm
Where: Council's five aquatic centres
- Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens - 9421 2600
- Riverstone Swimming Centre, corner Market and Piccadilly streets, Riverstone - 9627 1496
- Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown - 8869 9000
- Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt - 9625 6360
- Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton - 8822 6000
Cost: covered by centre entrance fee or membership. Bookings are essential and limited spaces are available due to COVID-19 regulations. Bookings open Saturday, 21 February. To book, contact your local centre via the phone numbers above, or existing members can book online.
Details: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2021-Lunar-New-Year-Celebrations
