O’Pray said:
“I’m doing everything I can to get wonderful events on the Coast and it’s a bit disappointing we haven’t got anything like Chinese New Year celebrations here.”
With its outdoor lifestyle, beaches, and natural beauty, Mooloolaba and surrounding areas are already a drawcard for tourists. As one of Australia’s perpetual growth areas, The Sunshine Coast is now also home to a diverse range of immigrants all too eager to share their culture as part of assimilation into Australian society.
Large Chinese New Year festivals in our major cities showcase food, arts, crafts and entertainment, including the ever-popular lion dance and dragon parade, all to the accompaniment of resounding traditional drums and music. Cr O’Pray stated that Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated in February during the Lunar New Year - usually a slow time for tourism on the Coast.
Local tourism industry experts have been instrumental, assisting Tourism Queensland in generating Chinese interest. Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth welcomed the concept, saying:
“Any activities for the area are good activities for business. If council can put it on and we get behind it will be fantastic.”
Local Sunshine Coast Print companies eagerly await the outcome, with opportunities to provide paraphernalia for the festival, such as lucky money, red Envelopes, red clothing, banner printing and more. With 2013 the year of the snake, the time is right for Chinese/Australian partnerships.Get a Free Quote for Envelopes Get a Free Quote for Print