About 100 locals attended a Lunar New Years celebration on Thursday 19 February, hosted by Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services at its Sunshine campus.
Students, alongside friends, family and local politicians, welcomed the Year of the Horse, symbolising energy, passion and creativity, in a vibrant celebration of colour and culture.
Many attendees wore traditional dress.
The celebration featured a traditional Lion Dance performance, followed by lunch and karaoke performances with the festivities continuing until the early afternoon.
Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services chief executive Trish Heffernan said the event was about acknowledging culture, belonging and the important role education plays in building community connection.
“Lunar New Year is a very special time for many of our students, and this celebration is about honouring their cultures while bringing people together,” Ms Heffernan said.
“Many of our students are from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and events like this help create a sense of belonging, confidence and joy — not just in the classroom, but across the wider community.”
Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos was in attendance along with councillors Kim Thien Truong and Lucy Nguyen.
The event also marked the launch of Djerriwarrh’s ‘gold class’, a new part-time English program.
According to Djerriwarrh, the class will combine English language learning with social connection and excursions, helping community members who may be older or isolated stay engaged and connected.
