On 2nd June, the “When Koala Meets Panda” Chinese Culture Workshop Dragon Boat Festival Special Event, hosted by Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane and organized by Multicultural Community Centre (MCC), was successfully held in Newmarket. Consul-General Dr RUAN Zongze, MCC director Mrs Jeannie Mok OAM, State Member Mr Jimmy Sullivan MP, Mr Tim Mander MP, Brisbane Councillor Andrew Wines made remarks at the event. Deputy Consul-General Ms LI Suyun, young diplomats and community leader Mr Lewis Lee OAM joined the Dragon Boat Festival celebration with nearly 200 participants, including more than 80 students from primary and middle schools.

In his remarks, Dr Ruan said, the Dragon Boat Festival has been commemorated by Chinese people for a long history through making Zongzi and racing dragon boat. Glad to see the active participation of young friends. Queensland Multiculturalism is impressive and shown vividly by the partnership between koala and panda. President Xi Jinping proposed Global Civilization Initiative and stressed that we shall respect the diversity of civilizations, advocate robust international people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual understanding. Young friends are the ambassadors and future of China-Australia cultural exchanges. Wish the tree of our friendship thrive.

In their remarks, State Member Jimmy Sullivan MP, Tim Mander MP, Councillor Andrew Wines and Mrs Jeannie Mok said, it’s a wonderful partnership that we have had over many years with China and Chinese people. Chinese community is a significant part of local multiculturalism. “When Koala Meets Panda” events are great for people who’s born and bred in Australia to learn about Chinese cultural experience. Students can walk here from school to enjoy this enriched event with family. Looking forward to next event and next Dragon Boat Festival.

The “When Koala Meets Panda” Dragon Boat Festival storytelling contest has also been included in the culture workshop. Consul-General Dr Ruan and Mrs Jeannie Mok presented prizes for eight winners. The culture workshop had many sectors including making Zongzi (rice dumpling), kite painting, perfume pouch DIY, dragon boat DIY, calligraphy, etc. The Brisbane City Council Library has set a Chinese story zone for young kids to hear stories. Accompanied by their families, young friends tasted Zongzi and experienced all the cultural activities, and the whole workshop is full of warm and peaceful atmosphere.