As the 2023 Australia Day approaches, the Australian Chinese community is taking note of the silence that falls on the celebration. Supermarkets and shops aren’t selling Australia flags and other holiday celebration items, and state premiers including Victoria’s Dan Andrews have shelved Australia Day parades and fireworks are uncertain.
Traditionally, Australian Chinese families either start their Lunar New Year (LNY) celebration early on Australia Day if that precedes LNY or extend their LNY celebration all the way to Australia Day if that day comes after LNY. However, this year, the Chinese community is reflecting on the meaning of Australia Day and acknowledging that it is a day where First Nations people view with pain and sorrow. The use of the word “invasion” has become very sensitive given the Ukraine conflict and potential tension in Asia.
The Australian Chinese community views this as an opportunity for a national discussion on the new meaning of Australia Day. They acknowledge that they have made a home on the land of the First Nations people and believe that Australia Day, or even a different date, should be a celebration of everyone, including First Nations people. More than half of Australia’s population is born overseas, with Australian Chinese accounting for 1.2 million of the population. Therefore, Australia Day should reflect the spirit of all of us.
This year, on Australia Day, the Australian Chinese community will share their understanding and vision of Australia Day on social media platforms such as WeChat, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They will post messages on “What Australia Day means to them” and “what they hope Australia will represent”, post drawings, pictures or symbols that represent their meaning of Australia Day, and share how they are celebrating Australia Day or how they would share the celebration with friends and family.
The Australian Chinese community believes that this is a rare opportunity for not only First Nations people but also all migrants, including Australian Chinese, to help shape not only Australia Day celebrations but also the direction of the country that we all call home. They invite mainstream media to observe their social posts and find new meaning in Australia Day celebrations.
For more information, please contact Wayne Tseng on 0433 104 830 or info@chineseprecinctchamber.org.au
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