Archive for December, 2025

Manningham to Welcome the 2026 Chinese New Year Festival on 7th of February

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) is pleased to announce the 2026 Manningham Chinese New Year Festival, which will take place on Saturday 7 February 2026 at Jackson Court. The festival is one of Melbourne’s significant multicultural celebrations and invites families, residents, and visitors to welcome the Year of the Horse through a vibrant program of cultural activities and community engagement.

Speakers in Attendance

• Ms. Bihong Wang – President of ABAW
• Cr Jim Grivas – Mayor of City of Manningham
• Mr. Gabriel Ng MP – Federal Member for Menzies
• Ms. Nicole Werner MP – State Member for Warrandyte, representing the Leader of Opposition Victoria, Ms. Jess Wilson MP
• The Hon Matthew Guy MP – State Member for Bulleen
• Mr. Jazz – AYD International Express Representative
• Mr. Richard Shi – Vice President of ABAW

VIP Guests

• Cr Dierdre Diamante – Deputy Mayor of City of Manningham
• Cr Anna Chen – Councilor, City of Manningham
• Cr Kirsten Langford – Mayor of City of Whitehorse
• Cr Peter Allan – Councillor, City of Whitehorse
• Mr. Andrew Day – Chief Executive Officer, City of Manningham

Sponsors and Partners

• Major Supporter: Manningham City Council
• Stage Sponsor: Bendigo Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestone Village Branch
• Event Sponsor: Bupa

Stakeholder:

• Jackson Court Traders Association
• Victoria Police
• The Salvation Army

ABAW Leadership Highlights Community and Organisational Values

During the media launch, ABAW President Ms. Bihong Wang emphasised the organisation’s mission to connect business, community, and culture.

Ms. Wang said, “This festival is more than a celebration. It brings together established and emerging communities, creates opportunities for young people to participate and lead, and gives local traders a larger platform to share their stories. Events like this strengthen cultural understanding while supporting the small businesses that keep our precincts vibrant.”

ABAW Vice President Mr. Richard Shi added, “We sincerely appreciate the support of Bendigo Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestone Village Branch. ABAW will contribute five thousand dollars to strengthen multicultural engagement and bring renewed vitality to the local business precinct.”

Festival Highlights

• Traditional Lion Dance and New Year Fireworks

The festival will begin with an energetic lion dance bringing prosperity and festive cheer. In the evening, a Lunar New Year fireworks display will illuminate the Jackson Court precinct and create a memorable celebration for families.

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Activities

Visitors can participate in hands-on activities including lacquer fan art, hawthorn candy stick making, and a calligraphy booth presented in partnership with the Australian Chinese Calligraphers Association. All proceeds from the calligraphy booth will be donated to The Salvation Army.

• Stamp and Prize Hunt

A family-friendly activity encouraging visitors to collect stamps from designated booths and redeem a limited-edition festival gift.

• Multicultural Stage Performances

A full schedule of performances featuring local artists and cultural groups from across the community.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
• Time: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm
• Location: Jackson Court, Doncaster East

The festival is proudly organised by ABAW with the support of Manningham City Council, local partners, and community organisations. ABAW looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Jackson Court for a joyful and inclusive Lunar New Year celebration.

Food and market stall applications for the festival remain open, and local businesses are encouraged to express their interest in participating.

For media enquiries, please contact：

Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.abaw.org.au

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) concluded its 2025 calendar with a warm and memorable Christmas Party at Golden Lily Restaurant, bringing together more than 120 members, multicultural business leaders and government representatives for an evening that celebrated community, collaboration, and shared achievement.

Held in Golden Lily’s heritage dining rooms, the event reflected on a year defined by record-breaking festival attendance, sold-out business forums and the continued growth of ABAW’s care-sector network.

Honoring Partnerships and Community Leaders

ABAW President Ms. Bihong Wang opened the evening with a Welcome to Country acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, followed by expressions of appreciation for the evening’s premium sponsors: Yanghe Wine, Bio-E, Melrose and Hydrodol.

The Christmas Party was also honored by the attendance of distinguished government guests. Their presence demonstrated the strong and ongoing partnership between government and the multicultural business community. Attendees included:

• Dr Carina Garland MP, Federal Member for Chisholm
• Mr. Will Fowles MP, State Member for Ringwood
• Mayor Cr Kirsten Langford, City of Whitehorse
• Deputy Mayor Cr Kieran Simpson, City of Whitehorse
• Cr Andrew Davenport, City of Whitehorse Councillor
• Cr Peter Allan, City of Whitehorse Councillor

Ms. Wang also extended sincere thanks to Whitehorse City Council and Business Victoria for their continuous support and strategic collaboration throughout the year.

Networking Across Sectors

From 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm, guests enjoyed a vibrant networking session where business owners, community representatives and sponsors exchanged insights and explored new partnerships while discussing plans and projections for 2026. Government leaders engaged with members, contributing to an atmosphere of connection and shared purpose across the dining rooms.

Seasonal Festivities and Lucky Draw Highlights

The festive spirit reached its high point during the Lucky Draw, with guests celebrating an array of prizes including premium blind boxes, Yanghe luxury baijiu sets and vouchers from local traders. The cheers, laughter and group photos captured against the ABAW media backdrop will become highlights of the organisation’s 2025 year-end wrap.

Looking Ahead to 2026

President Wang concluded the evening by announcing ABAW’s major first-quarter events:

• Manningham Chinese New Year Festival on Friday 7 February 2026 at Jackson Court
• Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday 21 February 2026 on Bank Street and the surrounding precinct

“These festivals are not just events,” Ms. Wang emphasised. “They are platforms for cultural celebration, economic activation, and genuine community connection. We welcome sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers to join us in building strong momentum for the Year of the Horse.”

Season’s Greetings from ABAW

ABAW extends its warmest wishes to all members, partners and community residents for a joyful Christmas, a prosperous New Year, and a restful summer break.