Archive for February, 2026

On Saturday, 21 February 2026, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) hosted the 2026 ABAW Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Box Hill for one of Victoria’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. The festival brought together residents, families, businesses and visitors from across Victoria in a vibrant celebration marking the Year of the Horse.

Held along Bank Street in Box Hill and surrounding public areas, the festival featured a full-day program of cultural performances, community activities and market stalls. Traditional lion and dragon dances, alongside multicultural stage performances, highlighted the diversity of Melbourne’s communities and reinforced the ABAW ’s role as a major platform for cultural exchange and community engagement.

More than 100 food and market vendors participated in the event, offering a wide range of cuisine, handmade products and locally operated business offerings. Interactive cultural experiences, including calligraphy demonstrations and heritage workshops, provided opportunities for visitors from diverse backgrounds to engage directly with traditional cultural practices. The evening concluded with spectacular fireworks displays, providing a memorable finale shared by the entire community.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ABAW President Ms Bihong Wang reflected on the deeper meaning of the festival:

“Today, Box Hill becomes more than a precinct. It becomes a meeting place of histories, journeys and dreams.”

“Festivals like today remind us that prosperity is never created alone. Businesses need community, families need neighbors, new migrants need friendship and communities need unity.” said ABAW President Bihong Wang.

The event was attended by representatives from local, state and federal government, diplomatic representatives, community leaders and business partners. Over many years, government and community institutions have maintained ongoing engagement in supporting multicultural initiatives and community participation across Victoria.

ABAW extends our sincere appreciation to our Title Sponsors, Golden Age and Local: Residential, whose leadership support played a vital role in bringing this large-scale community celebration to life. ABAW also gratefully acknowledges the support of event sponsor Stonemart, together with other valued sponsors and partners, for their continued contribution to fostering cultural connection.

The festival was proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, the Victorian State Government, and the City of Whitehorse, whose collaboration and ongoing support continue to strengthen community engagement in the region.

ABAW also recognises the invaluable contributions of performers, stallholders, volunteers and the organising team, whose dedication, professionalism and countless hours of preparation ensured a welcoming and successful event experience for all attendees.

As a not-for-profit organisation known for fostering collaboration between business, culture and community, ABAW remains committed to supporting local economic development, strengthening cross-cultural understanding and creating inclusive spaces where communities can come together.

Following the success of this year’s festival, ABAW looks forward to continuing to work with partners, supporters and the wider community to deliver meaningful cultural events that celebrate diversity and bring people together across Melbourne in the years ahead.

On 7 February 2026, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW), with the support of Manningham Council, hosted the Manningham Chinese New Year Festival at Jackson Court, Doncaster East. The event brought together local residents, families and visitors in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The festival featured a diverse and engaging program throughout the day. From multiple dragon and lion dance performances to a wide range of food and cultural market offerings, the festival created an open and inclusive space for celebration. An evening fireworks display brought the event to a fitting close. These experiences provided an opportunity for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to come together, connect and foster greater cross-cultural understanding.

As ABAW President Bihong Wang noted, “Chinese New Year is also about values we all understand: gratitude, renewal, and wishing good health and prosperity for others. And that is exactly what today represents — our community coming together, with open hearts, to celebrate what we share and what makes us unique.”

“Events like today are not just about entertainment — they create real impact. They support local traders and small businesses, create opportunities for community organizations, strengthen belonging for new migrants and long-term residents, and showcase Manningham as a vibrant and welcoming place to live and work” said ABAW President Bihong Wang.

Representatives from local, state and federal government, diplomatic representatives, community leaders and partners attended the festival, reflecting broad support for multicultural initiatives and cultural celebration.

The successful delivery of the festival was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. ABAW sincerely thanks its Title Sponsor, Aoyida International Express, for its leadership support and commitment to community connection. ABAW also acknowledges its Major Sponsor, Bendigo Community Bank (Doncaster East / Templestowe Village), for supporting local community events and contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

ABAW further recognizes the valued support of its other sponsors and supporters, including Bupa, The Glen Asian Grocery, LingoAce, Silver Star Motors, WPM Automotors, Rhema, He Pai, TT Accountants, We Unite, Fortis Risk Solutions, Bivi Home, Aus Primefoods Wholesaling, Success Finance Services, Ark Express, Super Car Auto Care, Rptecture Architects, Mustard Seed Lawyers, Bulk Bargains, Holiday Asia Travel, One Touch Computer, Success Finance Services, Golden Lily Restaurant, Bloom Studio of Dance,   Australia Chinese Calligraphers Association, Australia Dunhuang Arts Academy, LynnM’s Beauty, VICETA WANG, as well as community and cultural organizations that contributed to the delivery of the event. The festival was also supported by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and the Jackson Court Trader Association, whose continued support helped make the event possible.

ABAW also extends its appreciation to the dedicated stallholders, performers and volunteers whose hard work and enthusiasm played a vital role in creating a welcoming and well-organized event. Their efforts were central to the festival’s success and to the positive experience shared by all who attended.

As a not-for-profit community organization, ABAW has long been committed to supporting small businesses, building cross-cultural connections and delivering initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and local economies. The Manningham Chinese New Year Festival reflects this ongoing commitment, serving as a platform for cultural exchange, community participation and shared celebration.

As the community reflects on this year’s festivities, ABAW looks forward to continuing to work with partners, supporters and the wider community to deliver meaningful cultural events that celebrate diversity and bring people together in the years ahead.