People from far and wide have flocked to Chatswood over the weekend (Saturday, 21 January) for Willoughby Council’s Lunar New year festival hosted in partnership with the NSW Liberal and National Government.

Willoughby Council was one of 15 councils to successfully receive a major grant from the NSW Liberals and Nationals to host multicultural events and festivals in their local areas.

Member for Willoughby, Tim James, said it was pleasing to see so many people come to the local area to celebrate Lunar New Year.

“The NSW Government partnering with Willoughby Council to host this major event is certainly a win for our local community. It shows just how much we value celebrating our diversity,” Mr James said.

“Events such as this one are great tourist attractions and local economy boosters—I am looking forward to seeing what Willoughby Council has in store for its next two major events.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the council received $980,000 to run three events a year for two years, including its Lunar New Year festival.

“It was fantastic to see Chatswood come alive and to see so many people come to celebrate and immerse themselves in the colour and vibrancy of Lunar New Year,” Mr Coure said.

“Each of the local councils we are partnering with, such as Willoughby Council, shows that our multicultural society isn’t isolated to one city or suburb, but really does extend right across NSW.”

The festival was headlined by a number of free major attractions including the famed Rabbit Sculptures Trail—eight large-scale inflatable rabbits, which have featured in nearly 300 cities around the world.

Willoughby Council is one of 15 local councils that has received funding from the NSW Government to host its events in 2023 and 2024. All successful councils will partner with the NSW Government and co-fund to host events. For more information visit multicultural.nsw.gov.au.