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Hong Kong's vibrant cultural diversity is highlighted at a major national festival being staged in Australia's capital, Canberra.
The Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Sydney, Ms Lorna Wong, today (February 7, Canberra time) attended Chinese New Year celebrations which form a key part of the 2010 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra. The three-day event features a programme celebrating the diverse cultures of many ethnic groups that make up the broader Australian community.
Ms Wong said Hong Kong's unique blend of East and West meant it was a melting pot of cultures similar to Canberra, which is regarded as being one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia.
"The Festival is an excellent example of the efforts made by the Australian Capital Territory Government in promoting the rich and vibrant cultural diversity of the Territory.
"Australia is known for its multicultural diversity and inclusiveness is upheld as one of your core values. Take Chinese New Year as an example. The celebrations have certainly extended beyond the Chinese community to the broader community, with Australians from all social and ethnic backgrounds taking part in the festivities.
"More so, these activities have the full support of all tiers of government - Federal, State and Local - who devote considerable effort and resources in organising and encouraging community participation in the Lunar New Year celebrations," she said.
HKETO is distributing promotional information to festival-goers at the event, including "A Traveller's Guide to Hong Kong" and a calendar produced by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Ends/Sunday, February 7, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:54
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