On 16 September, the Chinese Culture Day, hosted by the Chinese Consulate‑General in Melbourne, was successfully held at Geelong College. Consul‑General Fang Xinwen, Deputy Consul‑General Liu Dongyuan, Geelong Mayor Strech Kontelj (via video address), Geelong College Principal Simon Young, Yuan Ximin, President of the Geelong Chinese Association, overseas Chinese community representatives, friends and more than 800 teachers and students attended the event.

In his address, Consul‑General Fang expressed the hope that through the immersive cultural interactions of  Chinese Culture Day, young Australians could experience the charm of Chinese culture and view the world’s diverse civilizations with an open and inclusive mindset. The Consulate‑General will earnestly implement the Global Civilization Initiative, deepen people‑to‑people and cultural exchanges and cooperation within its consular jurisdiction, and promote youth exchanges between the two regions.

In his video address, Mayor Kontelj spoke positively about the development of Australia‑China relations and spoke highly of Chinese culture. He pledged to further foster Australia‑China cultural exchanges and enrich Australia’s multicultural landscape. Principal Simon noted that this was the largest‑scale Chinese‑themed cultural event hosted by the college, building a cultural platform for young people of China and Australia to deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Fourteen cultural experience zones were set up at the venue, featuring calligraphy, handicrafts, touhu (arrow‑throwing game), ceremonial archery, poetry rubbings, traditional Chinese costume experience and more. The Consulate‑General also invited an arts delegation from Sichuan to take part in Chinese Culture Day. Artists presented brilliant performances showcasing intangible cultural heritage and classic Chinese opera, which drew rounds of cheers and applause from the audience.