Bundaberg’s Sister City Nanning continued to show its support for the region by taking part in the annual Lunar New Year Celebration and sharing gifts with community organisations.
As well as performing at the event, the delegation also gifted the Bundaberg PCYC a new drum for its Dragon and Lion Dancing Team and donated fundraising merchandise towards the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
Sister City Committee Chair Cr Steve Cooper said Council was appreciative of the continued relationship which aimed to promote friendship, understanding, goodwill and respect between the two cities.
“We were honoured to once again have a delegation from Nanning visit us for our Lunar New Year Celebrations, including a wonderful performance from their primary school students,” Cr Cooper said.
“Not only did they offer the gift of a beautiful new drum to the PCYC, but they also donated plush toys, keyrings and magnets to raise money for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
“These were sold at the Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, raising just over $650.”
The Lunar New Year Celebration also included the first public performance from the PCYC Dragon and Lion Dancing Team showcasing its new drum.
Bundaberg PCYC Blazers Leader Trevor Standfast said the team was very appreciative to the Nanning local government for its ongoing support.
“The team is deeply grateful and honoured to receive this beautiful instrument,” Trevor said.
“A new drum will support the team’s training and help preserve the tradition of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance.”
Trevor said the team had met with members of the delegation at previous Lunar New Year events to discuss performances and equipment.
“In previous years, the Nanning delegation, through their mayor, has facilitated the donation of a dragon and two lions,” Trevor said.
“Last year, our discussions centred on musical instruments, leading to a decision to request a new drum and cymbals.
“Our original drum [was] nearly 30 years old and [was] beginning to show its age.
“For the past 16 years, we have used it at festivals and celebrations, traveling to locations such as Brisbane City Hall, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Redcliffe, Gayndah, Monto, K’Gari, and numerous celebrations, events, and business openings in Bundaberg.”
Lunar New Year Celebration
Council’s 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration took place at the Bundaberg Multiplex on Saturday 8 February with an afternoon full of traditional dancing and demonstrations marking the Year of the Snake.
Entertainment at the free family-friendly event included a Taiko Drumming Performance from Bundaberg State High School, a Tai Chi Demonstration from the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong and Chinese traditional dances from community members.
Visitors also took part in interactive workshops including a Chinese Tea Ceremony and learning Chinese Calligraphy.
