Canberra's Chinese community celebrates the New Year

Traditional dances were performed by local troupes in colourful costumes. [Photo/Australiaplus.com]

Mountains of noodles, music and dance to welcome the New Year at a community event.

The ACT Chinese Australian Association organised the food, local cultural groups provided the entertainment and the lion roared into action to the delight of young and old at a community event to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The Year of the Horse was welcomed by 140 people gathered on a Sunday afternoon at the Theo Notaris Multicultural Centre in Civic.

Three different noodle dishes were prepared by renowned (though officially retired) chef Master Soo, assisted by Master Tong (also retired but still famous for his dim sims) and volunteers from the Association.

The Chinese Seniors' Choir sang and traditional dances were performed.

The colours of red (happiness) and gold (money) were on display in both the vegetables chosen for the noodle dishes and in the colourful costumes.

"Everything we do today," explained Association member Chin Wong, "has to symbolise prosperity, good luck and good health."