Fortune cookies and well wishes sent to local communities for Lunar New Year
Special Lunar New Year gift packs have been shared with the local community to ring in the year of the Ox today, February 12.
Typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries, Lunar New Year is one of the most popular festivities in western Sydney – home to a large migrant population.
To celebrate this fresh beginning, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) created special gift packs to share the joy with local communities and remind everyone to stay COVID-safe during the festive time.
More than 900 fortune cookies and COVID-19 safety information packs translated into simplified Chinese were sent out to western Sydney Chinese welfare centres, neighbours associations, language schools and religious institutions.
Blacktown Hospital pharmacist Yoshi Pogoy and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist Chin-Yen Yeo 
Blacktown Hospital bookings team celebrates the Lunar New Year 
Blacktown Hospital pharmacy team celebrate the Lunar Year with fortune cookies and the Ox, the animal of 2021
For The Hills Chinese Seniors Association (THCSA) members who meet every Friday, today’s gathering was special.
Julie Chan, THCSA member and former Westmead Hospital nurse, said it was a nice surprise to receive a gift pack from WSLHD.
“We did not expect anything like this, and it felt nice to receive congratulations from my former workplace,” Julie said.
“The most exciting part was taking photos with the symbol of the year – the Ox – and the cookies. We felt like we were movie stars! Thank you!”
During the festive season, there is a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission as interactions in the community increase. Celebrants are reminded to follow safety guidelines, including limiting indoor gatherings within 2 square metre rule and practicing good hand hygiene.
For more information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the NSW Health website. For translated information please visit this page.
Lunar New Year is one of the world’s most prominent and celebrated festivals. It is celebrated in Asian countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, Australia and the Philippines.
This year is the year of the ox, a hardworking zodiac sign that signifies movement, loyalty, reliability and strength.
Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating today!
