Special Chinese Lion dance held at City of Sydney Fire Station to promote happiness and prosperity ahead of Lunar New Year

Time and date of Release: 3.45pm on February 07 2024

Fire and Rescue NSW has hosted a special Chinese Lion dancing ceremony to welcome prosperity and happiness during the service’s 140th year.

With the Lunar New Year festivities starting on Saturday 10th March, FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, and other firefighters welcomed the performance in the station’s engine bays by the Chinese Youth League Lion and Dragon dance troupe.

The procession through number one station, City of Sydney, Australia’s busiest, aims to promote good fortune and ward off any evil spirits.

The Lion Dance is one of the most important traditions of the Chinese New Year.

FRNSW Area Commander – Metro East, Darryl Dunbar, said the performance also celebrates the fire service’s close ties with the communities in Sydney’s Chinatown and Haymarket districts in particular.

“It’s a terrific gesture during what is FRNSW’s 140th year and we work closely with the state’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, especially around our fire prevention and preparedness activities,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said.

“Evil spirits…I’m not aware of any per se, but we’re happy to have the Lion Dance drive them out, as we celebrate the Chinese New Year and Fire and Rescue’s 140th birthday next Wednesday 14th February,” he added.

Media note – Footage of the Lion Dance is available here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/910672931/6446d6f899