Last night we went to a Chinese New Year Grand Ball at Burswood Hotel. Every year my dad is quite involved in the organising committee, so our whole family + partners gets to attend.

This year was probably the best it’s ever been – in terms of organisation, performances, the meal, the music and dancing, the awards and speeches, the attendance of government officials. Everything was really well done, and it was all very grand.

I’ve realised that I’ve been going to these Chinese Community functions for over 10 years now. And even though it’s a fixed annual event in my family’s calendar, I still feel like an outsider. I still feel that this is something the “oldies” do. That perhaps my own generation of Australian-Born-Chinese needs to embrace …something before we can feel part of this community.

I’ve come to accept that these huge Chinese celebrations are a part of my life. Every time I walk through the huge doors of the ballroom and hear the lion dance drums ringing in the air, it feels like home.

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