Australian firefighters celebrate upcoming Chinese New Year with lion dance

The Fire and Rescue Authority of the Australian state of New South Wales hosted a special Chinese lion dance ceremony in Sydney to welcome the Year of the Dragon and also mark the 140th anniversary of its service.

Ahead of the start of Chinese New Year on Saturday, Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell and other firefighters welcomed the presentation at the City of Sydney Fire Station, which was hosted by a local lion and dragon dance troupe.

Following the strong beats of the drum, gong and cymbals, four young artists in red and yellow lion costumes danced down the street, showing foot movements in the station’s equipment area, in addition to interacting with the public.

“The lion dance is one of the most important Chinese New Year traditions. Lion dance performances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good luck for the year,” said Darryl Dunbar, FRNSW Metro East Area Commander. “It’s a fantastic gesture during FRNSW’s 140th anniversary and we work closely with the state’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, especially around our fire prevention and preparedness activities.”