Lunar New Year at Dharma Realm

On Monday 16th February, I was invited to celebrate Lunar New Years Eve, at Dharma Realm Buddhist Monastery in Bonogin, with Reverend Heng Sure and his team. It was a lovely community event, noting the Year of the Fire Horse, which only comes around every 60 years. Here’s my speech for the event, which was translated to Chinese for the international audience.

Good evening everyone,

Tonight, as we gather to celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, we do more than turn a page on the calendar — we ignite a new chapter of energy, courage and possibility.

When I first heard this was the year of the fire horse I wrestled with an uncertain image… somewhere between the satirical silliness and poignant analogy from the classic western comedy “Blazing Saddles” (and I do love funny movies that shape our perceptions of society!) and some sort of contrasting horror conjured by the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse, an image from the book of revelation in the scriptures of the Christian faith. But neither of these polarising ideas really makes sense in the true context of the lunar zodiac.

The Fire Horse is a powerful combined symbol, I’m told. In the lunar zodiac, the Horse represents strength, freedom, endurance and forward momentum. Add the element of Fire, and we amplify passion, leadership and bold action. Accordingly, This is a year for stepping forward with confidence. A year for daring to begin. A year for riding toward opportunity rather than waiting for it to arrive.

Here in the City of Gold Coast, that spirit feels especially fitting.

Ours is a city shaped by optimism and momentum. From our golden beaches to our thriving small businesses, from our creative industries to our world-class sporting culture, the Gold Coast has always been a place that moves.

We are builders. Dreamers. Entrepreneurs.

Families from every corner of the globe who chose this coastline as home.

Lunar New Year is a beautiful reminder of the richness that multicultural communities bring to our region. Across Australia, and especially here on the Gold Coast, cultures meet, traditions are shared, and new generations grow up understanding that diversity is not just welcomed — it is celebrated.

The Year of the Fire Horse calls on us to be brave in pursuit of our aspirations. To support one another’s ambitions. To lift our neighbours when they stumble. To run boldly toward innovation while staying grounded in the values of family, respect and community.

For business leaders, it is a year to think creatively and act decisively.

For families, it is a year to nurture resilience and joy.

For young people, it is a year to chase dreams with fearless hearts.

The Horse runs best not alone, but alongside others. And that is the true spirit of tonight — community. Whether your family has celebrated Lunar New Year for generations, or you are experiencing these traditions for the first time, we stand together in shared hope.

 May this Fire Horse year bring vitality to our city.

May it spark new partnerships and fresh ideas.

May it strengthen friendships across cultures.

And may it carry each of us forward with confidence and good fortune.

As we look out over our remarkable hinterland and coastline and into the year ahead, let us embrace the Fire Horse spirit — bold, warm-hearted, unstoppable.

Happy Lunar New Year.

May prosperity, health and happiness ride with you all year long.