CQU Melbourne International Campus recently acknowledged and celebrated the traditional Chinese Moon Festival (September 28).

The festival dates back to the Tang Dynasty 618 AD and celebrates the biggest and brightest full moon of the year, the Harvest Moon.

In these modern times, the Moon Festival is a big holiday with family reunions, moon-gazing activities and feasting on moon cakes.

Two students were recruited to assist with the preparation and planning of this well-received event.

CQU Melbourne Retention Manager Angie Jory said Nan Yang and Li Li were a tremendous help.

"They acted as advisors and ensured that we did things correctly," she said.

Students were treated to Chinese Moon Cakes which were widely distributed throughout the campus by Campus Director Barbara Abou-Lehaf and Student Advisor Jane Levy.

Academic staff Judi Hui and Pradeep Taneja were also involved. Pradeep spent three years in China as a teacher and was very familiar with the traditional celebration.

“When the cakes were distributed during his lecture, he explained the tradition to the students in his class so that they understood the importance of the day," Angie explained.

Judi is originally from Hong Kong and was therefore well versed in the background to the festival.

CQU Melbourne staff and students from over 40 countries had the opportunity to experience a new tradition and learnt a little more about the culture of an international neighbour.

Photo (above): Campus Director Barbara Abou-Lehaf and student Nan Yang, who helped with the festival.

Photo (left): Indian student Jeevan Divekar, Jane Levy (Student Advisor) and Indian student Ravi Lathwal enjoy the Chinese Moon Festival.