CQU Sydney International Campus rang in the Year of the Dog in fine style with Chinese New Year celebrations at the two Sydney campus buildings.

Both the undergraduate campus and the newly opened postgraduate campus were decorated in festive fashion with lanterns, firecrackers and red drapes to mark the occasion and invite good fortune for the year ahead.

Students and staff were treated to an authentic Chinese lion dance at both campuses at lunch time and students were presented with fortune cookies and 'laisee' packets – red envelopes baring gifts of coins.

Arrival of the New Year is an important celebration on the Chinese calendar. It is a time for cleaning house, repaying debts, enjoying feasts, distributing gifts, remembering ancestors and renewing family ties. The festival lasts for at least 15 days, until Yuen Sui, or Feast of the Lantern.

With 2006 being the Year of the Dog we hope that the hard-working and honest traits of the dog are reflected in all our students for the year of study that lies ahead.

CQU Sydney International Campus boasts a large number of students hailing from every corner of China and the celebrations coincide with the City of Sydney’s elaborate Chinese New Year program including markets, parades, performances and dragon boat races.

Photos: Students mingle to watch the lion dance ... Campus Director Barbara Abou-Lehaf with the lion.