SCSC Welcomes the Year of the Snake 2025!
9th February 2024
On a beautiful, sunny Sunday, the Special Children’s Service Centre (SCSC) hosted our 2025 Lunar New Year Luncheon at Bankstown Liberty Palace, welcoming the Year of the Snake with joy, laughter, and a vibrant blend of Asian and Western cultures. Families, friends, and over ten distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the festive season, dressed in colourful traditional attire that filled the venue with a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the visit from the God of Wealth and Goddess of Wealth, who brought blessings of happiness and prosperity to everyone present. Families eagerly posed for photos, cherishing the tradition and wishing for good fortune in the year ahead. Symbolic gifts, including lucky candies and red envelopes, were distributed, spreading joy and excitement throughout the room.
The lively spirit was further enhanced by heartfelt musical performances. Talented singers took the stage to perform traditional Lunar New Year songs, filling the air with nostalgia and celebration. A particularly touching moment was when Joanne, one of our gifted clients, captivated the audience with her powerful renditions of classic songs like “Gong Xi Gong Xi” and “Bless You,” bringing a heartfelt cultural touch to the occasion.
SCSC held a traditional “Eye-Dotting Ceremony” (点睛 Diǎnjīng), symbolising the awakening of the lions and the beginning of a prosperous year, added a meaningful cultural touch to the festivities. It was a powerful moment, reflecting courage, strength, and blessings for the year ahead.
The highlight of the event was the breathtaking Lion Dance performed by SCSC’s own Lion Dance team, made up of our special needs children under the expert guidance of Master Tang Wei Ming from Zhen Wu Martial Arts Academy. Their lively and energetic performance amazed the audience, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and spirit of these young performers. Guests excitedly offered red envelopes to the lions and eagerly posed for photos, embracing the rich cultural tradition and celebrating the joy of the New Year.
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the giving of red envelopes! Our special children excitedly lined up to receive their red envelopes from the God of Wealth, each packet filled with wealth and blessings. Their faces lit up with joy as they shared their hopes and dreams for the year ahead, spreading a heartwarming sense of community and optimism.
The celebration continued with a lively game of Musical Chairs, sparking laughter and friendly competition. Participants enthusiastically competed for the last seat standing, filling the room with cheers and excitement.
This SCSC 2025 Lunar New Year Luncheon was not just a celebration of the Year of the Snake but also a beautiful display of cultural inclusion and community spirit. By blending Eastern and Western traditions, SCSC brought people together, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for all. The event highlighted the importance of supporting special needs children within the community, celebrating their talents and contributions.
As guests bid farewell with smiles and warm wishes, they carried with them the joy and blessings of the day, looking forward to a prosperous and fulfilling Year of the Snake. The event was a testament to the power of community, culture, and compassion, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a heart full of hope.
If you were inspired by the incredible Lion Dance performance and would like to be a part of SCSC’s Lion Dance team, we’d love to hear from you! Please email your expression of interest to admin@specialchildrenservices.org.
From all of us at SCSC, we wish you happiness, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake!