DISCIPLINE, strength and dedication are required to perform an effective Chinese lion dance; much like the dedication and perseverance it takes to create a harmonious multicultural society.
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The Northern Tasmanian Migrant Resource Centre's 30th anniversary celebration at the Clarion Hotel City Park Grand yesterday showed the diversity Launceston and its surrounding area had to offer as more than 15 acts took to the stage, and beyond, to share a glimpse of their heritage.
Malaysian Chinese lion performer Wei-song Liang said the day was a chance to share interests and culture from people who have joined the Launceston community.
Mr Liang is also a tae kwon do instructor and said the lion dance was also used as a form of fitness training.
``The dance itself is not hard to learn, but fitness is a large part of it - people use it as a form of training for martial arts,'' he said.
``We started learning this dance in 2010 in preparation for the Chinese new year.''
Migrant centre chief executive officer John Brown said the centre had come a long way since its inception in 1982.
``We've had contact with thousands of people we've helped over the years, obviously the organisation has grown; today was an opportunity to celebrate the past,'' Mr Brown said.
``It's a celebration of diversity in Launceston, which holds a very diverse community - it's an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate.''
The celebration was opened by Community Development Minister Cassy O'Connor.
``The employees and volunteers of the Migrant Resource Centre have worked very hard assisting new Tasmanians settle successfully into their new communities,'' Ms O'Connor said.
``I am proud that Tasmania is a place where differences are valued and respected and it is this cultural diversity that enriches all Tasmanian lives.''
