Anger over NSW shopping centre’s Lunar New Year decorations

A shopping centre has shirked Australia Day decor in favour of Lunar New Year celebrations to the displeasure of some locals.

A NSW shopping centre has shirked Australia Day decor in favour of Lunar New Year to the displeasure of some locals.

The Kellyville Village shopping centre in Sydney’s northwest is advertising kids’ workshops for Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, in the absence of Australia Day decorations.

Speaking on his 2GB radio show, Ray Hadley said the oversight – whether it was intentional or not – was “typical”.

Reading a message from a caller, he said the Chinese New Year activity centre was open for children from Thursday.

“The centre management have told the complainer ‘we’ve got it here because it’s convenient, it’s school holidays’ – even though Chinese New Year isn’t until February 10,” Hadley said.

“In previous years, there have always been Australia Day celebrations in the general area of the complex.”

A NSW shopping centre has favoured Lunar New Year over Australia Day decorations this year.

The complainant was told by management “it was the decision of the owners” to bypass the green and gold flags this year.

The building is owned by mogul property company ISPT, which boasts scores of property across office, retail, industrial, social and education portfolios.

One caller on the show, Mary from Castle Hill, said she was “all for Chinese New Year” but did not agree with Kellyville Village’s decision to scrap the Australia Day decor.

“It’s a poor decision to throw that in our faces and ignore Australia Day,” she said.

“I’m very disappointed there’s no mention of Australia Day anywhere in the village.”

Sentiments against Australia Day have been steadily growing in recent years, with a recent Roy Morgan survey revealing a third of Australians believe the day should be referred to as “Invasion Day”.

Similarly, nearly half of Australians aged between 18 and 49 believe the date should be moved.

Originally published as Anger over NSW shopping centre’s Lunar New Year decorations