Asia-Pacific

Rudd raises Australian Chinese generosity in flood relief

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-13 11:17

SYDNEY - Kevin Rudd was touched by the generous efforts of local Chinese efforts in helping those hit by flooding in eastern Australia as the former Australian Prime Minister and incumbent Foreign Minister delivered Lunar New Year greetings during the weekend in Sydney.

While attending a philanthropy party of local Chinese communities, Rudd delivered a speech in fluent Chinese language that Chinese communities did not forget people in need while celebrating their traditional festival "Chun Jie", or Spring Festival.

Related readings:  Australia lacks hands to rebuild after flood  Severe thunderstorms menace flood-hit Queensland  3,500 Australians flee Queensland to escape flood  1,700 trapped in Australia's New South Wales flood  Australia's flood worsens, forcing more evacuations

He noted that local Chinese have made prompt and generous donations in the wake of the flooding outbreak in eastern Australia, significantly relieving the sufferings and loss of those in need. "Here, on behalf of the Australian government, I would like to extend sincere thanks to Australian Chinese, and wish them a happy Lunar New Year."

Rudd also said Chinese communities also contributed much to the enrichment of Australian diversified culture. "The Lunar New Year celebrations that is going on these days, have become a public celebrations for all of us," he said.

Zhen Zhenwu, one of the leaders of Sydney's Chinese communities told Xinhua on Sunday that as an integral part of Australia's multi-cultural society, local Chinese have never lagged behind in making philanthropic donations, reflecting the Chinese traditional virtue of readiness to do charity.

In Sydney, Chinese communities have made flood-relieving donations as their part of festival activities which include Dragon Boat Races, Twilight Parade, Chinese Music Concert and so on.