Western Sydney University hosts vibrant 34th Australia National Chinese Eisteddfod
Associate Professor Ruying Qi, Associate Dean, International, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, and Director, Bilingualism Research Lab; Ying Qi, Parramatta local member; and Professor Deborah Sweeney, Provost.
Western Sydney University welcomed more than 1,500 talented contestants to its Parramatta South campus on Saturday, 23 August, for the 34th Australia National Chinese Eisteddfod – the nation’s largest Chinese language celebration.
This year’s event was a heart-warming and vibrant community celebration of Chinese culture, language and heritage – bringing together more than 3,000 students, families and educators from across Australia.
Contestants ranging from kindergarten to tertiary level took part in Chinese poetry and prose recitation, showcasing their language skills and love of literature.
Professor Deborah Sweeney, Provost, delivered the opening address on behalf of Western Sydney University, welcoming participants and highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the appreciation of language, culture, and creativity.
Special guests attending the event included Sally Sitou MP, Member for Reid, alongside community leaders, educators and representatives from cultural organisations.
Associate Professor Ruying Qi, Associate Dean, International, at the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, and Director of the Bilingualism Research Lab, said the event is as much about community as it is about competition.
“It offers an excellent opportunity to showcase our strengths in language teaching, bilingualism research and the humanities. It is also a valuable platform to engage students who appreciate literature, diversity, creative arts and cultures, and our multilingual, multicultural environment,” said Associate Professor Qi.
The 34th National Chinese Eisteddfod in 2025 was jointly organised and run by the School of Humanities and Communication Arts and the Chinese Language Education Council of NSW, with the support of the Dean Professor Saba Bebawi and acting School Manager Jessica Simpson.
Dr Qiang Guo and Dr Leo Robba from the School were part of the organising committee, while 10 adjudicators took part from the Bilingualism Research Lab, alongside over 20 student volunteers.
Based in Western Sydney, the Chinese Language Education Council of NSW is a non-political, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and multicultural appreciation. The competition welcomes students from both Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds, reflecting its commitment to multiculturalism and inclusive education nationwide.
Debuted in 1990 by the Chinese Language Education Council of NSW, the event has been run for 33 years with only one interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students, families of students and educators from early childhood, primary and secondary schools, Chinese community languages schools, and tertiary institutions, whether with a Chinese background or non-Chinese background across the whole nation, are all welcome to participate in the event.
ENDS
26 August 2025
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