Australia Day in Ho Chi Minh City honours families, friends, and food

Consul General Julianne Cowley posing with a kangaroo mascot at Australia Day 2019

The annual community event is held by the Australian Consulate-General to celebrate Australia Day on January 26. Hundreds of guests enjoyed signature dishes from the country Down Under, while young children took part in interactive sports and games, such as cricket, soccer, Australian Football, zorb ball, and a slip & slide.

Adults and kids competed in fun games

There was also live entertainment, a bouncy castle, face-painting, do-it-yourself lamingtons, and a competition for the most patriotic outfits.

The jumping castle was a hit during Australia Day celebrations

“The Australia Day community event is very important for the Australian community in Vietnam, because it's a chance for everyone to get together, enjoy good food, and celebrate something so close to our hearts and culture,” said Consul-General Julianne Cowley.

The diplomat added that the event is growing bigger every year, signalling closer ties between Australia and Vietnam in both economics and culture.

Live bands sang upbeat tunes popular to Australians

Kerry and Neil Lloyd, who come from Brisbane (Queensland, Australia), told VIR that the family came to the event to re-live Australia Day celebrations that they had at home in previous years.

“It’s important for our kids to feel the Australian spirit and for everyone in the family to enjoy food and activities. We also want to meet other people at this event too,” said Kerry Lloyd. The children added that they loved the jumping castle and the dance performances.

Families enjoyed good food and games during Australia Day 2019

The chefs, who hail from top hotels and restaurants in Vietnam, also expressed their joy in preparing classic Australian dishes, which include wine, coffee, lamb sticks, Pavlova cakes, sausages, and more.

A stall selling the signature Pavlova cakes

Jay Taylor, general manager at Mekong Merchant, said that the event is a celebration of Australian culture, designed for both the Aussie expat community and local Vietnamese alike.

“Australians and Vietnamese share the same love for a great barbeque with grilled sausages. That is why it is very exciting to have events like these,” said Taylor, who comes from Western Australia.

ClassicAustralian food and wine were another great hit with guests