FALUN DAFA [practitioners] had a message of harmony for the Australian Chinese community when they kicked off Chinese New Year.

The new year officially starts on February 1, but followers joined with Tongsong Music and Culture Promotions to jump the gun with a January 4 gala spectacular attended by about 1000 people at Hurstville Entertainment Centre.

The Variety show, Music of the Spring, was designed to enrich Chinese culture in Australia, and to celebrate the onset of 2003 with people of Chinese extraction. A spokesman said the show's theme centered around creating a closer bond between the Australian Chinese community.

"Our aim is to dispel the myths and negative portrayal of Falun Dafa instigated by the Jiang regime in china," he said.

The show included singing, dancing, music, storytelling, and a Chinese Tang Dynasty fashion parade, and was attended by Sydney's Chinese community.

TRUTHFULNESS, COMPASSION, FORBEARANCE... A young performer at the Falun Dafa new year celebrations.