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The Prime Minister of Australia was among tens of thousands of people to pack Melbourne’s China town in celebration of Chinese New Year on Sunday. Our reporter Rhett Burnie was there and filed this report.

Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard became the country’s first leader to attend Melbourne’s Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday.

Members of Melbourne’s Federation of Chinese Association welcomed Ms Gillard to the festival, performing the traditional dragon dance.

[Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister]:
"I am absolutely delighted to be here in Chinatown, not just a place loved by every Melburnian, But said to be some of the oldest continuous Chinese settlement in the world."

Several federal and state politicians also attended the festival, with Victorian Premier Ted Bailliue trying his hand at the Chinese language.

[Ted Bailliue, State Premier, Victoria]:
"Happy New Year, all your wishes come true. Have a good day, thank you."

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle took the opportunity to thank the Chinese community for their contribution to the city.

[Robert Doyle, Mayor of Melbourne]:
"But the contribution of the Chinese community to Melbourne cannot be overstated, they're an interwoven part of the fabric. I thank you for all the work you've done for our beautiful city, and a very happy new year."

But the real festivities kicked off with the traditional waking of the dragon and a series of fire crackers outside the entrance to the Melbourne Chinese Museum.

2012 marks the year of the dragon. The dragon is also the symbol of China.

It was the first time Sylvia Poh, whose parents moved to Australia 15 years ago, took part in the parade.

[Sylvia Poh, Dragon Dance Team]:
"It's awesome to be here, so, It's a lot of fun, everyone should come and join in."...