Chinese New Year made a splash at the jail’s cultural centre for guests, including Member for Riverina Kay Hull, with vibrant music and dance by the Australia Orient Dance Group from Sydney.

Inmates helped to orchestrate the special day, bringing the group from the city to share celebrations with staff and members of the community.

Decorated with Chinese dragons and red lanterns, guests were introduced to a number of traditional dances including lady dances and the dance of the lion.

The crowd was showered with prosperity during the lion dance, which depicted the lion, played by two dancers, eating a lettuce before showering the crowd with crushed leaves as a symbol of sharing prosperity.

A group of dancers then took centre stage to present traditional lady dances and music.

Australia Orient Dance Group representative Tracy Yee said Chinese New Year is the largest celebration on the Chinese calendar and is celebrated around the world regardless of where those celebrating are.

The performance by the group of dancers and musicians was no different to what the public would see in parades held in Sydney, Ms Yee said.

“In here it is the same thing as people would see outside. It is an insightful show into the Chinese culture,” she said.

The day included performances from other cultural groups including an indigenous dance group, which welcomed everyone to Wiradjuri country and Islander inmates who performed musical items.

With the cultural centre becoming a meeting place for the different cultures in the jail the idea behind the inclusion was to allow inmates to come together in support of other cultures.

The Year of the Tiger takes in the years 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.

According to fortunes, 2010 is the year for tigers to be more successful, gain traction with ideas and initiatives and improve their personal relationships.