A Vibrant Celebration of Vietnamese Culture in Perth
On Thursday, 11 September 2025, Curtin University’s Bentley Campus came alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Vietnam as the Vietnamese Student Association at Curtin (VSAC) proudly hosted the inaugural Vietnam Odyssea 2025. From 4 PM to 7 PM, students, community members, and VIP guests gathered to witness a dynamic celebration that seamlessly blended tradition, creativity, and community engagement.
The event, orchestrated entirely by VSAC members, showcased the dedication and passion of young Vietnamese Australians eager to share their heritage. Despite initial challenges in securing support, the association’s determination and vision brought the event to life, resulting in an evening that celebrated culture, identity, and connection.
Vietnam Odyssea 2025 featured a thoughtfully curated program. Guests were welcomed with traditional Vietnamese refreshments before the opening ceremony, which included a lively student flashmob and a moving acknowledgement of country. Speeches by Mrs. Thanh Ha Nguyen from the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Mr. Quentin Derrick, College Principal of Curtin College, on behalf of Curtin Global and Curtin College, highlighted the significance of cultural exchange and community solidarity. The event was proudly supported by the Town of Vicpark; although unable to attend, Mayor Karen Vernon sent her wishes and congratulations to the students for organizing a rich cultural event for the wider community.
The stage came alive with traditional Vietnamese dances performed by the Vietnamese Women’s Association of WA, including the evocative “Charming Vietnam” and “Inviting” performances. Folk games, reminiscent of childhood in Vietnam, engaged attendees in a playful and nostalgic way, bridging generations and geographies.
Music played a central role in the event, with performances by talented artists including Bảo Trân, Diệu Ly, and Thái Hà. Perth’s own The Bad Boogey Band, a five-member ensemble with three Vietnamese members, added a modern, energetic twist with their fusion of funk. The evening also featured a spectacular lion dance by the Chanh Tin Lion Dance Troupe, whose rhythmic precision and vibrant costumes brought an air of festivity and luck to the campus.
A highlight of the evening was the Ao Dai Fashion Show, where Curtin students and staff donned traditional Vietnamese attire. Due to losing her voice, Hollie Tran did not sing; instead, the participants performed on the musical backdrop of Cô đôi thượng ngàn. The event also featured interactive food trucks, folk game stations, and an exhibition, Tô hoa điểm phục, by Vietnamese student artist Nguyễn Hoàng Hải Anh, further engaging attendees and fostering a sense of community celebration.
Vietnam Odyssea 2025 was generously supported by local businesses and organisations, including NP Supermarket, Ds Florist, U&I Cafe, Viettown Restaurant, FOB Coffee, Xoi.Fremantle, Daissy Dessert Food Truck, and The Dirty Swine Food Truck, reflecting a strong network of community partnerships that made the event possible. Also, a big thank you to Le Agency and their ongoing support for all the students and community building events.
The guiding motto, “Born from culture, shaped by times,” resonated throughout the evening. Vietnam Odyssea 2025 was more than a showcase of music, dance, and food; it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride of Vietnamese youth in Australia. It offered a space for both reflection on heritage and celebration of multicultural identity, creating a meaningful connection between the Vietnamese and wider Australian communities.
Beyond performances and festivities, the event offered a deeper exploration of cultural identity. Attendees shared heartfelt stories about growing up between Vietnam and Australia, while interactive stations and exhibitions encouraged participants to learn and engage. The laughter of children playing folk games and the excitement of discovering new flavors created an atmosphere that was both educational and delightfully immersive.
One of the most memorable moments came from the students themselves, who shared personal reflections on what it means to be Vietnamese overseas. Many expressed that Vietnam Odyssea 2025 allowed them to reconnect with their roots, share their experiences with peers, and feel a sense of pride in their heritage. For first-time attendees, it was a welcoming glimpse into a culture rich with history and contemporary creativity, while for long-time community members, it was a joyful celebration of continuity and tradition.
As the evening drew to a close, the impact of Vietnam Odyssea 2025 was clear: the event had not only introduced attendees to the vibrancy of Vietnamese culture but also fostered lasting friendships, inspired young leaders, and celebrated the unique perspectives of Vietnamese Australians. For many, it was a night to remember, a joyful journey through tradition and modernity, and a promising start for a new cultural landmark in Perth.
Vietnam Odyssea 2025 has set a benchmark for future cultural events, reminding the community that celebration, heritage, and creativity thrive when passion and determination lead the way. Organisers and attendees alike left with hearts full of joy, minds enriched by new experiences, and an unwavering anticipation for what the next chapter of Vietnam Odyssea will bring.
𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍 – 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐅
𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐄𝐍 – 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐑
𝐃𝐀𝐇𝐍 𝐋𝐄 – 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓
