She said learning Chinese could be challenging at times, particularly because of the tones and characters, but that it had also brought her many opportunities.

　　"Chinese culture, I think, is very inclusive," she said, adding that she hopes to continue studying the language after graduation.

　　Hallebone said she wants to become a doctor and believes knowing another language could also prove useful in her future career.

　　Members of an arts troupe from southwest China's Sichuan Province perform during a Chinese Culture Day event at Geelong College in Australia, Sept. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)

　　Geelong College Principal Simon Young said the event gave students an opportunity to engage with Chinese culture firsthand.

　　"Events like today allow us to discover what makes our cultures distinctive, while also recognizing the values that we share -- friendship, family, creativity, respect and a desire to learn from one another," Young said.

　　Young said the college was proud to see "a new generation of students continuing to build bridges of understanding, friendship and cultural exchange."

　　Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne Fang Xinwen said culture is key to deepening mutual understanding, while language serves as a bridge connecting people's hearts.

　　In recent years, more young Australians have begun learning Chinese and exploring Chinese culture, gaining a fuller and more vivid understanding of China through the language, Fang said.

　　Seeing so many students actively participating in Chinese cultural activities and exchanges gave him greater confidence in the future of China-Australia friendship, he added.