Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were delighted to be invited by Mayor Trenton Brown to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Granny Smith Festival, together with NSW Premier Chris Minns, Federal MPs Maria Kovacic&Jerome Laxale, NSW MPs Jordan Lane and Monica Tudehope, and all Ryde City Councillors.
This year’s 40th anniversary celebrations were bigger and better than ever — featuring more than 200 market stalls, 500 performers, and over 1,000 Ryde residents taking part in the grand street parade. A special heritage display also showcased the 40-year evolution of the Granny Smith Festival and the legacy of Granny Smith herself, highlighting the City of Ryde’s rich history and vibrant multicultural spirit.
The Taiwanese community was thrilled to take part in the festival. The Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association set up a cultural experience booth where visitors could try traditional calligraphy, and even DG Wu couldn’t resist trying to write some auspicious spring couplets. The Distinguished Citizens Society International of NSW also teamed up with FASCA (Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors) to bring the lively San Tai Zi (Third Prince), lion dance, and Laughing Buddha to the parade, showcasing Taiwan’s vibrant traditional culture — even catching the attention of NSW Premier Chris Minns, who stopped by for a photo.
