Vietnamese National Flag lights up Perth Town Hall, marking 81 years of National Day
WVR - On the evening of September 2, a historic moment unfolded for the Vietnamese community in Western Australia: For the first time, the image of the Vietnamese National Flag was brilliantly illuminated on two sides of Perth Town Hall – an iconic structure in the heart of the city.
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This was a special highlight of the 81st Vietnamese National Day celebration, solemnly organized by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth.
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| Consul General Pham Hai Anh and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook |
The event, chaired by Consul General Pham Hai Anh, gathered nearly 200 guests, including Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, Minister of Agriculture and Food, Fisheries, Forestry Jackie Jarvis, the mayors of Perth and Cockburn, the Director of the Western Australia Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ambassador of Angola, Consuls General of Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, along with numerous representatives from various levels of government, the consular corps, businesses, universities, and community organizations.
In a solemn atmosphere, the national anthems of Vietnam and Australia resounded, blending with the voices of the attending delegates – a moving start to the ceremony.
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| Consul General Pham Hai Anh introduces the photo exhibition area to Premier Roger Cook. |
Vietnam's strong rise on the international stage
Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General Pham Hai Anh recalled the significant historical meaning of September 2, 1945 – the moment that opened an era of independence and freedom for the Vietnamese nation. Over 81 years, that spirit continues to guide the aspiration to build a peaceful, unified, democratic, prosperous country deeply integrated with the world.
He stated that with a steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, diversification, and multilateralization of relations, Vietnam has now established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, has 99 overseas representative offices, established 45 comprehensive or higher partnership frameworks, and is a member of 70 international organizations.
Economically, Vietnam maintains trade and investment relations with 230 countries and territories and participates in 17 free trade agreements.
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| Consul General Pham Hai Anh and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook toast to Vietnam's National Day and Vietnam–Australia relations. |
The figures cited also demonstrate impressive growth: GDP in 2025 reached 8.02%, the economy's scale was about 514 billion USD, and GDP per capita reached 5,026 USD – placing Vietnam among the upper middle-income countries and in the top 20 leading global trade economies.
Vietnam–Australia relations enter a new chapter
Another significant highlight in the speech was the robust development of Vietnam–Australia bilateral relations, especially following the state visit by General Secretary, President To Lam to Australia.
The visit resulted in numerous important documents and cooperation agreements in sustainable agriculture, maritime law enforcement, border cooperation, vocational education, digital economy, health, and aviation.
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| Consul General Pham Hai Anh speaks at the ceremony. |
The Consul General emphasized that despite geographical distance, the two countries share many similarities and common interests: both are committed to energy transition, diversifying foreign relations, maintaining regional peace and stability, and viewing education, science and technology, and innovation as key development drivers.
He also gave special praise to the Vietnamese community in Western Australia for their positive contributions to bilateral relations, as well as their efforts to preserve cultural identity and maintain ties with the homeland. According to him, the upcoming visit to Vietnam by Premier Roger Cook promises to create new momentum, expanding substantive cooperation between the two sides.
In response, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook affirmed that the relationship between Vietnam and Western Australia is on a positive development trajectory, with ample room to boost bilateral trade and investment, especially in resource extraction, energy transition, sustainable agriculture, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Impressed by Vietnam's economic growth and dynamic development, he believes this is an important foundation opening up many new cooperation opportunities for businesses on both sides, while affirming Vietnam's key position in Western Australia's strategy to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.
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| Delegates take commemorative photos on Vietnam's National Day. |
The Premier also highly appreciated the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Western Australia in various fields such as economy, education, science, agriculture, as well as their role in preserving the state's cultural diversity.
He expressed hope that his visit to Vietnam at the end of September 2026 will open up many new and practical cooperation opportunities for both sides, while thanking the Consulate General of Vietnam for their coordination and support in preparing and organizing the visit.
A historic moment
The most memorable highlight of this year's event was the image of the Vietnamese National Flag being illuminated on Perth Town Hall for the first time – an iconic structure of the city.
The moment the bright red flag with a yellow star appeared in the heart of Perth brought profound pride and emotion to the Vietnamese community in Western Australia, affirming Vietnam's position and identity.
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| The Vietnamese flag shines on Perth Town Hall. |
Additionally, a photo exhibition showcasing the beauty of Vietnam's land, people, and culture was organized as part of the program, helping international friends gain a deeper understanding of a Vietnam rich in tradition, dynamic, open, and continuously developing – an attractive destination with unique cultural heritage, a blend of tradition and modernity, and a rich culinary landscape.
The 81st Vietnamese National Day celebration in Perth concluded in a solemn, warm, and friendly atmosphere, leaving a deep impression on the international delegates and the Vietnamese community in Australia.
(Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth, Australia)
