The Chinese Church will celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year, which is a 15-day event that begins on Monday. 

Church organiser and pastor Nicole Ching has organised a meal for their small Chinese community and anyone interested in celebrating the event. 

“We have a celebration combined with a church service, we sing songs and my brother performs with nun chucks,” she said.  

"We ask brothers and sisters to bring a dish that represents what they eat in China because they (the church community) come from all different parts of China."

The year of the monkey is a symbol of intelligence and speed, according to the pastor.

Other traditions the Chinese community will continue include the gathering for a meal and that of the red envelope.

“Children receive a red envelope filled with money from their parents,” Mrs Ching said. 

Jacqueline Ching, 11, said she was excited to receive her envelope to put towards the future.  

“I will put it in my bank account ... invest it," she said. 

Mrs Chin and husband, Ps Poy Ching, who are orginally from Taiwan began the church eight years ago in Albury with just four people.

The community now numbers 50 people and meets every Saturday night for church. 

The New Year festivities start from 6.30pm Saturday at Glenecho Neighbourhood House, Glenroy.

All welcome to attend.