SYDNEY-- Celebrations were held here Sunday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Australia.

Held at the Botanic Gardens, the event was hosted by Australian China Economics, Trade and Culture Association, and with over 1,000 people in attendance, performers in traditional Chinese dresses treated the crowd to songs and dances.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Consul-General in Sydney Gu Xiaojie said both countries have achieved a lot through mutually beneficial cooperation and "we are optimistic in terms of the future development between the two countries."

Jonathon O'Dea, speaker of the New South Wales State Legislative Assembly, told Xinhua it should also be a moment to look towards the future.

"There's no doubt that Australia and New South Wales, which I represent, has a crucial relationship with China and that relationship extends not just economically in terms of our major trading partner, but also socially and culturally."