New exhibition celebrates traditional Hmong heritage

Published on 25 September 2025

Personal stories, traditional textiles, musical instruments and treasured belongings are being used to showcase Australia’s Hmong community in a new exhibition at Logan City Council’s Living Museum of Logan.

The indigenous ethnic group is found in South East Asian countries including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

After years of suffering persecution and political upheaval, the Hmong resettled in different parts of the world with our first Hmong migrants coming to Australia in 1975.

Division 2 Councillor Teresa Lane said the new year-long exhibition was both a celebration and a reflection of 50 years of Hmong settlement in Australia.

“These stories give you a real sense of the Hmong community’s history and how they’ve become part of the Logan family,” Cr Lane said.

“This exhibit reflects a truth Logan residents have known for some time - that when ethnic groups share their culture with the wider community, it enriches our lives, fosters social cohesion and allows our community to grow stronger.

“We also love standing tall and teaching the rest of the nation how Logan does multiculturalism the right way.”

At the exhibition’s opening last Saturday, Cr Lane thanked the Hmong elders for their guidance and keeping their community connected over the past 50 years as they transitioned to Australian life.

She encouraged the community’s young people to be proud of their culture, to learn from their elders and keep their traditions alive for future generations.

The opening event featured a captivating dance performance by Ntxhais Nkauj Hnub Ci (Moonlight Girls) and a mesmerising performance of the traditional Hmong ‘qeej’ by Gia Xa Chang.to reflect the beauty of Hmong traditions.

A full colour brochure tells the stories of key members of the local Hmong community and gives further insight into the striking images on display.

One story included is that of New Beith resident Chue Toua Thao.

Chue Toua talks about the fear and uncertainty which weighed on him and his family before journeying to Australia in 1988.

Once here, they slowly built their own community, which brought strength in belonging.

“We didn’t just find safety; we found a home. And looking back, I wouldn’t choose anywhere else to live,” he said.

Chue Toua also shares his connection to the traditional musical instrument known as qeej where sound, stories and messages are woven into every tune.

The master qeej player said the instrument speaks for the Hmong people.

“It tells our stories, honours our ancestors and keeps our culture alive,” Chue Toua said.

The Hmong Journeys: Threads of Home exhibition will run at the museum in the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct until September 2026.

The exhibition showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Hmong people, the diversity they bring to the community and their role in the shared history and future in Logan.

The museum is open between 10:00am and 4:00pm from Tuesday to Saturday and entry is free.

Visit the Logan Arts website for more information.

Caption: (from left) Cr Teresa Lane, Neng Vang and Dr Garry Yang in Hmong traditional clothing at the opening of the new exhibition.