CANBERRA, Feb. 11 -- Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has issued a message for the upcoming Chinese New Year of Sheep, praising Chinese Australians for their contribution to their country.

In the message dated Feb. 5 but made available to media on Wednesday, Abbott said the Sheep "symbolizes success achieved through quiet fortitude", which illustrates the nature of Australia's Chinese community.

He also recalled the history of first Chinese coming to Australia during the gold rush years.

"Thousands of Chinese joined the gold rushes from the 1850s. There were Chinese ANZACs at the Gallipoli and on the Western Front," he said, referring to the battle in Turkey during the First World War.

"Today, China is our greatest trading partner, and our largest source of migrants and international students," Abbott said.

"In every part of our national life, Australians of Chinese ancestry have helped to build our modern nation."

Abbott quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping's words during the latter's recent visit to Australia. "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together," he said.

He noted that Australia and China concluded the "historic" China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which "will provide more jobs, more growth and more investment in our country".

"This potential for Australia's relationship with China to grow and prosper has never been greater, in no small part due to the contribution of the Australian-Chinese community," Abbott said.

"I wish all who celebrate Chinese New Year good health and prosperity for the coming year."

The first day of the Year of Sheep by the lunar calendar falls on Feb. 19. The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the largest festival celebrated by the Chinese around the world.

Australia is known for its large-scale celebrations of the festival, including the twilight parade in Sydney, which alone is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.