Tuesday, 14 November 2023

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (12:58): I rise today to acknowledge and to celebrate the joyous festival of Diwali, which brings our vibrant multicultural state together each year. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a cherished celebration that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It is a time for families and communities to come together, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali symbolises the victory of unity and love, values that resonate with all Victorians. This year’s festival serves as a reminder that the light within each of us, regardless of our cultural background, should be celebrated and shared. It is a time when we reflect on the importance of community, embracing diversity and overcoming division.

Last Friday I attended the Premier’s Diwali state reception, which is a highlight of the year, serving as an opportunity for members of Parliament to meet members of the Indian, South Asian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. This year’s event included Indian cuisine, cultural performances, music and the traditional lighting of oil lamps. It really was a terrific event and a great catch-up with our local Indian community leaders and support groups, especially those ones that serve my electorate of Narre Warren South. For all of us who did attend there was the opportunity to take one or two group photographs – I think there might have been just one or two in there. In these times of global uncertainty Diwali is fantastic. It helps celebrate the coming together of cultures and religions in that respect.