Members statements
Lunar New Year
Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (09:33): I rise today to acknowledge recent celebrations around Lunar New Year and Tết and of course the incoming Year of the Dragon. I send my warmest wishes to all those who are coming together with family and wish them prosperity and good health into the new year. Victoria’s multiculturalism is part of what makes me so proud to be someone of this state, and our Chinese and Vietnamese communities are huge parts of that multicultural fabric. I am incredibly fortunate to represent one of the most, if not the most, multicultural regions in the country – 158 different nationalities, over 200 languages and over 100 different faith groups. I know well that our diversity is without doubt our greatest strength and walking side by side with so many different cultures only serves to foster a more inclusive and peaceful community. I am always thrilled to see so many celebrations across the state on these cultural holidays. In particular I want to thank the Springvale business association for organising my local events.