Wednesday, 30 October 2024

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:51): I rise today to highlight the many multicultural events I have attended alongside community members from the electorate of Mill Park, bolstered by the Allan Labor government’s support. This month I had the honour of meeting His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Premier’s reception at Government House. It was wonderful to attend alongside many members of the Greek community of Mill Park, including the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, the Cyprus Community of the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Greek Australian Ex-Servicemen’s Reserve Whittlesea and Districts Incorporated, Mill Park Greek Elderly Citizens Club and the Greek Cypriot Cultural and Theatrical Centre.

I also attended Premier Jacinta Allan’s Diwali celebrations with many members of different community groups from my electorate. These events emphasise the Allan Labor government’s commitment to valuing and supporting the multicultural fabric that makes Victoria such a strong, welcoming and inclusive place.

In addition, I had the privilege of participating in two magnificent celebrations of the Hindu faith. The first one was the Vedanta society of Melbourne’s beautiful Deepavali celebration. My special thanks to president Naren Prasad, vice-president Shekar Lal, secretary Kamal Deo and treasurer Arun Prasad JP for your generosity. Sarbojanin Puja Utsav of Victoria organised a fabulous day of rituals and celebrations for Durga Puja for Bengali community members. Their creativity was wonderful. My sincere regards to president Bikash Choudhury, vice-president Sanjib Saha, treasurer Prabir Deb and other members of the community.