Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (09:58): The Glen Waverley district is a vibrant community, enriched by its diversity and multiculturalism. These past few weeks I have been delighted to join my community in celebrating the Year of the Snake, a year associated with wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation. It has been wonderful celebrating the Chinese New Year with the following organisations.

Mrs Li and her team at the Monash Senior Chinese Volunteers Service Centre and president Michael Miao and members of the Chinese Association of Monash treated me to an incredible display of traditional dance and performances showcasing the talent which stems from a deep connection to their cultural roots. Furthermore I attended the Federation of Chinese Associations celebrations with president Derek Chen. This event was run under the theme of ‘Reflect, respect and celebrate’. I thank Xiao Yinqi and the team at the Chinese Seniors Education and Skills Development Association for inviting me to their wonderful event celebrating traditional Chinese cultural dance and song, and I thank them for a delicious lunch. I thank president Alan Yang and his team at the Australian–Shanghai general chamber of commerce for their event launching the Shanghai Youth Club.

It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 Glen Waverley Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival in the heart of my electorate, a proud showcase of the best of the Chinese community in the Glen Waverley district. A big thankyou goes to Cecilia Hsieh and her team for putting on a great event. This celebration all culminates in the first celebration of Chinese New Year here in Parliament today. I hope everyone can pop by at lunchtime. I will be hosting an event showcasing the Cloud Concert Youth Orchestra and celebrating the Year of the Snake. Xīn nián kuài lè, gōng xǐ fā cái.