Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:46): The joy of living in our rich, vibrant multicultural state is having the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and take part in them.

I was honoured to attend the BAPS annual Diwali at their mandir in Mill Park on Sunday. This year’s Diwali was celebrated with the theme of ‘Unity: a celebration of harmony, compassion and togetherness’. The celebration observed by thousands of local families is a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and the strength found when individuals and families come together. My warm congratulations to the BAPS Mill Park on their wonderful event.

Another community highlight was the Hellenic flag festival hosted by the local Greek church, the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The festival paid tribute to the 85th anniversary of Ohi Day, where Greek forces delivered a resounding no to the axis powers in World War II, and it marked the courage of the Greek people in their struggle for freedom. The festival was proudly celebrated with traditional Greek dance performances by several schools – Aetolian, St John’s and Lalor North Primary School – the Panagia Soumela Whittlesea and the Aristotelion dance academy, honouring their Hellenic heritage and the spirit of unity.