Ella GEORGE (Lara) (13:16): North Geelong Secondary College recently held its multicultural festival, which I was proud to attend. The festival featured entertainment, food stalls and my personal favourite, a cultural parade. Watching students step forward with pride, each representing their own cultural background, highlighted just how inclusive and supportive this beautiful school community is. The school brought together the community in a warm and welcoming way, and it was clear how proud the students were to share their culture. One of the highlights was the human library, where students and community members shared their personal journeys, experiences and family histories. Hearing these stories directly from those who lived them created a remarkable level of understanding, allowing the audience to engage and learn more about the histories and cultures through meaningful conversations. Later this year another multicultural festival will be held at Northern Bay College. Events like these do more than entertain. They strengthen social cohesion by providing spaces to learn from one another and appreciate the values that different cultures bring to our community. North Geelong Secondary College and Northern Bay College show what it looks like when multiculturalism is actively celebrated and embraced, and I congratulate the students, staff and families for creating such inspiring festivals that unite the community. I also commend all year 12 students who are balancing their studies with celebrating their communities and culture. Your dedication and pride are truly commendable. I wish every student success as they complete this important chapter and move forward to the next stage of their life.