Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 Eden FOSTER (Mulgrave) (15:27): I rise to acknowledge Lunar New Year celebrations across Mulgrave, one of the most proudly multicultural electorates in Victoria. Mulgrave is home to vibrant Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and broader South-East Asian communities. For many families the Lunar New Year is the most significant celebration of the year, a time of reunion, renewal and hope. The Year of the Horse symbolises strength, endurance and forward momentum, qualities that reflect the migrant stories and hardworking spirit of Mulgrave. I have been honoured to attend many celebrations across our community. I sincerely thank the Cambodian Chinese Friendship Association of Victoria, the Springvale Asian Business Association, the Hakka Association and the National Council of Australian Federal Chinese Associations from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, along with many dedicated groups. In particular, the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival, hosted by SABA on the weekend, is one of the largest and longest running cultural festivals in our region, proudly bringing families and local businesses together for more than three decades. As the state member for Mulgrave, I am proud to stand alongside these communities and our multicultural communities. To all families celebrating: may the Year of the Horse bring health, prosperity and success. Xīn nián kuài lè. Chúc mừng năm mới.