Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Eden FOSTER (Mulgrave) (15:42): I rise to highlight the rich diversity of our south-east community through some recent events I had the privilege to attend.

I joined the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association in Springvale for the opening of the Mai Place book exchange and cafe and their fifth dementia support group. Mai Place provides a warm hub for seniors and volunteers to connect, while the dementia support group delivers culturally appropriate care in familiar languages. I congratulate the AVWA board, staff and volunteers for fostering true inclusion and reducing social isolation across all stages of life. Starting from a group of 13 women at a kitchen table, AVWA is going strong, with 450 staff and over 100 volunteers. I congratulate their CEO Nicky Chung on such an achievement.

I also attended the Australia Bangladesh Association’s winter cake festival, or pitha utsab, at the Mulgrave community centre. Pitha is a cherished tradition of passing culture and family heritage down through generations. Events like this remind us that when people feel respected and connected, our whole community grows stronger.

I joined the Teo Chew Chinese Association in Springvale to celebrate the birthday of Lord Guan. Honouring values of loyalty, integrity and righteousness, the Teo Chew community continues to strengthen our multicultural fabric.