Thursday, 13 August 2026

 Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence) (09:47): I rise to congratulate the Hindu Society of Victoria for hosting the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations Raksha Bandhan celebration last Saturday at the beautiful Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs in my electorate. More than 40 Hindu organisations, temples and associations came together to celebrate the bonds of love, care, protection, unity and respect that connect families and communities. Thank you to HOTA for fostering such a strong and connected community and for its commitment to supporting women in leadership. That commitment is more important than ever, and I was proud to see it reflected at this event.

I wish to make a very special acknowledgement of Dr Usha Gullapalli, the outgoing president of the Hindu Society of Victoria and the first woman to hold that role. Usha, your leadership has made an enormous contribution to the society and to our broader community. Thank you for your generosity, your commitment, your courage and, most of all, your genuine warmth, care and compassion. You have been a wonderful friend, and I am a better person because of you. To everyone at the Hindu Society of Victoria, whenever I visit the temple with my family and staff we are welcomed as though we are part of your family. I will always be grateful for that. Happy Raksha Bandhan. It is such an important reminder, especially right now, that we are all stronger when we stand together.