Thursday, 24 March 2022

Newroz

Mr ERDOGAN (Southern Metropolitan) (10:42): 21 March marked Newroz, the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere but also the Kurdish New Year. For over 2600 years the holiday has been an occasion for people to come together and celebrate the new year. After a two-year break it was heartwarming that the Newroz festival could be held in person this year, and it was held at Coburg Lake Reserve last Sunday. It was very well attended and organised by the Kurdish Democratic Community Centre of Victoria. The annual celebration includes traditional food, music, dance and other cultural performances. It was very well attended, and there were well over 1000 guests. Most importantly, it was an opportunity for family and friends in Victoria’s Kurdish community to commemorate the joint occasion together.

In addition this year, last night Samantha Ratnam and I were able to co-host a Newroz reception here at Parliament House. We were joined by Ms Terpstra, Ms Lizzie Blandthorn and Dr Tim Read, and we had a number of apologies from members as well—Mr Bruce Atkinson was unable to join. It was a fantastic event where we had some cultural folk dancing performances, and it was an opportunity to hear from the community about their concerns and their aspirations as well. I thought it was fitting that 21 March also coincides with Harmony Day, given that both days celebrate numerous cultures and share an emphasis on diversity. Happy Newroz, everyone. Newroz piroz be.