Wednesday, 8 February 2023

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region multicultural communities

Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:50): The vibrant and diverse communities of Melbourne’s south-east are an integral part of our state’s multiculturalism, and recently these communities have come together in harmony to celebrate Thai Pongal, Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Lunar New Year, Theophany, Indian Republic Day, Sri Lankan Independence Day and many other significant occasions. These celebrations reflect the vibrancy of the community that I am so proud to represent and the importance of embracing and celebrating our diversity whilst reflecting on the things that we have in common and what unites us.

The Springvale Lunar New Year festival was a colourful and lively celebration, with vibrant street stalls, lion dances and traditional music and dance performances.

Theophany Eve celebrations at the Ukrainian community centre in Noble Park brought together people from diverse backgrounds, including newly arrived displaced Ukrainians, in the spirit of unity to celebrate this Christian tradition.

The Thai Pongal festival in Keysborough showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil community with traditional dance and music performances, food stalls and cultural and sporting activities.

Indian Republic Day and Sri Lankan Independence Day were vibrant, inclusive and joyful celebrations reflecting on the courage, resilience and determination of the people who sacrificed so much to overcome adversity and achieve peace, freedom and independence. They were also occasions to acknowledge their immense contribution to our great state.

I thank the many multicultural and multifaith organisations who worked tirelessly to organise these and many other events and for sharing different experiences, cultures, traditions and languages. Your contributions help build a more dynamic, vibrant and diverse Victoria. With each new wave of migration our community grows stronger with the sharing of new customs, food and traditions. I am committed to supporting these communities, and I look forward to continuing to celebrate the diversity that makes our community and our state so special.