Thursday, 31 August 2023

Assyrian community

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (10:06): I rise to update the house on an event that I attended this month in my electorate of Northern Metropolitan Region. It marked the 40th anniversary of the Assyrian community in Melbourne. I was joined at this event by the member for Broadmeadows and the member for Greenvale from the other place as well as federal member Maria Vamvakinou, the member for Calwell, and also the mayor of Hume City Council Joseph Haweil. The anniversary is a significant milestone for the Assyrian community in Melbourne’s north and throughout our state. It was a fantastic evening filled with traditional music, folk dancing and celebration of Assyrian culture and history. One of the highlights for me was seeing all the young children wearing their traditional dress.

My electorate of Northern Metropolitan Region is home to a large Assyrian community, who make such a significant contribution. The number of children that were there is proof that the future of the Assyrian community in our state is very bright. The Assyrians of today also represent the survival of an ancient and proud civilisation. From establishing the first known libraries to introducing some of the earliest known laws and regulations, the contribution of the Assyrian culture is still recognisable in so much of our modern society. I was honoured to attend such an event and celebrate with the community.

I would like to acknowledge the work of the Victorian Assyrian Community Inc. and their committee of management not only for organising the event but for all the work they do in preserving this ancient and proud culture. I would like to give special thanks to the president of the Victorian Assyrian Community Sargon Chaharkbakhsh and the emcee on the night Malek Younan for putting on a great performance.