Thursday, 19 October 2023

 Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (12:56): (484) My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Can the minister outline what support the Labor government is making available to showcase multicultural groups in my electorate of Southern Metropolitan? Recently I attended the inaugural Melbourne Bhangra Cup at the Alexander Theatre at Monash Clayton. Bhangra is a traditional folk dance that originated in the Punjab area of India, and the Melbourne Bhangra Cup was a hugely successful first event with more than 350 performers, including teams from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. It was great to meet with the organisers and watch some of the spectacular dancing. I am very excited that they have got great plans for the cup to be back, bigger and better, next year. Multicultural events like this are vital to the social fabric of our communities. Not only do they provide a point of connection for community, but they also create a sense of pride in the culture of various multicultural communities and have a great long-term social and economic benefit to all here in Victoria.