Tuesday, 6 February 2024

Ministers statements: Lunar New Year

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:33): I rise to update the house on the incredible festivals happening across our state in celebration of Lunar New Year and Tết. This Saturday will mark the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious creature that is known to bring good luck and fortune. I know that this is a very important time of year for our Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Cambodian, Burmese, Laotian, Thai and Singaporean communities here in Victoria who celebrate. We are part of a global community of around 2 billion celebrating the Lunar New Year. I have been fortunate to attend various Lunar New Year events over the years with many of my colleagues from this place and the other place, and on Sunday I was at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival in Richmond, which showcased Vietnamese and Asian culture and traditions, featuring live music and dance performances, lion dances and firecracker displays. Despite the very hot conditions, locals and Victorians from near and far came out in strength to enjoy the festivities, fostering community connections and showcasing Victoria’s vibrant multiculturalism.

The Allan Labor government understands the significance of these cultural events, which is why we provided $400,000 in multiyear funding to support the Victoria Street Tết festival and Lunar New Year festivals across the state in Springvale, Box Hill and Footscray. Festivities like these provide an opportunity for our multicultural and multifaith communities to come together and celebrate and share their cultural heritage with all Victorians, regardless of their background. Victoria is proudly one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world – one of our great strengths as a state. We on this side of the house will work with our proud multicultural communities to make Victoria stronger, safer and fairer. So chúc mừng năm mới and gong xǐ fā cái. To those celebrating, I wish you and your family prosperity, peace and a good year. (Time expired)