Wednesday, 30 October 2024

 Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:57): I recently had the privilege of visiting the Digamber Jain Sansthan Melbourne centre in Rowville. DJSM was recently the recipient of $22,300 of funding to renovate and upgrade the centre through the latest round of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, and I note that they were particularly grateful to Minister Stitt for that funding. I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the site to see all the incredible work they have done so far and their ambitious plans for what the site will become in future, as well as joining them for a morning tea and presentation. I would like to thank president Ayan Jain, secretary Ankit, vice-president Avinash and all of the committee members for being such gracious hosts, making me feel welcome and giving me a tour. They spoke in particular about many of the concepts of Jainism, including the concept of anekantavada, which is a particularly relevant concept for those of us in this place because it is one that talks about pluralism and embracing many different perspectives but coming together as one – something that I think we can all share in and enjoy when we have our vigorous and robust debates in this place. The DJSM was established in 2017, and it acts as a cultural, spiritual and community hub for the Jain community in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region and indeed across Victoria.