Wednesday, 5 February 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:35): Lunar New Year or Tet is a time of joy, renewal and connection, and I have had the great pleasure of joining community events across the state of Victoria welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake. This year, the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolises wisdom, resilience and growth. It is a time to approach challenges with patience while embracing opportunities for growth and success. The new year is one of the most important occasions for many across our state, with celebrations bringing families, friends and the entire community together to mark a new beginning. From the bustling festivities in Melbourne’s Chinatown last Sunday to the lively celebrations in the suburbs of Springvale, Box Hill, Richmond, St Albans and Braybrook at the Quang Minh temple and the upcoming festivals in Footscray and beyond, the Allan Labor government has supported many of these celebrations through our festivals and events funding as well as through our small business supports. Lunar New Year showcases the rich cultural traditions that make Victoria a thriving multicultural state. Temples were filled with prayers for prosperity, streets came alive with lion and dragon dances and firecrackers, and families gathered for shared feasts, each tradition carrying deep cultural significance.

Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths here in Victoria, and it is something we celebrate and champion. The Allan Labor government understands that Victoria’s multiculturalism makes our state more vibrant, and festivals like Lunar New Year bring people together, fostering connection, cross-cultural understanding and tolerance. To all those celebrating, I wish you and your families happiness, health and prosperity in the Year of the Snake. Thank you very much to everyone who has put so much work into these community festivals, and happy new year.