Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:01): Happy Indian Independence Day to my Indian communities and residents in the south-east and happy Thai and Tamil Pongal to all my Thai and Tamil friends and community groups. I enjoyed attending three Tamil Pongal events. I thank Esha Lakshana and others for the massive event management and warm hospitality in Caulfield. In Pakenham I thank the Australian Tamil Sangam team and Mr Dhileepan for his hard work. Yesterday I had the privilege to co-host a colourful nonpartisan Tamil Pongal event of singing and dance at Parliament with colleagues from across the chamber, and I thank chairperson Sivasuthan. Romba romba nandri. It was an honour to attend the Consul General’s Thai Pongal celebration with the Parliamentary Friends of Thailand, and I thank Tessa Sullivan.