Tuesday, 18 February 2025

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (13:25): In recent weeks many communities in South-East Asia have celebrated the Lunar New Year. This year, 2025, marks the Year of the Snake, a symbol of philosophy and intelligence. Initially this year is a significant year for the Vietnamese community as it marks and commemorates 50 years of Vietnamese refugee resettlements and 50 years of freedom in Australia. Over the weekend my colleague Mr Brad Battin, the member for Berwick, Mr Evan Mulholland from this house and I attended the festival hosted by the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Victoria Chapter. I thank Mr Nguyen Quang Duy, the president; his committee; and all the volunteers for putting on a wonderful show. The festival honours the journey and reflects the success, courage, gratitude, achievement and contribution of the Vietnamese Australians as presented to their new country. In Victoria numerous celebrations and events are planned to mark this special occasion, and I had the opportunity to attend several of these events in the western suburbs in my electorate. I would like to express my gratitude and congratulate Peter Nguyen, president of the Footscray Asian Business Association, and his committee for putting on the East Meets West Lunar New Year event. I also want to congratulate Sebastian Agricola, president of the St Albans Business Group Association, for hosting an amazing event in St Albans.