Thursday, 20 March 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (09:44): Over the weekend I had the great pleasure of attending the Wyndham Holi and Sri Durga Temple Holi festivals alongside many of my colleagues in the western suburbs. Holi is a festival that holds great significance for our Hindu community. It is a time of joy, unity and renewal. It is a moment to honour the triumph of good over evil and embrace new beginnings. The colours we throw and share during Holi symbolise the many facets of life, reminding us that diversity is something to celebrate, not just today but every day. In Victoria our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is something that the Allan Labor government will always champion. Victoria’s multiculturalism makes our state more vibrant, and festivals like Holi bring the community together. Thank you to the Wyndham Holi president Neha Kolape, Sri Durga Arts Cultural and Education Centre president Kulwant Joshi and vice-president Gary Verma for inviting me to your festivals on the weekend and to the marvellous Hindu community for so warmly and generously welcoming Victorians across the state who joined in the festivities. Let us embrace the opportunity for new beginnings. Happy Holi.