Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (09:49): Across Victoria this month communities will be coming together to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. And whether you call it Diwali, Deepavali, Tihar, Kali Puja or Bandi Chhor Divas, each of these celebrations carries a shared message of light triumphing over darkness, hope, renewal, good over evil, unity over division and the importance of compassion and community. These are values that sit at the very heart of what it means to be Victorian. From temple gatherings and family feasts to community festivals and school events, Diwali lights up our state with colour, joy and connection. It has been wonderful to see my community open their hearts and share their traditions with all Victorians in Melbourne’s west. On Sunday night it was wonderful to attend Tarneit Diwali in the west with the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and the members for Werribee and Point Cook in a celebration of the diversity that makes our state so unique. Our South Asian communities have long been an integral part of Victoria’s story, contributing to our economy, enriching our culture and strengthening the social fabric of our state. The west would not be the place it is today without the extraordinary contribution of our vibrant South Asian community. Happy Diwali to everyone.