Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:59): I rise today to thank the Chinese and Islamic communities of the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region as last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Manningham Chinese New Year Festival in Doncaster East, as well as the United Muslim Migrants Association mosque in Doncaster East as part of mosque open day. These events displayed Victoria’s greatest strength: our cultural diversity and a sense of community. Communities displaying and sharing their culture and faith at events like this enriches the social fabric of Victoria by recognising our shared contributions that are made here in Victoria and make Victoria a great place to live. The Manningham Chinese New Year Festival was a colourful and lively event celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse and was well attended by Chinese community and local businesses and of course featured some spectacular lion dancing and very tasty food. Multicultural businesses contribute to not only the local economy in Manningham but also the broader Victorian economy. Supporting businesses like this is why we are delivering our $17 million investment in supporting multicultural traders and precincts, which revitalises local trade. I then attended the United Muslim Migrants Association’s mosque in Doncaster East as part of the mosque open day. This is a day where mosques around the state open their doors to share insights into the Islamic faith. This helps to foster understanding, combat hate and build bridges within the local community. In times of rising Islamophobia it is crucial to push back against harmful narratives, and I want to thank the UMMA mosque for being so warm and welcoming to me and all visitors that attended as part of mosque open day. I want to thank again the Chinese and Islamic communities for inviting me to be part of these joyous celebrations of your respective cultures, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.