Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:10): I also had the opportunity of attending a number of celebrations for Nowruz, the Afghan new year, over the past couple of weeks, including just a few days ago with Mr Tarlamis and the members for Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South at the incredibly well attended Nowruz festival at Dandenong Park on Sunday. Nowruz, meaning ‘new day’, marks Afghan new year and is a time of renewal, unity and cultural celebration. I would like to thank the Victorian Afghan Associations’ Network, including president Zabi Mazoori, event coordinator Hadi Karimi and all volunteers for their efforts.

I would also like to acknowledge another terrific celebration put on by the Bakhtar Community Organisation the previous weekend in Hallam, which I got to enjoy along with many other local colleagues from the hardworking south-east Labor team. I wish all celebrating in the community a very happy Nowruz, Afghan new year.