Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:24): I rise today to share a wonderful experience I had recently in attending the Dragon Boat Festival community market in Box Hill. Now in its second year and with over 2000 people attending, this fantastic festival has quickly become a cornerstone event for the local community. It serves as a beautiful celebration of everything culturally significant to Hongkongers and the broader multicultural community who call this diverse region home. Attending the market, it was impossible not to be captivated by the spectacular displays. There was something for everyone, from stunning locally made crafts to interactive stalls that engaged visitors of all ages. Attendees were treated to traditional performances, including a live demonstration of the intricate and timeless art of Chinese calligraphy. And it would be completely remiss of me not to mention the absolute highlight of the day: the striking dragon and lion dances. The energy was infectious, bringing the rich history and folklore of this festival to life right before our eyes, accompanied by the irresistible aromas of delicious traditional Hong Kong foods. Events like this remind us of the incredible strength found in our diversity. I want to congratulate the organisers and volunteers, who poured their hearts and souls into making this year’s festival such a resounding success.