My constituency question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. How is the Allan Labor government supporting the multicultural communities in the Glen Waverley district to help them celebrate significant cultural festivals and events? Lately, many of our diverse and vibrant communities have been celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. Last Friday I attended the Premier’s Diwali reception. It was an evening of great food and cultural performances, catching up with old friends and making new ones. Next week the member for Ashwood and I will jointly hold a local Diwali celebration to say thank you to our grassroots community organisations. It is our hope that the Ashwood and Glen Waverley joint Diwali celebration, as well as many other Diwali celebrations across Victoria, will serve as a reminder that our cultural diversity should be a point of unifying celebration. During Diwali we should reflect on the symbolism of the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. As we witness the horrendous conflict unfolding in the Middle East, it should renew our commitment to peace and harmony here in Victoria. I look forward to the minister’s response.
