Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I had the pleasure of recently attending the Tamil Festival Australia 2024. The festival, held in commemoration of Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month, was a vibrant and culturally-rich event that left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing families coming together to express gratitude to the forces of the universe through the preparation of Pongal was truly heartwarming.

The sense of unity and pride at this event was just amazing. It was evident that the festival served as a symbol of Tamil identity in Victoria and, indeed, across the world, showcasing rich traditions and values that have been passed down for generations. I was deeply honoured to be a part of this grand celebration and to have the opportunity to engage with members of the Tamil community, many of whom live in my electorate of Holt. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, particularly Casey Tamil Manram for their hard work and dedication, and to all the volunteers as well. I look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the rich diversity of our community in the years to come.