Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about Bennelong's wonderful multicultural communities, what they bring to the Australian way of life and how they continue to build upon and enrich our already unique national culture.

In March, in Bennelong, we had the privilege of attending two truly outstanding multicultural events: Eastwood Harmony Day and Nowruz in the piazza in Top Ryde City. Each, in its own way, reflected the strength, vibrancy and unity in our diverse community. Harmony Day reflects a deeply important Australian value that diversity is not something that divides us but something that brings us together. At Eastwood, we saw that firsthand. Representatives from Korean Australian, Chinese Australian, Italian Australian and Vietnamese Australian communities, as well as many others, joined with local community groups to share their cultures through music, dance and traditional performances.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jimmy Park from Eastwood Koreatown and Joey Chan from the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club, as well as the many community groups and performers who made that day so special there in Eastwood plaza. Events like these do not happen without the dedication and generosity of volunteers, organisers and community leadership, and their efforts should be recognised.

I'm also incredibly proud to represent a very large Iranian Australian community in Bennelong. Nowruz in the piazza was a celebration of Persian New Year. Nowruz means 'new day'. It was a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural contributions they make to our community in Bennelong. This year, obviously, Nowruz carried a deeper meaning. Against the backdrop of war and hardship in Iran and additional trauma arising from conflict in the region, this has been an exceptionally difficult time for many in the Persian community here in Australia. What is traditionally a season of renewal has also become a time of reflection, healing and solidarity.

In moments like these, community matters more than ever. Many locals have asked me to raise awareness about these issues and about the Iranian regime's brutal targeting of innocent protesters and to stand in solidarity and support of the protestors. It's important that their voices are heard. At Top Ryde City, we gathered together and we celebrated Nowruz with vibrant stalls, food, art and, importantly, cultural expression. I want to acknowledge the contributions of local stallholders and community members, including Nassim ART, MTC Australia, Hug and Read, Taj Art, Taj Design, Persian Sweets and the Zahra Market. Their presence helped create a joyful and meaningful celebration. This is modern Australia, and I'm proud to have it in Bennelong.

See this speech in context