Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) the rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent, which all commenced within 24 hours of 17 February 2026;

(b) this alignment has not been seen since the 19th century; and

(c) that other significant celebrations, including Holi and Passover, are also being observed by communities at this time;

(2) acknowledges and thanks the volunteers, faith leaders and community organisations who work tirelessly to mark these occasions and bring our communities together;

(3) recognises that these celebrations, across cultures and faith traditions, share common themes of reflection, generosity, renewal and hope; and

(4) affirms that Australia's diversity is one of our great national strengths, and that moments like this remind us that our many traditions together form part of the shared Australian story.

This year we have witnessed a rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent, and this alignment has not been seen since the 19th century. It is rare and deeply meaningful, and it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the rich diversity that defines modern Australia and the shared values that unite us. At the same time, communities across Australia are also observing other significant celebrations, including Holi and Passover. Despite their different traditions, they share common themes of reflection, charity, renewal and hope, and these are values that resonate across cultures, faiths and communities. They are also values that help shape the Australian story.

This motion is particularly meaningful to me because my own life has been shaped by diversity in its truest sense. I'm proudly a Sri Lankan and Papua New Guinean Australian. My heritage reflects two rich cultures and traditions. I was also raised by a Maltese and Italian family who helped shape the person I am today. Growing up, I experienced multiple faith traditions. I also learnt about Catholicism through these families, attending church, observing Lent and celebrating Easter. I also grew up understanding Hinduism and Buddhism through my cultural heritage and family. Multiculturalism was simply my life. It is normal to celebrate different traditions, to learn from different cultures and to understand that faith and identity can take many forms.

That is why this rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent feels especially significant. It reflects what many Australians experience every day—multiple traditions, shared values and a sense of belonging that transcends any one background. In recent weeks, I had the privilege of witnessing these celebrations. I attended mayor of Canterbury Bankstown council Councillor Bilal El-Hayek's iftar and the Lakemba Nights market, where members of the Muslim and broader community gathered to break fast during Ramadan. My office also attended the Lebanese Community Council of New South Wales iftar. At each event and in the spirit of Ramadan, people from different backgrounds came together, shared a meal and reflected on the importance of compassion and service.

This week, I will be attending the Good Friday service at St Charbel's Maronite church, which is just outside of my electorate of Barton. Good Friday is one of the most solemn and significant days in the Christian calendar. It is a time of reflection, sacrifice and hope. I'll also be visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Earlwood. It's a place that holds deep personal meaning for me. This is somewhere I visited as a child with the Italian family who raised me, and those experiences shaped my understanding of faith, community and compassion. Returning there now is not only about tradition but also about remembering the people who shaped my life and instilled in me values of generosity and kindness.

I also want to take the opportunity to say to my electorate have a holy and happy Easter. I hope that you're surrounded by family and loved ones and that you have time to rest and reflect.

I also recently celebrated Lunar New Year with CASS and the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Kogarah, and my team with Kogarah Storehouse, to welcome the year of the horse. The celebrations were vibrant and joyful, filled with cultural performances, yummy food, community connection and optimism for the year ahead.

What stands out across all these celebrations, whether it's Ramadan, Lent, Lunar New Year, Holi or Passover, is how much they share in common. Each encourages reflection. Each promotes generosity. Each celebrates renewal, and each offers hope. These shared values remind us that, while our traditions may differ, our aspirations are remarkably similar.

I want to acknowledge all volunteers—those from CASS; the Kogarah Storehouse; the Nan Tien Temple in Kogarah; faith leaders like Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman from the Australian National Imams Council and the United Muslims of Australia, and Father Anthony Azzi from St Charbel; and all community organisations who work tirelessly to bring these celebrations to life. The work is very vital to help build understanding and connection and cohesion across our communities.

My own upbringing showed me the importance of these connections. Being raised across cultures and faiths taught me that diversity is something to be embraced and celebrated. Moments like this, when so many important celebrations occur together, remind us that our many traditions very much form part of our collective Australian story and strengthen our social fabric. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, these moments offer unity, understanding and hope.

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