As often as I can, I attend citizenship ceremonies. They are always balm for the soul. The last one I attended was a case in point. I was part of a ceremony that welcomed new Australians from over 70 countries, from the four corners of the globe. Every single conferee's path was different. Some brought their unique skills to enhance our workplaces, some followed partners for love, while some followed a much more difficult and treacherous path, but all of those at the ceremony have chosen to stay here in Australia and build their lives in our wonderful country. Whatever their stories and whatever their pathways, these new Australians now enhance us. I want to thank each of them for their commitment and their courage.

Since becoming the member for Werriwa. I've learnt so much about different cultures and traditions. Without exception, they are built on love and respect, and this is mirrored in the different events that I attend throughout the year. So it is those events that I'd like to talk about tonight.

Recently, along with my state colleague Anoulack Chanthivong, I attended the 80th anniversary of Hume Region Scouts. The Hume region is large and covers all areas from Concord to Bundanoon. It consists of 28 groups and has approximately 1,200 members. Over its 80-year history it has seen countless volunteers and young people learn so much about themselves, in addition to learning new skills to make them great leaders. The 80-year celebration dinner was a wonderful night, and I commend the organisers and volunteers that made it possible.

Much earlier in the year I attended the induction of the new Anglican rector at Liverpool South Anglican Church. Faith is essential to many in my community, and in any given week I can attend a mosque, a temple, a hall or a church. In the case of the Liverpool South Anglican Church it was deja vu for me, because this is the church where my children were baptised a couple of decades ago. The evening was conducted by the local bishop and was attended by a number of local clergy and many of the new reverend's friends. The night, of course, had its formal aspects, but it was overwhelmingly characterised by joy, happiness and a sense of fellowship.

A month ago I attended another religious event, this time in the Buddhist tradition. The occasion was the ancestral ceremony at Rossmore, organised by the Khmer Krom and Australian Buddhist Association of NSW. Buddhism is one of the fastest growing faiths and in Australia it dates back to the gold rush, so it's hardly new. South-west Sydney is home to many Buddhists, especially because of the large-scale immigration from South-East Asia in the 1970s. I have many friends within the local Buddhist community, and my visits to their temples are always a highlight and a source of delight and happiness.

Having outlined my visits to local Christian and Buddhist events, let me complete the journey of faith by outlining my recent visit to Amity College to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Amity College is established in the Islamic tradition and has been a school providing quality education in my electorate for 30 years. The school began with just 32 children in 1996. Now it operates across four sites with over 4,000 students. The growth and success of Amity over the decades has been the result of hard work and dedication, and I'm proud to support it, as it provides opportunities for young people to reach their full potential.

I have also attended an event organised by the Visayan Association of Australia and the Philippine Community Council of NSW. It was a commemoration at All Saints church, Liverpool, of the 82nd landing at Leyte Gulf and the liberation of the Philippines. Diplomatic, economic, trade and cultural ties between the Philippines and Australia have never been stronger, and in modern contexts can be traced back to the World War II.

Time doesn't really permit me to go much further with all of the other events in my electorate, but it is wonderful to have people from all over the globe be part of events, show our community such kindness, give blood and make sure that they are part of our vibrant community. It is a wonderful place to call home.