Julie Owens (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to wish the Muslim community in Parramatta and all around Australia Eid Mubarak. Last Friday, I attended morning prayers at Old Kings Oval in Parramatta with over 800 people from Western Sydney to mark Eid al-Adha. It was a great day to catch up with the many Muslims in my community and to engage in quiet reflection. There was some baklava, which turned out to be really good at seven o'clock in the morning! It was a great day to catch up with—

Honourable Member:

An honourable member interjecting—

Julie Owens (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is true, any day. Eid al-Adha, also known as the feast of sacrifices, is a time to share with relatives, friends and neighbours. It is also known as a time of great charity, sharing with the poor and the needy, and helping those less fortunate. Around 17,000 Muslims live in the electorate of Parramatta, including adults and children—just under 10 per cent of the population—and they contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of our community every day. I would like to thank the chairman of the Parramatta mosque, Neil El-Kadomi, for inviting me to the event. It is always a pleasure to take part in Islamic celebrations throughout the year, particularly those held and organised by our local mosques. I wish every member of the Muslim community in Parramatta and around Australia Eid al-Adha.