Vince Connelly (Stirling, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of participating in the Jambo Africa Festival in the heart of my electorate of Stirling. This festival is the largest African festival in Australia. On display was an amazing array of food, dancing, vibrant music and, of course, authentic African food. Jambo Africa promotes cross-cultural awareness and understanding of African culture here in Australia. I congratulate executive vice-president Joe Tuazama, Dr Casty, Elizabeth, Cedric and the rest of the executive team for your success in coordinating over 40 African communities and bringing African culture to life for well over 10,000 people.

It was fitting that all three tiers of government were present, with the City of Stirling again being a key sponsor. I have a personal connection with Africa, having travelled to Senegal and to Guinea, including the remote areas of Kambia and Forecariah with my previous work in mining and oil and gas. I understand the growing presence of mining and oil and gas and the value that that brings to the relationship between Africa and Australia. The Australian government is also committed to working with all 54 African nations and the African Union and promoting the global rules based order. Although two-way trade is an impressive $11.4 billion, it's really the people-to-people cross-cultural exchange, like that on display at Jambo Africa, which most enriches our nation and its peoples.