Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Light over darkness; good over evil; knowledge over ignorance—or, as a teenager might say, 'Good vibes over not bad vibes'! That's what Diwali is about. It's a week-long festival of light that's one of the most important Hindu festivals. The Indian Society of WA, ISWA, held Diwali Mela 2023 on the stunning foreshores of the Swan River in the electorate of Perth. What an amazing festival ISWA threw: over 30,000 people came together and, boy, do Perth's Indians know how to throw a party! ISWA had to take it to a new whole level by having a Bollywood celebrity dancer-singer, and choreographer Terence Lewis, come. When Terence learned that the ISWA president needed a couple of tips on dance moves, he gave Satish and the dignitaries an impromptu dance lesson on stage. I am glad that I had my dancing shoes on!

Simply put, Diwali Mela 2023 was an outstanding success. Congratulations to ISWA and all the volunteers, and thanks to the WA Cook Labor government and the City of Perth for their support. It was really special that I got to share this special festival with my mother. It was a stunning showcase of Indian culture and diversity on the shores of the Swan River. Thank you for making me proud of my Indian heritage and proud to be part of such a great community.