Last weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting my inaugural Diwali celebrations, bringing together local community leaders and members from across Holt. I thank my friend and colleague Minister Clare O'Neil for making time to join us. Diwali is a joyous occasion for the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. It is a chance to catch up with family and friends over a good meal and with plenty of sweets to go around. For many Hindu families, it is also a time to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and offer prayers for the year ahead. As homes across Holt glow with lamps and colourful decorations, we are reminded of Diwali's enduring message: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Over the years, so many people have welcomed me to their Diwali celebrations and made me feel at home. It meant a great deal to return that hospitality. Hosting this celebration was also an opportunity to thank those who bring people together and keep traditions alive. Our Indian community contributes so much to Holt. They run businesses, create local jobs and volunteer their time to support local families and community organisations. I thank everyone who joined us to celebrate, and I hope this becomes a tradition we share for many years to come. May this festive season bring you and your loved ones nothing but good health, wealth and happiness. Happy Diwali.

I congratulate Jagdeep Singh Sukhija on receiving a COTA Victoria Senior Achiever Award. Since founding Compassionate Hands in 2020, Jagdeep has given local seniors across Holt a place to make new friends, learn new skills and feel welcome. His work spans mental health and wellbeing programs, digital literacy classes, cultural celebrations and fundraising for relief efforts. He also organised breast cancer screening for 115 women, helping two receive treatment following early diagnosis. I have always enjoyed joining Compassionate Hands's many celebrations and seeing the warmth Jagdeep and his team extend to everyone. For someone who might otherwise spend the day alone, having somewhere to go and people to talk to can make all the difference in the world. Jagdeep understands that and puts it into practice every day. Congratulations, Jagdeep. This recognition is truly deserved.