Representing a multicultural electorate like Werriwa is a privilege. It means that I receive so many generous invites to community, religious and other celebrations. These events highlight what is best about having people from all around the globe choose Australia, and, more importantly, Werriwa, as their home. New Year celebrations in Werriwa start on 1 January and continue till August, cycling through Chinese New Year, the Tet festival, Cambodian celebrations, Assyrian New Year and Mandaean New Year late in July. The commemorations continue for Australia Day. And I'm looking forward to the many iftars during Ramadan, which starts in the middle of February. While this makes the days very busy, it is humbling to be part of a community and join with their observances. It proves to me that we are more alike than we are different and what is important to all of us are our family, our friends and faith.
In the last month, I've attended the Iraqi graduates forum's celebration of success on Australia Day. The event has been held for more than 15 years and celebrates the academic achievements of those with Iraqi heritage in our community, and it's those students who do well in their HSC, in TAFE and in university. The results are always inspiring, with more than 20 students recognised for HSC results over 90 and one getting over 99. Degrees in all areas of study are also recognised. Congratulations to Dr Bushra and the volunteers of the board, who work so hard to make this event a success.
In a couple of weeks, New Year celebrations will be in full swing for Chinese New Year, and I look forward to our celebrations at the Mingyue temple in Bonnyrigg. James Chan OAM and Vincent Kong and all the volunteers make the event a colourful celebration, with fireworks, lion dances and musical numbers. I was privileged to speak at the 2026 Australia Day and Lunar New Year event organised by the Chinese Associations of Greater Western Sydney. This event has also been held for over a decade, bringing together so many of our wider, diverse community. And, in the coming weeks, there will be iftars and Easter celebrations. I thank all of the volunteers and our community organisations for ensuring these events highlight the best of what we have to offer—great food and entertainment but, more importantly, great company. I'd also like to congratulate the OAM recipients in the electorate of Werriwa, including Mr Anthony Keating for his contributions to community, which were recognised on Australia Day. But I want to give a huge shout-out to David Millott of Prestons Hornets Cricket Club for his recognition and his award. He has spent almost 50 years volunteering with Prestons Cricket, and he made a difference in my children's life and so many others—congratulations.
Link to Hansard: Full Speech
