Member Statement: Cultural Diversity Week

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke—Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Youth) (09:45): Today I rise to acknowledge the wonderful celebrations that have taken place across the state during Cultural Diversity Week. Here in Victoria we are so lucky to be able to celebrate one of the world’s strongest and most vibrant multicultural societies, and this week’s festivities kicked off with a bang on the weekend. On Saturday I was delighted to join the Premier, the member for Carrum and the member for Cranbourne as we were splashed with colour at the Holi festival in Carrum Downs. After a quick wardrobe change the Premier and I congregated again at the Victorian multicultural gala dinner to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural and faith communities with 1400 other guests, including many members of this place. Then on Sunday I joined my local Hindu community at their festival of colours event in Craigieburn. Also on Sunday Greek national day was recognised at the Shrine of Remembrance and celebrated again last night at the wonderful Hellenic Museum.

Labor has a long and proud history of supporting our multicultural communities. My thanks go to the multicultural community members, leaders and organisations who have worked closely with us to keep people safe and informed during the pandemic and who are working with us to inform Victoria’s first anti-racism strategy. Cultural diversity is embedded in Victoria’s identity. It is what makes our state a special place to live, and I am proud to be the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in a government that celebrates and strengthens our diverse communities.