Annette Ellis (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to talk to the House this morning about the absolutely successful and wonderful National Multicultural Festival that was held here in Canberra between 8 and 17 February. I remind members in the House that I ensured that each of them received a copy of the program for the festival so that they would be aware of the multicultural facets of this city, which I and many others live in. I congratulate the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, John Hargraves. I very much congratulate the artistic director of the festival, Dominic Mico, who drew together a marvellous program and a very successful festival. Over 170,000 people are estimated to have attended eight packed days of events in a very large and comprehensive program. The Tradies at Dickson and the Hellenic Club in Woden were both major sponsors of the festival.

I make particular mention of the Al Nour Wal-Amal Orchestra from Egypt, a partially sighted group of women, just on 50 of them with no sight at all, who travelled here and successfully wowed audiences with their wonderful musical talent. They are to be applauded. Here in Canberra we are very proud of the way we live and demonstrate a very successful and cohesive multicultural community. (Time expired)

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