John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Despite 42-degree heat in the shade last Saturday, the nation's greatest Lunar New Year celebration event was held in Bennelong, and it was a smashing success, with thousands braving the conditions. The chair of the Eastwood Lunar New Year Organising Committee, Hugh Lee, once again delivered for his community. He was decisive when the heat was literally on, acting swiftly to modify the program to ensure the weather was well-managed and everyone was kept safe. He even ensured that Chinese-style hand fans were distributed to the masses. Thank you very much, Hugh.

The event was supported by a huge number of community champions. There were sponsors: Jack Zhang of the Commonwealth Bank in Eastwood; Greg Barclay of the Eastwood Hotel, a great place for a beer or two; Scott Chan of LJ Hooker Eastwood; and Deborah Anderson from SBS. Thank you for your support. The MCs, Melissa Foong and Matthew Won, were magnificent, with both English and Cantonese at their disposal. The students from the Feng Hua Chinese School sang the anthem beautifully, accompanied by their very impressive violinist, Justine Zhang. It was a wonderful performance. Members of the organising committee included Anthony Ching; Jeffrey Tse; Wilson Fu; Roy Maggio; Counsellor Justin Li, honorary chairman and founder of the event; Danny Yu; Joe Yu; Esther Barclay-Lee; Professor Koo Guan Choo; Tony Tang; Michelle Carter; Stephanie Foley; Liz Berge; and the omnipresent Andrew Hill.

Bennelong's strength is its diversity. I am proud to represent Australia's most multicultural electorate. Congratulations to all involved.

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