Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I was pleased to provide St Agatha's Catholic Parish with the Australian Aboriginal Flag last week to recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which it is based. St Agatha's parish has been an anchor for my community since its founding as a chapel in 1861. Like the suburb of Cranbourne, where it is located, the parish prides itself on being a diverse and welcoming institution that promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness.

On Sunday, St Agatha's organised their annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees celebration. This event commemorates the shared belief in the oneness of all, irrespective of race, gender, birthplace or origin, through performances, a potluck and a parade that showcases everyone's traditional culture, cuisine and costumes. This year's theme, Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees, promoted Pope Francis's message of recognising and valuing how each person can contribute towards ensuring a better future for us all—a future in which no-one is held back or left behind. Events like these uphold parish priest Fr Joseph Abutu's words that coming to Australia is like visiting the world.

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