Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last Saturday I was lucky to join President Beny Bol of the Queensland African Communities Council for their annual Africa Day Festival in Acacia Ridge. This festival in my electorate provides a window into the rich tapestry of African culture. Despite there being 54 different African nations, the power of unity was very much on display. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the participants and performers on the day was quite contagious. I'm reminded every day in Moreton that differences in a multicultural society should be cherished and celebrated.

One of the highlights of the day was the African nations parade, where people marched and danced to music from their country before coming together as one whole African community. The stalls around the festival offered a great selection of African foods, including Measante Meaghan's African infused chutneys—yet another item to add to my list of food weaknesses! I enjoyed walking around the festival and meeting the stallholders, seeing the incredible clothing, jewellery and decorations that different African nations have to offer.

I was very thankful for the opportunity to speak about the contributions different African communities have made in their area and right across the country. I particularly thank Benny Bol for publicly declaring that the Queensland African Communities Council have offered their steadfast support for the First Nations voice referendum. There is a certain symmetry in our newest Australians supporting our oldest Australians. It's a shame about some of the dinosaurs that settled here in between, but that's democracy for you.

The Africa Day Festival is always a great family day out and the Queensland African Communities Council should be very proud of themselves for putting on this great event. I look forward to celebrating with them again next year. (Time expired)

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