Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Illawarra is a vibrant multicultural region, enriched by the diverse range of people from many different cultures. Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of attending several significant cultural events that showcase our diversity. The Teej festival, the Onam festival, the Taj Mahal dinner and Diwali celebrations are just a few of the cultural celebrations that unite many people in the Illawarra. During the festival of Teej, members of the Nepalese community came together to celebrate one of the most special occasions for Hindu women. The Teej festival is filled with song and dance to honour the goddess Parvati and her sacred union with Lord Shiva. The sea of beautiful red saris was not just a symbol of love and tradition but a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of women. I would like to thank the Wollongong and Illawarra Nepali community for keeping such beautiful traditions alive and for having me there to celebrate with them.

Another cherished tradition widely celebrated in the Illawarra is the Onam festival. Both the Illawarra Kerala Samajam and the Illawarra Malayalee Association hosted events for Onam, and I was fortunate enough to attend both. Onam is an annual harvest and cultural festival which is celebrated by the people of Kerala in southern India, which I was fortunate enough to visit a number of years ago. It is a special time when people come together regardless of their backgrounds to honour this rich tradition. Every aspect of the festivals, from the exquisite food to the lively performances and traditional music, embodies the essence of unity, happiness, prosperity and peace.

I also had the pleasure of attending the Taj Mahal dinner, hosted by the Indian Australian Cultural Association of the Illawarra. It was a truly remarkable experience, highlighting the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of India. This event not only showcased rich cultural heritage but also supported incredible causes close to the hearts of many in Wollongong. The Taj Mahal dinner, held every two years, has achieved remarkable success in raising money for the Disability Trust. Since 2013, with the support of generous businesses and individuals, the dinner has raised over $550,000. The funds not only support the Disability Trust but also benefit several important causes, like the TIGS Sony Camp, the TIGS Foundation and the Illawarra Passionate Cricketers Club. The Disability Trust just recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, where the member for Whitlam and I presented them with a certificate signed by the Prime Minister for the outstanding work that they do in caring for the vulnerable people in our community.

These organisations will benefit greatly from the generosity of all who donated at the event, making a real difference in the lives of individuals in the Illawarra. This dinner was particularly special as it marked Dr Sharad Tamhane's sixth Taj Mahal dinner. He has dedicated countless hours over the years, supported by an incredible team, to make each event successful and enjoyable for all. Thank you to Dr Sharad Tamhane, Dr Lata Tamhane, Usha Fernandez and the team for putting on an incredible evening. It was an absolute delight.

Most recently, I had the honour of participating in the Diwali celebrations, the festival of lights, which is one of the most vibrant and significant Hindu festivals of the year. Diwali is a time to reflect on the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. As the diyas are lit, we are reminded of our ability to bring warmth, light and positivity into the lives of those around us. Again, I would like to thank the Indian Australian Cultural Association of the Illawarra and Dr Sharad Tamhane for their hard work to put on such lovely events throughout the year. All of these cultural celebrations—the Teej festival, the Onam festival, the Taj Mahal dinner and Diwali—are examples of the vibrant diversity that enriches the Illawarra region. They not only honour the rich heritage of our diverse communities but also strengthen understanding and connections.

Attending events like these, I am grateful that these organisations and their dedicated committees are able to showcase their culture within the wider Illawarra community. I would again like to thank you for the tireless work that you do to keep these beautiful traditions alive in our community. It is through these shared experiences that we build understanding, respect and unity among people not just in the Illawarra but all over Australia.

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