Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We are so lucky to live in a country where we celebrate many events across many cultures, and from December to now we've had it all. Christmas rolled into New Year's and then, of course, Australia Day, and right now we are in the middle of lunar new year celebrations—all back to back, all a chance for friends and family to connect, and a time to reflect on and celebrate who we are and to dream about our future.

Australia Day was a special time in Bennelong. I was able to attend back-to-back citizenship ceremonies in Lane Cove and then West Ryde, where I was joined by Premier Minns. It is always such an honour to welcome hundreds of new citizens to our big Australian family.

It was also, of course, a day to celebrate our great Australians. In Bennelong we had five amazing Aussies who received the Medal of the Order of Australia. Ms Carmen Platt OAM, from Marsfield, was recognised for her exceptional service to the community through charitable organisations. Gold medal winner in Paris Ms Olivia Wunsch OAM, from North Ryde, was recognised for her achievements in sport. Mr Romualdas Cibas and his wife, Mrs Maritsa Cibas, from Huntleys Cove, were recognised for their outstanding service to the Australian Lithuanian community. Then we have Ms Penelope Margaret Gerstle OAM, from Northwood. She was honoured for her significant service to human rights, community health and people with disabilities. Mr James Rodgers OAM, of Lane Cove, was recognised for his service to primary and secondary education and to cricket. Special mentions also go to Mr David Archer ACM, from West Ryde, who was awarded the Australian Corrections Medal; and Mr Bernard Carlon PSM, from Denison East, who was awarded the Public Service Medal for his exceptional contributions to road safety and sustainability in New South Wales.

Then, as mentioned, right after Australia Day we went straight into lunar new year celebrations. The Year of the Snake is upon us, the snake a symbol of wisdom, resilience and transformation. I'm honoured to share the joy and significance of these festivals with the House today. Lunar new year is a time of family, renewal and community, and this year was no exception.

I had the privilege of attending several events showcasing our local area's vibrancy and diversity. At the Chatswood Year of the Snake Festival, thousands gathered to enjoy traditional performances, lion dances and cultural showcases that highlight the deep roots of our Asian Australian communities. At the Eastwood night markets lunar new year celebrations, we witnessed firsthand the strength of a multicultural society as people of all backgrounds came together to enjoy delicious food and entertainment, all while supporting our local business owners, who set up their markets to mark this special occasion.

I also hosted my annual Bennelong multicultural leaders lunch, where local leaders came together to celebrate the new year, reflect on the contribution of our local Korean and Chinese Australian communities and discuss the importance of fostering a more inclusive and united future.

To top it all off, I had the privilege of welcoming the foreign minister to Bennelong on Sunday for a street walk and handing out, of course, red packets to the local community.

And the celebrations aren't over yet. On Saturday 8 February we'll continue the lunar new year festivities at the City of Ryde's lunar new year celebration in Eastwood, on Eastwood oval. It's always a highlight on the local calendar, bringing together thousands of people to enjoy cultural performances, market stalls, traditional food, the best lion dance you will ever see and fireworks at the end.

I certainly celebrate lunar new year every year, and I know more and more people in Bennelong, regardless of their background, are celebrating events like these together. Back home, restaurants are full, people are catching up and our town centres are buzzing. This makes me happy, and it makes me so proud to be an Australian.

Our multiculturalism is a defining pillar of who we are. It's in our country's DNA. Our diverse communities and the way we celebrate one another's cultures and traditions do not weaken us; they strengthen us. Our multiculturalism enriches our lives, it makes our economy dynamic and it brings people together. Whether you're celebrating lunar new year, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Nowruz, Christmas, Easter or Australia Day, these are all celebrations that do not compete with each other; they complement one another and they reflect the breadth and depth of our shared national identity.

The House transcript was published up to 19:59 . The remainder of the transcript will be published on

Thursday 6 February 2025 .

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:30.

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