Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all my constituents in the electorate of Hughes, those from Wattle Grove, Chipping Norton and Holsworthy and many of the other suburbs, who celebrate Diwali—one of the most culturally important festivals in our area. Known as the 'festival of lights', Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and the victory of knowledge over ignorance—and don't we need more of that?

These are values that we all support and I will be proud to be celebrating huge Diwali celebrations that I have organised on Sunday, 2 November. This will be a free event held at Holsworthy High School at Huon Crescent Holsworthy between 12 pm and 4 pm. The event will feature fun filled celebrations of Diwali. We will have demonstrations of Bollywood dancing throughout the event and crowd participation will be encouraged. I am looking forward to getting on the dance floor, hopefully to learn a few new steps.

The fashions of Bollywood will also be on display in Liverpool, known as 'Sari City', which is in my electorate in the many wonderful sari shops. I am also proud that we will be having an Indian cooking demonstration with samples of the different delectable Indian foods—especially my favourite, butter chicken.

I am grateful to the principal of Holsworthy High School, John Frew, for his support and my staff for organising this event. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kumar of Kumar Tailors, who fashioned my wonderful tie for today to celebrate Diwali here in parliament.