John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A few weekends ago my electorate of Bennelong was ablaze with colour and festivities as we celebrated the Korean Moon Festival. Thousands of locals joined our large Korean community and were thrilled with performances, from powerful Korean drums to delicate fan dances. Eastwood Park was filled with dozens of stalls selling delicious delicacies. I was honoured to be shown around the stalls by an expert, Mr Whie Jin Lee, the Consul General of Korea and my friend.

In the evening, dragons and drummers entertained shoppers in Rowe Street, together with a children's lantern parade. After this, a large mural celebrating the senior citizens of the many diasporas that call Eastwood home was unveiled. The painting was created by Melbourne-based artist Heesco and was unveiled with its subjects present. The ceremonies ended with more dancing and performances at the Eastwood Hotel. The Korean Moon Festival was a huge success and was meticulously organised.

I would like to pass on the Bennelong community's thanks to all the organisers, including Tony Tang, President of Ryde Community Forum; Seung-Guk Paik, President of the Korean Society of Sydney; the Eastwood Hotel; Eastwood's Westpac branch; and the Korean consulate. Bennelong is very fortunate to have such a vibrant Korean community that adds so much to the broader Bennelong region. Healthy multiculturalism in Bennelong is one of our greatest strengths.