Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was recently invited to celebrate Ilinden day, or republic day, with members of the Macedonian Senior Citizens Group of Doncaster and Templestowe, which was held at the Veneto Club in Bulleen. Since 1988 this senior citizens group has been at the heart of our community in Menzies. It is a group that now has 160 members. For those who have not heard of Ilinden day, or day of St Ilija, it is a great Orthodox and Macedonian national holiday which is celebrated on 2 August. Today, it is interwoven with patriotic folklore and religious symbols. There was much dancing, which I did partake in, and I really enjoyed it. There are videos of the dancing. I also enjoyed the food and the speeches. None of these events happen without the hard work of people who work on committees, so I particularly want to thank the president, Anna Eminagov, her husband, Kosta, committee members Kathy Kalchevski, Christene Krashov, Roula Kirk, Sophie Talidis, Christene Siderov and Tina Belchovski. Key attendees were councillors Michelle Kleinert and Anna Chen. I was also happy to do an interview with Margarita Vasileva of SBS Macedonian radio. I want to thank everyone. In that room were people who are proud of their homeland but, more than that, they're proud of their new home, Australia.