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

I'd love to take this opportunity to reflect on the wonderful moments I shared with locals in Bennelong during Moon Festival celebrations last month. The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Chuseok in Korean, is a cherished tradition held on the 15th day of the eight lunar month each year. It serves as a time to express gratitude, enjoy delectable treats, illuminate the night with colourful lanterns, and most importantly it brings families, friends and communities closer together.

This year I was honoured to attend several events that celebrated the Moon Festival but also showcased the incredible diversity in Bennelong. I attended the Feng Hua Chinese School Moon Festival and traditional Chinese clothing parade, the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club Moon Festival celebration and the CASS community services volunteer Moon Festival luncheon. I was delighted to welcome NSW premier, Chris Minns, to join local Korean and Chinese community leaders to celebrate together. Over a hundred locals were there, and we celebrated together, sharing food and connecting with one another. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the premier; local counsellors Song, Purcell, Pedersen and O'Reilly; and my good friend Lyndal Howison, who joined us on the evening.

Whilst Moon Festival celebrations are over, I would still like to take the opportunity to wish everyone in this place and back home in Bennelong good fortune and blessings. Thank you, Bennelong, for being a community that embraces diversity and celebrates unity.