Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In a year plagued with cost-of-living issues, persistent inflation and record high energy bills, our community in Fowler continues to move forward, even though this government continually forget us. Our community in Fowler is one of the most multiculturally diverse electorates in the country, with 67 per cent speaking a language other than English at home and 54.7 per cent having been born overseas, many having come to Australia with the aim of providing their families with greater opportunities and better access to education.

To the many students in Fowler, 18 December is a day that will officially represent the conclusion of their high school journey. Whilst many will go on to university, it's also important to consider the many students who will pursue different pathways, such as vocational training in the manufacturing and construction industries. Having gone through the pressures of high school exams and the transition to university myself, I want to wish all students in Fowler and across the state the best of luck with their exam results and leave you all with a short message. Your results do not define who you are and what you will go on to achieve. Whatever the outcome on the 18th, don't be disheartened, and continue to do your best.

Continuing on the theme of the role education plays in Fowler, November saw the 50th anniversary of the Diqlat Assyrian School. The school has been a longstanding pillar of the Assyrian-Australian committee, providing assistance and education to students over the course of 50 years. It was an honour to be part of the celebrations, seeing past and present teachers who've dedicated themselves to preserving the Assyrian language and culture. I'd like to thank Dr Ben Daoud, President of the Assyrian Australian Association, for including me in this significant celebration, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

I also recently joined the celebrations of the Iraq community in Fowler, further highlighting the diverse communities that reside in the electorate. It was an honour to come together and celebrate Iraqi culture, traditions and people. I am continually proud of our amazing community. Thank you to Laith Al Uboodi for reaching out to my office and including me in the celebration.

In my community of Fowler, Christmas lights have started to twinkle and shape across many homes, and I'm sure many members have started to hear all the wonderful Christmas tunes playing in stores. In what has been a challenging year for many residents of Fowler, Christmas is an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate togetherness. For many, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis will make Christmas a tough time of the year. You're not alone. For the many Christians in Fowler, Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of the Christ child. It is important to remember that the Christmas period is not about the gifts we may or may not receive but, rather, cherishing time with our loved ones whilst reflecting on the year that has passed. I would like to wish all my constituents in Fowler a very Merry Christmas and extend a very Merry Christmas to my fellow parliamentarians as well as their staff and constituents across the country.