Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Vanakkam and hello. Thai Pongal marks the end of winter and the sun's six-month journey north. It's a time to celebrate harvest and give thanks for nature's bounty. This tradition, dating back over 2,000 years, unites Tamils worldwide in gratitude to the sun and gods for sustaining agriculture and providing food for us all. As the Tamil community has grown to over 100,000 members in Australia, we have seen this festival grow. I am looking forward to Tamil Festival 2025 and once again enjoying its arts, dance, sports and traditional Pongal rice. I extend my thanks to the Victorian Tamil Association, Victorian Tamil Cultural Association, Casey Tamil Manram, Australian Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Tamil Festival Australia for their work in supporting Thai Pongal. From my home to yours, ellarukum Pongal valthukkal. Happy Pongal to all.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. It has many different looks for those across Australia, but, for Christians like myself, it is a time to celebrate the birth of my Jesus Christ. It is when we gather with our family, decorate our homes and eat a little too much food! Christmas is also a time of giving. Not everyone approaches this season with the same fortune. It is a moment to reflect on the life of Jesus, who devoted his time on earth to helping those who need it the most. I want to especially acknowledge the work of Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, Vinnies, .Berwick District Woodworkers Club, Cranbourne CISC, Cranbourne-Casey Men's Shed and the Salvation Army, who provide thousands of gifts to kids across our community. Finally, I would like to give a big 'thank you' to the emergency services across Victoria for keeping us safe over the festive season. To those across Hampton Park, Narre Warren South, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst, Cranbourne North, South, East and West, Clyde, Clyde North, Botanic Ridge, Devon Meadows, Pearcedale, Warneet, Blind Bight and Tooradin, from my family to yours, I would like to wish you all a merry and blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year ahead.