Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Western Australia is home to a thriving and diverse multicultural community, one that has shaped our state's identity and continues to enrich our social fabric. Over recent months, I've had the honour of joining some of these communities in celebrating some of their most significant cultural events. From the Karen New Year to the centenary of the Hellenic community of Western Australia and Bhutan's national day, these moments remind us of the invaluable contributions made by these communities to both our state and our nation. Each of these celebrations tells a story of heritage, perseverance and the shared values that unite us all as Australians.

One of the highlights was attending the Karen New Year celebrations. The Karen community in Western Australia has long demonstrated incredible strength, overcoming immense challenges to build new lives here while preserving their language, traditions and culture. Their New Year, which marks the completion of the South-East Asian rice harvest, is a time of reflection, gratitude and renewal. The event brought together families and friends, young and old, in a celebration filled with traditional don dancers, singing and, of course, the sharing of food. It was a joyous occasion, one that epitomised the close bonds and enduring sense of identity within the Karen community. I was particularly deeply honoured to receive an award from the WA Karen community for my support of them over many years. But the true recognition belongs to the community itself, to the many individuals who work tirelessly to support one another and contribute to the broader Western Australia society. Their commitment to family, education and community service is an example to us all, and I reaffirm my commitment to standing alongside them in the many years ahead.

I also had the privilege of attending the final event of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia's centenary celebrations, the launch of a remarkable book that chronicles a hundred years of Greek contributions to Western Australia. The Greek community has been an integral part of our state's history, and this book is not just a historical record but a tribute to the generations who have worked tirelessly to preserve their language, culture and orthodox faith while embracing the opportunities that Australia has offered. The Greek story in Western Australia is one of hard work, resilience and strong community spirit. Whether through small business, education, the arts or public service, Greek Australians have made an indelible mark on our great state. This was reflected in the distinguished attendees at the event, who came together to honour this extraordinary legacy.

More recently, I joined WA's Bhutanese community in celebrating their national day, an event filled with colour, music and national pride. The Bhutanese community in Perth continues to grow and thrive, contributing in so many ways to our state's cultural and economic life. This year's celebrations were particularly special, as they came in the wake of a historic visit to Australia, and to Western Australia, by the King of Bhutan, who I had the great honour of meeting. The Bhutanese people are known for their deep commitment to harmony, respect and gratitude, values that have shaped their community here in Western Australia. Their national day celebrations reflect the importance of unity and national identity, and it was inspiring to see so many members of the community—many of whom have faced significant hardship in their journeys to Australia—come together in this celebration.

These celebrations are more than just cultural events. They are living examples of the great success of Australia's multicultural story and the profound contributions that migrants and refugees have made in building our nation. They also serve as a powerful counter to those who seek to divide us, who question the strength of our multicultural fabric and who fail to see that our diversity is a source of strength, not of division.

When we talk about what makes Australia a great country, we often speak of our freedoms, our opportunities, and our way of life. But at the heart of it all are the people—people who come from all over the world, bringing with them their traditions and their histories. These communities are not separate from the Australian story; they are integral to it. As a West Australian, I'm immensely proud of the multicultural communities that call our state home. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of life in Western Australia. As a senator, I remain committed to ensuring that our institutions, policies and national conversation continue to reflect the values of inclusion, opportunity and respect that define Australia at its best.