Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (15:27:567:): On Saturday, 27 August, I had the great pleasure of attending the Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia’s annual Onam festival with Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett and more than 250 members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for making us feel so welcome and thank the BKFA for their good work in our community.

Congratulations to chair Sijo George, vice-chairs Diana Thomas and John Thomas, secretary Basil Joseph and the BKFA members for organising such a wonderful event. It was such a special experience for Martha and me to be addressed by Harika, Diana and Leena in the beautiful gold and linen saris. It was my first time wearing a sari, and I saw it as a sign of our deepening connection and friendship.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the delicious traditional meal served and thank the 20 men under head chef Sanu Thomas who cooked throughout the night, preparing the traditional Onam feast. I was also incredibly impressed by the dance performance of 60 women and girls. Well done to Semina George on coordinating the Mega Thiruvathira.

The celebration of Onam and other cultural and religious festivals encourages community members from Kerala to retain and honour their cultural identity and heritage. It also provides an opportunity for the next and future generations to remain connected with their families’ beliefs, values and traditions.

I strongly believe these celebrations also strengthen and diversify our community’s social fabric, making Ballarat an even better place to live.

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here, including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.

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