Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival | Members Statement

Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan) (13:06:28): On 18 May 2019 I attended the world peace blessing and opening ceremony which was a part of the Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival. The event was organised by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria. I represented the Honourable Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, and the Honourable Richard Wynne, Minister for Multicultural Affairs. I was delighted to see many dignitaries, community leaders from various multicultural groups and members of the Buddhist community come together to celebrate. Victoria is home to over 180 000 people who belong to the Buddhist faith. Buddhism’s teachings of wisdom, moderation and tolerance appeal to people of many cultural backgrounds. Our culturally diverse state is a result of generations of passionate people who have promoted cultural and religious diversity. Events like Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival celebrate unique cultural traditions and history, making us one of the most inclusive societies in the world. Victoria, and in particular my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region, is a hub to many new and emerging communities. I am delighted to be a part of an Andrews Labor government that is determined to make sure that all Victorians can enjoy the social, cultural and economic benefits of a dynamic and diverse society. I look forward to working with organisations such as Fo Guang Shan Melbourne, the Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria and many other ethnic and faith community organisations to ensure we remain cohesive and that every Victorian has the opportunity to be part of our state’s success.