Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan) (16:19:50): As most of you would know, Holi was celebrated all across the world this April. Holi is a festival of colours which is as old as time. It originated in the Indian subcontinent. In India Holi marks the arrival of spring and colours; however, in our beautiful country of Australia we welcomed autumn. This did not stop thousands of people attending Holi celebrations in Victoria and keeping the positive spirits alive. I saw the picture of the President on Facebook, and it looked like he also enjoyed his time at the Holi festival. I had the pleasure of taking part in many Holi celebrations across the state including many in my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region. At the Sri Durga Temple Holi I shared the stage with Minister Marlene Kairouz; our parliamentary colleague Steve McGhie, the member for Melton; and Cr Bob Turner, the mayor of Melton; as well as other local councillors. At Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple Holi celebrations I was joined by our Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister Luke Donnellan, together with my parliamentary colleagues Sonia Kilkenny and Pauline Richards. I also had a chance to attend the Holi celebrations in Tarneit, Point Cook and Williams Landing. These celebrations are an excellent example of Victoria’s rich diversity and they are a great way of bringing our community together to embrace our multiculturalism. To all who participated, I commend you all for participating in such events wholeheartedly. I hope that Holi brings positive energy into your lives and the lives of our residents in Western Metropolitan Region.
Holi 2019 | Members Statement
