Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:20): Cultural diversity enriches our local communities and our country. On Saturday 20 August I, together with the Member for Campbelltown, attended the Lions Club Nepal Himalaya Chapter's Teej 2016 festival at Ingleburn Community Centre. The club, which was established in 2009, helps to raise funds for various community projects here and overseas. The Teej festival is a Nepali religious and cultural festival celebrating the wellbeing of children and the importance of family relationships. It is also the most famous festival for Nepali women, who are predominantly dressed in red to reflect the colour of the Teej insect. The evening was filled with cultural dancing by young and old—and the two local members—Nepali food and, most important, joy and laughter amongst those in attendance. Community spirit was at a high. I thank Jasaman and his organising team at Lions for their efforts in staging a successful Teej 2016 festival and for their much-valued ongoing contribution to the community.