CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr GILES (Scullin—Minister for Skills and Training) (10:34): I think we all know that navigating the aged-care system can sometimes be overwhelming for older Australians and for those who care for them too. With that in mind, the Albanese government has been working, since it was first elected, to support older Australians to understand all of the options and to make choices that are right for them in all of the circumstances that they face.

With that in mind, last month I hosted a forum in my electorate of Scullin to bring together residents with local support services and to hear from the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. I was very pleased that around 200 locals filled the Barry Road Community Activity Centre in Thomastown to hear from Minister Rae, who came and spoke about the once-in-a-generation reforms that our government is delivering to aged care.

It was really fantastic to have, as well as the minister, representatives from so many organisations, including Services Australia, Dementia Australia, St John Ambulance, DPV Health, Whittlesea Community Connections and the Whittlesea U3A, who talked and listened to people to help make the journey easier. I want to thank Minister Rae for joining me and speaking with the locals, listening so attentively to their concerns, paying respect to their experiences and taking on board the feedback they shared about their experiences and their aspirations for a system that gives every older Australian the dignity they deserve in later life.

I also want to highlight at this time some of the incredible cultural activities that have been taking place across the northern suburbs. I'm thinking about the Whittlesea Carnival of Connections, a fantastic celebration of food, dance, colour and connection. It was a powerful display of unity—something so important right now—with a clear message that we are stronger together.

My thanks go to Gurinder, Amrita and the entire Whittlesea Interfaith Network for organising this event. I've also had the pleasure of joining our local Hindu community at a couple of very significant events, including the inaugural Durga Puja festival in the northern suburbs. Celebrations for this spanned five days—that's no easy feat.

I want to recognise Chaman Tiwari and the rest of the organising committee for their work organising the event. Similarly, my friend Kishore held an extraordinary event in bringing together a wonderful Dusshera Mela—more than 10,000 people gathered together to celebrate this extraordinary festival, which celebrates good prevailing over evil. It's recently been Father's Day, and there was no better way to celebrate that event than at the Circolo Pensionati Italiani Di Bundoora Festa Del Papa luncheon.

There was wonderful music, great company and a famously good lunch—it's very popular with my electorate staff. It is a wonderful event, and I extend my thanks and deepest appreciation to Antoinette and all in the Pensionati for inviting me along.