CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms DOYLE (Aston) (10:14): The electorate of Aston is one of the most culturally diverse electorates in the country, and this is something of which I'm truly proud. Last weekend I had the privilege of attending two great multicultural events that demonstrated what deep connections to culture many of my constituents share. On Saturday night I went along to the launch of the seventh National Multicultural Mental Health Month.
This event was hosted by Mental Health Foundation Australia, in collaboration with multicultural communities from across the community, and I wish to acknowledge all parties involved for running such a fantastic event. Mental Health Foundation Australia, established in 1930, is Australia's oldest community-based mental health organisation. National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2025 is about creating safe, respectful spaces where people feel heard, valued and supported.
On the night, I presented awards that acknowledged the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals, organisations and groups who have been recognised as the winners of the 2025 Mental Health Awards. I would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Melissa Green and Vasan Srinivasan for their leadership and outstanding work at the Mental Health Foundation Australia.
Additional thanks go to Jianming Chen and the Australian National Institute of Business and Technology for four years of dinner sponsorship, and to the Australian Indian Community Centre for hosting the event. Following on from this incredible event, on Sunday I attended the Chinese Association of Victoria, or CAV, in Wantirna with my good friend the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Small Business and Minister for International Development, the Hon.
Anne Aly, to celebrate the mid-autumn festival. The mid-autumn festival has become an integral part of the Australian calendar in our community. This event had it all: lantern decorating, kids' craft stations, cultural performances, community games, mooncake trivia, lucky draw and, later on in the evening, a lantern parade.
Personally, however, my favourite thing about the event was the delicious food that was made on site by incredible volunteers and members of the CAV community. To see so many smiling faces sharing and celebrating Chinese culture brought me so much joy and happiness—as did the noodles. Additionally, I felt immense pride meeting the young people in attendance.
The young people hold the future of this wonderful association in their hands, and I have no doubt that CAV will continue to grow even bigger and touch the hearts of even more people in my electorate and the wider Melbourne community. I would especially like to thank the president of the Chinese Association of Victoria, Shirley Teh; the first VP, Christina Chia; the second VP, Debra Chan; and the third VP, Shirley Thong, for their hospitality and leadership of this incredible event.
Additionally, I make special mention of Jordan Liang for being a great help to me on the day. Aston is truly at the heart of multicultural Australia, and for as long as I am its local member I will continue to do everything I can to foster and encourage the celebration of cultural diversity. (Time expired)