STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms BOELE (Bradfield) (13:36): A few weeks ago I had the great honour of attending an annual gala celebrating the Indian community in Sydney. This year the event was particularly special as it was celebrating 80 years of Indian independence, and it was a marvellous night. The incredible diversity and accomplishments of the Indian community were on full display, with the evening bringing together leaders across business, community, religions, politics, arts and much, much more, all in one place under one roof.

If ever there was a sign of the importance and power of multiculturalism, it was there in that beautiful waterfront venue on Darling Harbour. The Indian community is proof that multiculturalism is our country's greatest success story. My Indian community makes such a contribution to Bradfield, and that contribution is only growing.

Members of the Indian diaspora quietly contribute through local groups such as Meals on Wheels, whilst others lead out in front, like Ku-ring-gai local councillors Indu Balachandran and Barbara Ward. My sincere thanks go out to Nadeem Ahmed, the founder of Indians in Sydney, who was kind enough to include me in this year's celebrations. I look forward to continuing to represent the Indian community in Bradfield, to meeting with them, to listening to them, to giving them a voice in parliament for their concerns and hopes, and to participating in future celebrations.

Dhanyavad.