ADJOURNMENT

Ms FERNANDO (Holt) (19:55): Over recent weeks, Malayalee families in Holt and across Australia came together to celebrate Onam. Holt is home to a strong and vibrant Malayalee community. This festival holds a particularly special place for many families I am proud to represent.

Onam celebrates the story of King Mahabali and the hope of a society where people lived as equals. No-one was left behind, and prosperity was shared by all. It is a story grounded in generosity, dignity and care for one another—values that speak to all of us, regardless of where we come from.

Onam is also about family and belonging. It is grandparents sharing stories, parents passing on traditions and children growing up in Australia learning about their heritage through traditional music, dance and the Onam sadya. For many families, it is a chance to spend time together and enjoy the celebrations they look forward to each year.

Having migrated to Australia at the age of 11, I deeply understand the importance of maintaining that connection. We can honour the places and traditions that shaped us while proudly contributing to the country we now call home. I was delighted to join the Malayalee Association of Victoria for its Onam celebration this year.

Thank you to the president, Madanan, the MAV Committee and the many volunteers who made the celebration possible. Although this year's festivities have ended, Onam's message of equality, generosity and hope continues. To everyone who celebrated, Happy Onam.

Sometimes a young person just needs something that makes them want to turn up, have a go and believe in themselves. For students across Melbourne's south-east, football is helping provide that spark. I recently attended the Melbourne City Futures cup at Casey Fields, joining students as they represented their schools and celebrated a year of hard work.

It was especially good to see students from Narre Warren South P-12 College taking part. Through the City Futures program, students build confidence, form friendships and stay connected to their education through a sport they love. Coaches work alongside them throughout the year, combining football with lessons in leadership, respect and teamwork.

For a young person struggling to find their place at school, having a team that counts on them and a coach who believes in them can make a real difference. That is why this work matters to our community. I want to thank Sunil, George and the entire community team who make it possible.

And I congratulate every student who took part. Your effort deserves recognition, and I am pleased to recognise it here in Parliament House. I recently had the pleasure of joining nearly 8,000 people for ISKCON Southeast Melbourne's Janmashtami celebrations.

Families gathered for an evening of prayer, music and celebration to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. For millions of Hindus around the world, Janmashtami is a time of devotion and reflection on Lord Krishna's teaching of love, compassion and service to others. It is also a chance for families to share those teachings with their children, keeping traditions alive across generations.

I want to thank Nitin, Nadia and the ISKCON Melbourne team for bringing our Hindu community across Melbourne's south-east together for this very special occasion. Many thanks also go to the volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes preparing meals, welcoming families and making sure everyone was looked after. To our Hindu community in Holt, thank you for making me feel so welcome and for sharing a celebration that means so much to you and your family.

I wish everyone who celebrated a happy and blessed Janmashtami. Hare Krishna. House adjourned at 20:00