Mid-Autumn Festival
Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (10:04): Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. The Moon Festival is steeped in thousands of years of rich traditions, having been celebrated for around 3000 years. It is a time to gather with families and friends and to look forward to a prosperous future. Last month’s celebrations were another great example of our vibrant community embracing cultures and making sure that a strong sense of community is upheld. Victoria is one of the most diverse places in the world, and our cultural diversity is central to who we are. The Allan Labor government is committed to nurturing Victoria’s vibrant multicultural, multifaith society. Once again I would like to thank the many organisations of this year’s festival for making the celebration possible. Thank you to the Federation of Chinese Associations; the National Council of Australian Federal Chinese Associations from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos; the Vietnamese Community in Australia, eastern suburbs chamber; the Cambodian Chinese Friendship Association of Victoria; and many more. It is essential we continue to nurture Victoria’s cultural diversity to ensure our state remains a welcome place for all. It is events such as this that help build a welcoming, accepting and cohesive society. I wish everyone a very happy Moon Festival.