Page 2117 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 21 June 2005
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The master of ceremonies, Mr Kanti Jinna, opened the night and was followed by a warm welcome from a group of Fijian children. It was great to see Kanti once again and catch up with him. He and I worked together in the mid-1990s in the Government Printing Office. Kanti had made a special effort to get there that night after returning from Fiji some three hours earlier. I must commend him as well for his cookery expertise. I have the first of his personal cookbooks, with two more on the way.
Mr Akilesh Kumar, president of the Fiji Australia Association, and Ms Evisake Kedrayate from the Fijian High Commission also welcomed the gathering. What followed was a vibrant display of Fijian culture in its many forms, with songs by Raj Subrail and the performance of a Fijian meke and a tauolunga, a Samoan dance, followed by the Rotuman Group and performances by the Bollywood Dreamz Dance School. Those who attended, including my Assembly colleague Steve Pratt, Mr Joe Bailey, the head of the Anglo-Indian Association, and Kate Scandrett from the department of multicultural affairs, were offered the opportunity to sample Fijian food. The food was as colourful and enjoyable as the performances.
As I did on the evening, I congratulate the Fiji Australia Association for creating the opportunity for the Fijian community and friends to gather in a harmonious celebration of culture. I also wish to congratulate the Fijian community for its ongoing participation in the National Multicultural Festival. It is the commitment of local communities like the ACT Fijian community that has made the festival the exciting and all-embracing event that we have seen over many years.
I am very pleased that the ACT Labor government, through its grants program, has been able to assist the ACT Fijian community in its participation in the festival and with the staging of other cultural events and the publishing of its community newsletter. As outlined in the Canberra social plan, the ACT government is deeply committed to building a stronger community by encouraging people to contribute to and participate in community life, especially in celebrating the culture and diversity of Canberra.
Arising from this commitment is the establishment of the multicultural centre, which is due to open at the end of this year. The first in Australia, this exciting resource will enhance opportunities for multicultural groups to express their unique experience and share it with the whole community. The government’s strong commitment to multiculturalism is underpinned by a strategic plan called “Facing up to racism”. This four-year strategy provides the framework within which government agencies will advance initiatives, activities and services designed to combat racism and advance positive growth in attitudes.
Events like the Fiji cultural night are proof that the people of Canberra are proud to celebrate their culture and heritage and prouder still to share them with the wider community. I again congratulate the Fiji Australia Association for the great success of the Fiji cultural night and offer my sincere thanks for the opportunity to be part of that night.
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