Bill Papastergiadis attended the Whitehorse Lunar Festival this week as a representative of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is the first time in three years the event has been held.
In attendance at the event were the Victorian Minister for Multiculturalism, Colin Brooks MP, and the Federal Minister for Immigration, Andrew Giles MP. They spoke of the need to work with the Chinese community.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended and announced to the public that this year, being the Year of the Rabbit, was of great relevance to him given he also was born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Language, dance, music and humour was all part of the opening ceremony.
“Celebrating and supporting these events is not only a vital learning experience for all of us but equally these events richly enhance our cosmopolitan community,” Mr Papastergiadis said in a statement.
“They remind us of the need to continue to respect diversity and in this conversation it’s heartening to see the continued presence of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.”