Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Matters of Interest Nowruz Festival Nowruz Festival The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI Legislative Council The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (15:53): I rise to speak about Nowruz, a festival that is celebrated by millions of people across the world, especially in countries with deep historical ties to Persian culture. Nowruz marks not only the beginning of spring but also the Persian new year. Nowruz, which means 'new day' in Persian, is a celebration of renewal, hope and unity, and it symbolises a fresh start, rebirth and the triumph of light over darkness. It has been observed for over 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the traditions of various cultures and civilisations. Nowruz is based on the solar calendar and occurs around 20 or 21 March, when the day and night become equal, a moment known as the vernal equinox. This alignment with nature reflects the essence of Nowruz, which is about harmony, balance and new beginnings. Although it is a truly ancient celebration, it was only in 2010 that the United Nations recognised Nowruz as an International Day, highlighting its role in promoting peace, cultural diversity and shared heritage. In South Australia, Nowruz is celebrated by various communities, including those of Persian, Afghan, Kurdish and Central Asian backgrounds. These groups come together to honour the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises. Every year, several organisations and educational institutions participate by hosting events to commemorate Nowruz. These celebrations highlight the rich cultural diversity in South Australia and offer opportunities for both community members and the wider public to engage with and appreciate the traditions associated with Nowruz, because no matter where we come from, we can all embrace the spirit of renewal, joy and togetherness. On Sunday 30 March, I was delighted to attend the Nowruz celebration held by ARTA Cultural Centre, with the support of the Australian Iranian Community Alliance and the Iranian Women Organisation South Australia, at the Burnside Ballroom. I also note the attendance of the Hon. Jing Lee and the Hon. Tung Ngo on the night. We were treated to a fantastic night. From traditional Iranian music to pop music, to dance and theatre performances for the children, it is always a joy to be able to come together and celebrate arts and culture in this way. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the amazing work of the ARTA Cultural Centre. Like so many other multicultural organisations focusing on the arts, ARTA is playing an important role in promoting culture, specifically for Farsi speakers. The offer of support is truly inspiring, providing another valuable service to the community through its ongoing advocacy and assistance to new arrivals. Whether it be emotional support, financial assistance, access to services, counselling or training, ARTA is proving itself to be an indispensable force for good. I want to thank ARTA Cultural Centre President Sahar Khajani and the members and volunteers who worked tirelessly on the night to make sure everyone enjoyed a memorable night. Tonight, Minister Bettison is hosting a reception at Parliament House for leaders from our local communities celebrating Nowruz, including the Afghan, Iranian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Syrian, Turkish and Uzbek communities. I am very much looking forward to attending and being the emcee of the night. It is events such as these that help to make South Australia such a great multicultural state, a place where people of different cultures and faith have come together, a place where our cultural diversity has become an enduring measure of our democratic values and mutual respect for one another, contributing to our social cohesion and sense of belonging. I again commend ARTA Cultural Centre for its work in the community and significant contribution to the cultural life of our great state. I want to wish all our South Australian communities a happy Nowruz. May the new year bring you peace, prosperity and happiness.