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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-02-23 Daily Xml
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Indian Mela

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Can the minister advise how the government is supporting this year's Indian Mela?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Tourism, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:46): I thank the member for Torrens for the question and recognise that she has one of the most diverse electorates supporting our fabulous multicultural community. The latest Census data shows that the Indian community in South Australia is growing at an absolutely rapid rate. In 2016, there were about 27,600 Indian-born South Australians. At present, that number is more than 44,000—a very young, dynamic, educated, skilled migrant community who love living in South Australia.

As we have these growing cultures, it is so important that we are given the opportunity to celebrate and to share their food, their traditions and way of life. In doing so, we promote dialogue, cooperation and understanding between our existing cultures in Australia and our new and emerging ones. This goes to the heart of what we consider social cohesiveness, and it has significant benefits to our social and economic prosperity.

In every sector of our society, our Indian community can be seen: business, law, medicine, academia, sport, community services and in government. They are in positions of leadership and influence and invest heavily in our state. Of course, they are a very active community and they keep me very busy, inviting me to many, many Indian festivals and events. For more than 30 years, the Indian Australian Association of South Australia, or IAASA, has held an annual Mela and it has become one of the largest events on the South Australian multicultural events calendar.

This year's Mela will be held this Friday and Saturday at Victoria Square, and I encourage all members and everyone across the city to come along and discover the rich cultural heritage. Attendees can enjoy lunch or dinner from one of the many food stalls on offer, and enjoy the vibrant and exciting dance and music that we know and love. There will be markets, rides, exhibitions, art and more at this family-friendly event. Can I thank Trimann Gill and his executive for the significant work they have put into creating this fantastic Mela. The Malinauskas Labor government has been proud to support the Mela through the Celebrate Together Grants program.

One unique aspect of our Indian community is how they support each other and back each other. I would like to put on record the significant amount of sponsors who have come forth for this event, including: Purple Star Entertainment, Fortune Building Group, CMI Portside, Spark International College, Thrifty Home Loans, Eazy Conveyancing, Westpac bank, Gomambo, EXP Realty, Odhavji & Associates, 13cabs, Aussizz Group, BestDrive Hindmarsh, Think Mortgage, Best Movers Adelaide and Wishtoys, not to forget to mention their media partners, SBS Hindi and Tej TV.

Every time I go to the event, there are more and more sponsors, people who have built their businesses here in South Australia and who want to give back to their community. Of course, this commitment is part of the additional $16 million that the Malinauskas Labor government has put into the multicultural portfolio to support our diverse community.

It is going to be a hot day tomorrow, 41°, but we hope there will be a cool change. Whatever weather there is, I encourage everyone here, and all South Australians, to attend the Indian Mela on 24 and 25 February.

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