以下为玛丽比农市市长、市议员普拉迪普·蒂瓦里（Cr Pradeep Tiwari）的致辞：

Good afternoon, everyone, I am Councillor Pradeep Tiwari, Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong.

It’s a great honour to be here today at the Mazu Culture Festival, right here at the beautiful Heavenly Queen Temple – one of the cultural jewels of Footscray.

Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge that:

We are on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, present and emerging.

I’d like to acknowledge our special guests.

Deputy consul general Ms Liu Dongyuan,

Ms Ding Li, education consul from P.R.China

President Arthur Wu, Melbourne Chinese Masonic society

Ms Chen Yang Guosheng honorary scholar and director of the Australia China studies society RMIT Uni

Ms Rowena Chen, president of the Fujian association, Vic chair of FCA.

President William Tsang,

Dr Yihan Lin, president of the Mazu culture association,

Councillor Nicky Lou, Monash city council,

And my fellow councillor Samantha Meredith.

Over the past seven years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing this temple come alive with celebration, spirit, and community.

From vibrant festivals to moving ceremonies, the Heavenly Queen Temple has become not only a place of worship, but a space where culture, tradition, and community converge.

It stands as a symbol of the rich multicultural fabric that defines Maribyrnong.

I would like to acknowledge the Mazu Culture Association for their tireless work in promoting and preserving the traditions of the Mazu faith.

This year's Mazu Culture Festival marks the 1,065th birthday of Goddess Mazu, also known as the Heavenly Queen – a deeply revered figure whose legacy of compassion, protection, and virtue continues to resonate across generations and borders.

Thanks to the generous support of the State Government’s Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, this festival will bring together over one hundred performers from diverse community groups.

The day will be filled with colour and joy – from the traditional Mazu procession to lion dances, song, and traditional Chinese dance. These performances are more than entertainment – they are living expressions of history, belief, and identity.

But this festival is not just about honouring the past – it’s about building the future.

The Mazu Culture Association’s vision goes beyond celebration. It is about unity – bringing people together from all cultural backgrounds to learn, share, and grow.

In doing so, it strengthens the foundation of multiculturalism that Australia prides itself on – one that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

As a councillor, I am incredibly proud that Maribyrnong is home to the Heavenly Queen Temple – a cultural and spiritual landmark that draws people from all walks of life.

To the organisers, volunteers, and every community group involved – thank you for your dedication. Events like this remind us that when we celebrate our differences, we build a stronger, more connected society.

Let’s celebrate Mazu’s spirit of kindness, protection, and unity – and continue building a future where culture thrives and community shines.

Thank you.