It is a great pleasure to be here on behalf of the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Ros Spence MP.

Thank you to Dr Lin for extending an invitation to today's festivities.

In the five years since the establishment of the Mazu Culture Association, your organisation has grown rapidly, working with and for community to promote the Mazu spirit of virtue, good deeds and great love.

Your success is proof that there are cultural, social and economic benefits that come from developing and nurturing a diverse and inclusive society.

The Victorian Government is proud to support this event through our Multicultural Festivals and Events Program. This important grant program enables multicultural communities to celebrate and share their culture and traditions with each other and the broader Victorian community.

This sharing and celebration a「e what we are seeing today, and is such an important part of creating an open and cohesive society.

Thank you for inviting me to join you here this evening and for allowing me to share in the celebration of this important date.

Well done for organising such a wonderful event.