THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
MESSAGE FOR DIWALI 2021
I extend my best wishes to all Australians celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
At its heart, Diwali is about the triumph of light over dark and of knowledge prevailing over ignorance. A fitting celebration as more and more Australians are vaccinated against COVID-19 every day, and we are able to gather again as a community.
As we begin to reopen, I look forward to seeing people dressed in their finest clothes and coming to together to light the diya lamps, sharing in the joy and festivity of Diwali.
Australians have been confronted with many hurdles over the past year. While some Diwali celebrations will again be different from previous years, I hope to see more family reunions ahead, made easier by the Government’s recent decision to recognise parents as immediate family for the purpose of international travel.
As we overcome the challenges of the last 18 months, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to support one another and the wider Australian community – you have stood out as a continuous example of compassion and community service, embodying the message of Diwali.
I wish you a bright and happy Diwali.
ALEX HAWKE
