Par iament House oes Diwa i

Senator Concetta F ierravan ti-Wells (Parliarnen tary Secretary to tbe Minister for Social Services) and Senator Zed Seselja .recently helped usher i n tbe Hindn New Year by co- hosting Diwali festivities at Parliament House

The occasio n saw leader s from across all political parties come togetl1er at a special gathering of prominent Indian A u stralians, at the event co- hosi:ed by the Hindu Council of A Ltsttalia.

Senaror Fierrannri-W1ells, who has spec ial responsibility for M ulticul rural Affairs and Settlement Services, said Hindu and other communities had contributed to the richness and vitality of Au stralia.

" W/e welcome and celebrate the valu able contrib u tio n our many communities have m ade to Australia's social cohesion," said Senator F ierravanti- Wells.

"I congratulate the Hindu Counc il of Australia for its contribution over tbe past 16 years to supporting and fostering growth and in tegration and the work of its participating organ isations. The Cou n cil should also be commended for its active work in imerfaim meetings and nmlticultucal activi ties in Australia."