SYKES - CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND ENJOY MULTICULTURALISM

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is encouraging all Victorians to celebrate Christmas whilst also enjoying the many other diverse cultures in Victoria.

Last week in Parliament Dr Sykes spoke of his strong support of our multicultural society, “I am a passionate supporter of multiculturalism and encourage the celebration of the many diverse cultures. However, I am concerned sometimes with the focus of cultures of more recent arrivals we overlook the culture of the countries of origin of the majority of Australians.”

“We should not be reluctant to celebrate Christmas, we should be proud to do so and we should welcome people of other cultures to share the experience.”

“Similarly we should accept invitations from people of other cultures to celebrate major events in their faiths, because underneath it all the vast majorities of cultures and faiths share a common set of values based on personal integrity, trust, and respecting and caring for others in our community,” said Dr Sykes

“As someone who has been lucky enough to travel overseas I have been repeatedly humbled by the warmth and generosity of ordinary people in every country I have visited. Often people have invited me to share in some of their cultural experiences, offers which I have eagerly accepted.”

Dr Sykes went on to encourage all Victorian’s to celebrate Christmas. “Christmas is one of the most important events of the Christian calendar and we should embrace and celebrate this occasion as our Christian heritage is also a very important element of our multicultural society,” said Dr Sykes.

“It is good to see that the Bracks Government has reviewed their stance on this issue and have decided to officially encourage Christmas celebrations this year.”

“This decision shows the Bracks Government is finally showing some commonsense.”

Dr Sykes wishes everyone in the Benalla Electorate a Merry Christmas and encourages everyone to celebrate the occasion.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989