Celebration of Indonesian culture at INDOfest 2014

The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Services with special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, was pleased to attend the seventh annual INDOfest in Adelaide today.

“Today’s festival is the largest Indonesian festival in Australia. It plays an important role in educating the broader Australian community about contemporary Indonesia,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“INDOfest 2014 is a great example of how we can better understand one of our closest neighbours and welcome people into our multicultural community in Australia.

“Australia has a long history of migration, with people arriving from all corners of the world working together to advance our nation.

“More than a quarter of all Australians were born overseas and another quarter have at least one parent who was born overseas.

“Although we come from many different cultural backgrounds and religious faiths, Australians are united by an overriding loyalty to our nation, its laws and its values.

“We embrace mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need.

“I know these are values embraced by the Indonesian community here in South Australia.

“The contributions you make to our society are highly valued and much appreciated,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells.