Mr Cook, who has indeed been quite active in engaging with the community, emphasized his commitment to listening to people’s concerns and addressing their needs by personally visiting neighbourhoods and talking to residents.
Emphasizing the importance of multiculturalism in Australian society, the Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook has highlighted that the country was not a melting pot but a mosaic where people from various backgrounds can thrive both in Australia and in their countries of origin. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Krishna Cultural Festival organised by ISKCON at the Indian Community Centre in Perth on Saturday, he mentioned that his constituency, Kwinana in Western Australia was home to people from 162 different nationalities. This highlights the state’s rich cultural diversity and inclusivity. People of Indian origin too have ample scope to prosper in Australia, he stressed. Mr Cook expressed his support for the Indian community, acknowledging their contributions and the opportunities available for them in both Australia and India. He has emphasized his commitment to being accessible and responsive to the public. He has encouraged people to reach out to him with confidence if they need help, promising a guaranteed response to those knocking at his doors.
This hands-on approach has earned him the nickname, as he claimed, the “number one door knocker”. Senator for Western Australia, Mr Varun Gosh and Consul General of India, Mr Amarjeet Singh Takhi were among the speakers on the occasion.
A Prayer for Peace
As part of the event, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a worldwide religious community and confederation of over 500 temples and cultural centres, has prayed for peace and for healing the wounds of violence people suffered because of the ongoing conflicts world over.
The Krishna festival celebrated by the Indian community in Western Australia indeed showcased the vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage of the community. Held to mark Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, the event features a variety of activities such as dramas, dances, live music, food stalls, and more. The festival is a beautiful blend of devotion and joy, with participants making offerings and engaging in traditional rituals. It’s a wonderful way for the community to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and beliefs.
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