On 26 January 2025 I had the pleasure of joining members of the Lao Community Advancement Co-operative [LCAC] in celebrating Australia Day. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate our shared values and the contributions of the Lao Australian community. The spirit of Australia Day was truly cherished by the Lao community, reflected in their vibrant celebrations. The venue was beautifully decorated with Australian flags, and attendees dressed in both traditional Lao attire and Australian-themed outfits, symbolising the harmony between cultures. The event brought people together through a fusion of Australian barbeque and Lao cuisine, alongside music, dance and singing that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the community. I also had the honour of presenting my community recognition statement certificates to the esteemed leaders and elderly pioneers of the LCAC, who have devoted many years to supporting their organisation and the broader community. I thank President Mr Bountham Vongsaya for the kind invitation and all the volunteers for their invaluable contributions to this wonderful celebration.