It was an absolute privilege to join the inaugural multicultural celebration hosted by the African Australian Advocacy Centre [AAAC] on 19 July at Parramatta Town Hall. The event lived up to its theme of "Honouring Heritage, Celebrating Diversity". The gathering brought together community leaders, policymakers and proud African Australian voices in a celebration of culture, connection and shared purpose. Since its founding in 2019, the AAAC has grown into a national African‑led organisation, which is a vital voice in Australia's social and policy landscape, grounded in lived experience and driven by a commitment to justice, equity and belonging. Led by my own constituent, Noël Zihabamwe, and his dedicated team, the AAAC continues to create space for stories that matter, communities that thrive and policy that reflects the voices of those it affects most. Events like this do not just celebrate culture; they strengthen it. They remind us that the richness of our society is found in its diversity, unity and shared determination to build a fairer future.