CREF brings diverse ethnicities & cultural backgrounds together through colours, spectacle, food and entertainment says Chris Bowen, Minister Immigration

‘It is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to all attending the Chand Raat Eid Festival 2012 on 18 August at the Sydney Showground.’

‘Chand Raat is a joyous occasion for Muslim Australians, celebrating the end of the month-long feast of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is a time for optimism, reflection, compassion and celebration of the Muslim faith.’

‘The festival brings the Muslim community – comprising a number of diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds originating from more than 100 countries and regions including Asia, the Middle East and Africa – together through a celebration characterised by colour, spectacle, food and entertainment.’

‘Chand Raat also provides an opportunity for the wider community to celebrate the significant contribution of Muslim Australians, nearly 40 per cent of whom were born in Australia. They have helped to shape our unique national identity and contributed to Australian social and economic life.’

‘On behalf of the Australian Government, I wish the organisers and attendees of the Chand Raat Eid Festival 2012 all the best for an enjoyable and successful event.’

‘And to all Muslim Australians, I wish you a happy Eid. Eid Mubarak.’

Chris Bowen MP

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship