On 16 July the Australia Bangladesh Business Forum held their first gala dinner and awards ceremony at Ottimo House. It was great to have attended with many of my federal and state colleagues from western and south-western Sydney. The ABBF was created a year ago to promote and strengthen ties between the Australian and the Bengali communities as well as other multicultural communities across Sydney. They help to ensure that many local businesses can stay connected and informed, and offer them a platform and space to engage with hundreds of other businesses. They also provide businesses with educational opportunities and forums on how best to grow their businesses. So far over 300 businesses have joined the forum.

The work of not-for-profit organisations like ABBF is vital for communities in south-west Sydney, which is one of the most multicultural and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. It was a great night to recognise many of the amazing local businesses that operate in our part of Sydney, and I was honoured to be asked to speak. I'd like to thank the President of the ABBF, Abdul Ratan Khan, and its secretary, Brian Laul, for their invitation and hospitality. I'd also like to thank all those who worked hard to put together such an amazing night and congratulate all the businesses who are making a difference in our part of Sydney.

Link to Hansard: Full Speech