Kealy shares experiences

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has made the most of an overseas holiday to join Karen New Year celebrations in Myanmar.

While visiting Myanmar, also known as Burma, Ms Kealy joined the Hpa An Karen community for the occasion.

She said she had been keen to use her break from parliamentary duties to gain a greater understanding of the people and culture that were establishing a strong and positive foothold in the Wimmera.

“It was a wonderful experience to celebrate Karen New Year with these amazing people on their home lands,” she said.

“I have been fortunate to attend Karen celebrations in Nhill and this experience was very similar. There was great colour and movement, delicious food and extremely lovely people.”

Ms Kealy said she was grateful to have the opportunity.

“It was only possible because of the wonderful relationships I have developed with members of Nhill’s Karen community,” she said.

“The Karen resettlement is a wonderful migration success story. The Karen community now makes up more than 10 percent of Nhill’s population and the town is being rewarded with growth and vibrancy.”