Pakenham resident Rabby Lutfur took centre stage as host of this year’s Eid Reunion Program, held on 22 June at the Glen Waverley Community Centre.
The vibrant evening drew families, community leaders and guests from across Melbourne’s eastern, northern and western suburbs.
Mr Lutfur, President of the Bangladeshi Senior Citizens Club Victoria (BSCCV), opened the evening with a message of unity, cultural pride and gratitude.
“We are here to celebrate the Eid reunion program, which is a religious festival of the Muslim community,” he said.
“We want to share our happiness to all other cultural societies for more joyful feelings and happiness to make a true multicultural essence and help to create a real multicultural
society.”
The event featured a rich cultural program of traditional music, poetry, and performances, followed by a dinner of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine.
Special guests included Dr Carina Garland, Federal Member for Chisholm and John Mullahy MP for Glen Waverley.
MP Mullahy presented awards to members of the Bangladeshi Senior Citizens Club Victoria, many of whom come from professional backgrounds such as teaching, engineering, medicine, law, agriculture and business.
MP Garland acknowledged their impact, saying their contribution to Australia’s development is great and memorable.
“One of the great privileges of being a member of parliament is that there’s diverse communities where you get to stand by with people from different cultures, enjoy the hospitality and learn about different cultures,” she said.
“The Bangladeshi community is one of the most educated communities in our country.
It contributes so much to our community, particularly in Victoria. I congratulate you on all of the work that you’ve done.”
MP Mullahy praised the event for its role in fostering connection and community support.
“These celebrations bring people together — family, friends, and those they’ve shared their migration journey with. It’s about connection, support, and belonging,” he said.
“My parents migrated here from Ireland in 1978. I understand how important it is to stay connected to culture while building a life in Australia. I hope people see that my engagement is genuine and that I’m here to advocate for them.
“I always enjoy speaking with locals — listening to their concerns, explaining government policies, and taking their feedback back to Parliament.”
The Bangladeshi Senior Citizens Club Victoria acknowledged the Department of Premier and Cabinet for sponsoring the Eid Reunion Program, supporting social connection and healthy ageing among seniors. The club also thanked Monash City Council for its ongoing support of their work in promoting community engagement and wellbeing.
The Eid Reunion continues to grow as a yearly highlight for many multicultural families, with community leaders like Mr Lutfur helping ensure that people of all backgrounds feel welcomed, seen, and celebrated.
