here’s a song I wrote about living in multicultural Melbourne! I recorded it myself. Super thanks to awesome programs that help us edit it. all those years learning musical instruments has not gone to waste Enjoy. The song is dedicated to my beautiful mum!
Lyrics:
I came here with a little
I only had my identity
But I was given a chance to grow in this society
I came, explore and discovered who I am
I’m one of the folks that make up
My home, my wonderland
Everywhere I stand, anybody can stand
Shake hands with a curtsy
pirouette in a sarong.
Sing songs at the top of my lungs
Every corner
A pleasant surprise
New piece of knowledge
To enrich my life.
Always something different
Make it more interesting
In my won….
My wonderland
I came here not knowing
What life’s gonna be like
It’s always a bit scary when
Entering with blind sight
But everything worked out well
I got to keep to myself
so did everyone else
In our home, my wonderland
We greet each other
Hold different hands
Our path on the same footpath
Dreams and goals combined
As we build our country together.
In this place that we call home
Every voice speaks
Echoes we aren’t alone
I’ve found my treasure in my neighbour
In my won
My wonderful
All the friendly faces
Oh and dishes to taste
And oh dance steps to learn ..and
Seeing fancy clothing
Hearing new melodies
that everyone sings.
This is what I yearn
And I have it all
I have formed this new obsession with parliamentary sittings. All of which can be accessed at Hansard for those that are interested. I suppose it’s the not the ‘cool’ craze for us ‘kids’ these days but it’s fundamentality interesting. It’s what dictates our everyday lives, and what determines whether someone is a criminal or not. It’s like a combination of non-fiction, drama and the occasional bout of comedy.
I went to view my first Victorian sitting last week, and got to hear question time in the Legislative Assembly. I have to say that Tim Holding is a great speaker! Maybe not the best listener, but it’s downright witty & sharp.
This is taken from Hansard/15 September , but also heard during the sitting. As we aren’t allow to quote what we’ve heard, I’ve provided link to where it’s confirmed. I thought it’s a nice example of how parliament is not ALL that ‘boring,’ although it’s been known that some members fall asleep (mostly due to the comfy chairs!)
Honourable members interjecting.
Mr HOLDING (Minister for Water) — It is good to
be back. Firstly, I say to the member for Seymour, like
all — —
Ms Asher interjected.
Mr HOLDING — You do not have to be nice to
me any more, let me assure you!
We know that with climate change and
drought our dams and storages cannot be relied upon to
provide the water security we need for all Victorians.
You have to have a plan. When I was lost in the
wilderness — —
Honourable members interjecting.
The SPEAKER — Order! I remind all members
that question time does need to finish at some stage
today. Perhaps if the minister were to address his
comments to the question, we might have an orderly
completion of question time. I ask that the interjections,
particularly from the member for Rodney, cease.
Mr HOLDING — It is all about a plan. When I was
lost in the wilderness I spent all my time thinking about
my plan to get out of the wilderness. So my question to
the Leader of the Opposition is: how is your plan
going?
….it was better live though, and the delivery was awesome! I think if Mr Holding displayed that warmth and wit in public more, he’s a shoo-in for premier.
It’s a well-known fact that many women are afraid to speak up against domestic abuse. I myself have had my fair share of hiding like a limp lizard in the cupboard to my detriment. It’s fear, but it’s also stigma. I can understand these women – a pre-conceived thought of how people may react, or what might happen is lingering over their thoughts, making any chance of seeking help difficult – then the vicious cycle of abuse continues…and continues…and continues, and no one can help, because they won’t ask, or cooperate. That’s where the problem starts.
We initially wanted to do this bill for youth parliament, but the old folks thought it might be a difficult topic to tackle, however it’s still there in my mind. And today, a classic example of why this law should be enacted.
They (the authorities) knew about it but… “Police have known about the alleged abuse since 2005, when the woman came forward, but were powerless to act because she said she did not want to co-operate with police because she was scared of her father,” – so…. what’s the solution?
In the bill, we propose that if the police or credible authorities have substantial tangible (as in photos/videos – not word of mouth) evidence against the perpetrator, then they (courts) should have the power to intervene. I know this notion is bordering on making our society a police state of which we shiver at the thought, but they need substantial evidence to act, so we won’t see cases of corruption. However, its still in the works, and much research is required.
But, I think if I have to see another woman bowing out in fear, I’d surely be forevermore scarred. They seem to have this notion that everything is better than before. One of the clause in the bill will be: “If there is substantial evidence, but is lacking evidence for action or conviction, then the woman is required by law to cooperate with authorities.”
This will bypass the preconceived notions and fears, and put into motion steps towards recovery.
You’d think after thawing in minus degree temperatures, and spending hours upon hours contemplating in solidarity, that our darling minister would be more approachable and caring. That the unexpected would happen, and he’ll open up, at least in support, of the constituents of Lyndhurst – the ones who stick his calendar magnets on their fridge, and have the message: “contact me!” engraved in their minds. Sure, his Christmas Card with the message: “TIM HOLDING MLA,” is tucked in a box somewhere under the house with other seasonal cards, but nonetheless… Unlike our councillors, he represents us in a forum that dictates what becomes law. And as such, you’d think he’d lend some support to the young people who’ve been appointed as a voice for our community, but the response was a cold No! & after several calls to his EOs, it was still a No! & a letter was recommended. After several attempts at high-brow formal letters, I realise the only letter I wanted to send is the one I can’t – the silly one that fully capture’s ones message, but since it’s a sure bet he won’t read my blog, I thought I’d post it here instead for humour’s purpose.
Dear your royal highness, utmost excellency and beyond, Prince Timothy James Holding of the realm of Lyndhurst in the region of Victoria in the wonderful land of OZ.
I write to you as one of your loyal subjects, a simple commoner compared to your excellency’s great stature.
I ask but humbly that you support our crusade for giving the young people in your realm, a voice in the royal court of Victoria.
As we have already been appointed by the great and benevolent King John Brumby, it would be of much benefit that you lend some support to the young people in your realm so it maybe on the lips of the towncryer during his next report.
Your most loyal servant, and devotee.
Your subject
Kalyan.
As Katie (anonymous question-asker) asked in his online blog last week, will TH’s experience ”make you (TH) a more approachable, responsive representative of the people who voted for you?” I guess the answer is NO! I guess I don’t need his support, especially if it’s going to mean climbing a dangerous frosty mountain to get it.
I live in a little place on the outskirts of Melbourne called Keysborough, which is in the state ED of Lyndhurst, and the federal ED of Isaacs. Tim Holding (a.k.a as iceman/future premier) represents us on the state level, and Mark Dreyfus represents us on the Federal level. I’ve met Mark once before we voted him into Federal MLA. It was at the train station, and he was handing out flyers, smirking to anxious commuters. I asked him about the corroded park down by milk bar, and he told me to go to the local council, as they dealt with these “matters.” I haven’t seen him since, fridge magnets expected.
The weather, accordingly to the friendly weatherman on the radio, is 23degrees and rising. The wind has settled down, and there are birds singing. Yesterday night, a pair of restless young adults were carrying a mattress through our quiet streets when a car veered off left and crashed into a tree. There were no casualties however, just a few injuries. The young adults carrying the mattress quickly ran to their destination before the place became soaked in a dizzying mix of sirens and blue suits. Unfortunately, I did not stay around to watch what happened, and drove off to my suburban house without the token picket fence.
Inside this house, my dad is chopping chicken in a strange twist of gender-defined roles and my sister is on Facebook. The minced chicken will be mixed and boiled to become Prahok. We were going to have minced fish sauce for dinner, but the woman at parkmore said, in her soft Khmer accent, it was sold out. The dining table is clothed in veges, bamboos and the sort. And my little nephew is reaching out to grab the fizzy drinks that lined the edge of the table. There’s over a dozen, purchased in the spur of the moment when the sign: “3 for $5″ caught my eyes, and the young folks of his household claw to it like snakes, hissing as it’s beyond their grip.
My 5 year old niece is singing: “I will always love you,” to a Karaoke backing, articulating the words perfectly. There is a blood stain on the floor where my cousin had kicked her repeatedly after pushing her to the ground. Her parents refused to apologise, and their footsteps no longer makes a mark on our floors. The stain is stuck in between the wooden planks, and one day, we will cover it with carpet or tiles.
Enjoy. The song is dedicated to my beautiful mum! 
Posted by Kalyan 
Posted by Kalyan 
Posted by Kalyan 
