CANBERRA - 22 November 2021

Thanks, Deputy Speaker.

I recently attended a pop-up art show for NT Legal Aid’s “Your Rights Through Art” project at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA) in Darwin.

The project began as a workshop for international students living in the Territory using art classes to engage, empower, and educate them about their legal rights in Australia.

The students also learned about respectful relationships, employment, money and renting rights, as well as developing new artistic skills such as different painting styles, drawing, watercolour, and collage.

I’d like to congratulate winner Nadira Yasmin Neela and People’s Choice Award winner Eva San.

And I note Kit Chaipanukiat’s “Flowers of Hope”, featuring the Mindil Beach Territory Day fireworks, depicting his hope to fully celebrate his rights someday as a permanent resident.  

Like many international students and migrants, he has undergone his share of challenges, discrimination, and difficulties starting over in a foreign country.

But despite the hardships they’ve faced over the past two years, our international students are passionate about volunteering, supporting important causes, and giving back to the community.

Well done to them, and to NT Legal Aid, the NCCA, and the NT Government for making this initiative possible.

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ENDS