MELBOURNE
The Goan diaspora across the world has hailed the election of Zaneta Mascarenhas as first time Labour MP from Swan in Western Australia to the Federal Australian parliament.
“It warms the cockles of our hearts to realise with pride that we now have one of our very own, a Goan, in Australia's parliament. This is the beginning of a new era, an era when Goans will be noticed even more in this country,” said Salus Correia from Melbourne.
Denzil Fernandes, President of the Goan Association in Western Australia, said he had first met Zaneta at a family sporting event organised by The GOAWA.
“She had introduced herself to all as an MP candidate for Swan and would be doing projects for keeping our climate clean and breathable for future generations to come. This was welcomed with open hearts and all members were ready to support her campaign and looking forward to elections to vote for Zaneta.”
“Since she has won, it’s been overwhelming to see a Goan make it as one of the MPs and the first with Goan roots in Western Australia and we wish her the very best for her term. We greatly support her projects and plan at the very best we can. We also hope that this will encourage and provide a stepping stone for future Goan generations to take lead like Zaneta,” said Fernandes.
Added Delfino Morais, a Goan in Perth who works at Goans On Air - 95.3 FM local FM station: "We are so proud and privileged of our local girl Zaneta who has won the Australian House of Representatives for the Division of Swan, WA.”
“We believe Zaneta gets her community spirit and her passion to serve from her parents Jose (Joe) and Ethel, who are humble, generous, compassionate, and hardworking Goans with a big heart and a huge sense of obligation to help their neighbours and community; always lending a helping hand to anyone in need.”
“The Indian community, especially the Goans of Perth, are immensely proud of Zaneta’s achievement. Even as a young adult, we remember Zaneta playing an active role as a student advocate at University; campaigning and supporting the rights of the student community.”
“As a young migrant woman of Indian descent, she has paved the way for other youngsters of our community, and we are truly delighted. She is passionate and will represent a strong voice for our community. We have full belief and confidence that Zaneta will use the power of her office and her ability to persuade to do a magnificent job in leading our state and we wholeheartedly congratulate her on her success,” said Morais.
Imtiyaz Shaikh, a Labour supporter in Swindon UK and a second-time councillor for the Swindon Borough Council said: “Awesome news, so proud. Happy to see Global Goans know why it is important to be a part of Labour Party as they fight for our equal rights and will always protect us.
Parents made us believe we could do anything we wanted: Sister
FRANKEY FERNANDES
MELBOURNE
Cleta Blakiston is incredibly proud of her younger sister, Zaneta Mascarenhas, who was elected as first time Labour MP from Swan in Western Australia to the Federal Australian parliament.
While Zaneta became the first woman to hold the seat of Swan in its 101-year history, Cleta credits their parents for giving them the belief to achieve success through hard work.
“My parents instilled in both of us the belief that we could do anything we wanted. They supported us as we pursued our studies, and made many sacrifices including migrating away from their friends and family in the hopes that we would have a good future in Australia,” said Cleta.
“My Dad has a good work ethic which he has passed on to both of us. Zaneta will put 110% into her work. Mum helped us with our fundamentals for school. I remember my mum brushing my hair and quizzing me on my timetables and testing me on my spelling when I was in primary school, which I am sure she did with Zaneta. They always pushed us to do our best in school.”
Cleta said Zaneta rose to the political ladder on her own and deserves sole credit for her hard work.
“My parents and I were immigrants to Australia in 1975, so we don’t have a long illustrious family history in politics. Zaneta may have received help through the relationships she has developed in her Uni days and her career, but all the credit goes to her and the hard work and effort she has put in her campaigning,” said Cleta.
“We are all incredibly proud of her and her achievement, and look forward to the good work she will do in improving Australia and overcoming the challenges that may come up in the future.”
