Bentleigh electorate storms
Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh) (09:42): I rise to thank Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers from across Victoria for their tireless efforts during the catastrophic weather event last week. I happened to be out and about during the time that the wild winds and hail struck, and it is fair to say that this was a storm unlike any we had previously seen in Victoria. I was really struck by driving around my electorate in the aftermath and seeing damaged buildings and cars and massive established trees uprooted as though someone had just pulled out a root vegetable. This was no ordinary storm. As we know, the storm caused power outages due to trees falling on poles and wires, and many in my electorate, particularly those of us who live in East Bentleigh, were without power, some for days. I would like to thank the dedicated volunteers of SES Moorabbin, who responded to 172 requests for help in just 48 hours. I also thank the volunteers of SES Glen Eira, who responded to 190 requests for assistance. Of these requests, 93 came from East Bentleigh. I also acknowledge all the locals who lent their neighbours a helping hand during this difficult time. It is important to remember that people who themselves were impacted by this weather event went out and helped others. Thank you to our selfless and hardworking volunteers.