Newport Islamic community
Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport) (13:30): I rise today to honour the hard work and strength of the Islamic community of Newport in my electorate of Williamstown, who in the wake of the bushfires came together to gather food supplies and aid for communities impacted by the bushfires. The Islamic community have organised a number of food supplies and relief drops to communities currently impacted by the fires. Victoria has had an unprecedented situation, and the contribution that has been made over the last few weeks by the Islamic community is testament to the strength of community in providing support to those who need it most. A few weeks ago I visited the mosque and was so impressed by the level of generosity and compassion demonstrated. It was particularly moving to watch younger generations working alongside older ones as items were separated, packed and moved into trucks. As these disasters occur more regularly, we rely on the strength of community to provide support in our time of need.
Efforts to gather food supplies and aid for communities impacted by the bushfires is indicative of the compassion and kindness of the Islamic community, which is what we are known for in the west. They represent the kind of traits that we need in our communities, and I am so proud of the work they do each day. So I would like to give special thanks to Laila Houli, Sheik Mohamed Aljibaly and the rest of the Newport Islamic community for all of the hard work they have put in over the last few months in providing support to those who need it most.