Wednesday, 19 February 2020

Bushfires

Ms HALL (Footscray) (09:42): I rise to recognise the generosity of the Footscray community. The start of 2020 has been difficult for many across Victoria because of the horrific bushfires. I have spoken in this chamber before about how tightly knit out community is. Footscray is a place where people look out for each other and will give anything they can to help out, even when they do not have much themselves. This spirit extends beyond Footscray.

I am proud to recognise the fundraising efforts of several groups based in Footscray for victims of bushfires. In particular I would like to recognise the Australia Light Foundation, the Quang Minh Temple, the Footscray Asian Business Association, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, the Australian Muslim Social Services Agency and the Australian Peace Organisation. I was very proud to join with a number of these groups to meet the Premier and present a combined $22 000 in cheques collected during Friday prayers.

I would also like to thank the many individuals who donated to Footscray’s Foodbank and other charities. Even though the fires have not touched Footscray directly, the stories of survival, loss and hope have. This fire season is sadly far from over, but as long as Australians continue to support each other we can make it a little less isolated.